The EverDrive is a piece of hardware that allows you to play ROMs from an SD card on the native system – In this case, the Nintendo 64. There are other kinds for other games, but this guide only focuses on the EverDrive-64 2.5 and EverDrive-64 X7 variants, referred to as EverDrive 2.5 and EverDrive X7 respectively.
What You Will Need
The most important part of setting up your EverDrive is actually having the physical stuff to make it function. Here’s a simple checklist of what you need:
- A working Nintendo 64, a Nintendo 64 controller, and all of the necessary cables
- An Expansion Pak – While Ocarina of Time does not require one, the Randomizer does. The Randomizer makes use of the extra memory for various things
- A TV with AV ports (The yellow/red/white cables)
- Ocarina of Time runs naturally in a 4:3 resolution, so you may want to have a TV with a similar resolution to avoid stretching. There’s also configurations you can do with capture cards to force it into a 4:3 resolution on a 16:9 TV
- An SD card and an SD to USB (or USB-C, as appropriate) adapter. If using the Everdrive X7, you will need a microSD card. If using the 2.5, you will need a standard sized SD card (or a microSD to standard SD adapter)
- 8GB should be more than enough to store every N64 ROM ever made as well as dozens of Rando seeds. You don’t need more than 8GB but if that’s all you can find, it’ll work just fine. You can also use smaller (down to 4GB should be fine for just rando)
- Some users have experienced issues with SanDisk SD cards on the EverDrive, so it's recommended that you get one by a different company. A list of SD cards confirmed to work and a list confirmed to not work can be found here
- An Everdrive-64 2.5, EverDrive-64 X5, or EverDrive-64 X7. The X5 and X7 can be purchased here. The 2.5 is no longer officially sold, so if you wish to use it over a newer version, you will need to purchase it secondhand from Ebay or a similar site.
Differences between Everdrive-64 2.5 and EverDrive-64 X7
Either of these two EverDrive versions will function just fine and are perfectly acceptable to use. The EverDrive 3.0, if you have it, is also supported, but it is not mentioned here as it is outdated. Earlier versions of the EverDrive (such as EverDrive-64 2.0) are not supported by this guide.
The first difference is the USB port on top of the EverDrive-64 X7. This is not present on the EverDrive-64 2.5 (or the EverDrive-64 3.0). For now, this USB port isn't necessary, but in the future it may be essential for playing Multiworld on your N64.
The second difference is that after saving in-game on the EverDrive-64 2.5 (as well as EverDrive-64 3.0), you must hold the reset button for 2-3 seconds for your in-game save to actually save to the SD card. After letting go of the reset button, you must wait to get back to the EverDrive menu before shutting the N64 off. However, the EverDrive-64 X7 behaves more like an actual N64 cart would and in-game saves are immediately saved to your SD card. You can then shut the N64 off after it finishes saving.
The third difference is that the EverDrive-64 X7 uses a different Operating System from previous versions and does not have the NTSC/PAL switch. The switch is handled automatically by the EverDrive hardware.
The fourth difference is the SD card format that the versions use. Everdrive 2.5 uses a standard-size SD card (SD or SDHC), while X7 uses a microSD.
Ultimately, while the EverDrive-64 X7 is preferred over the EverDrive-64 2.5, both are perfectly acceptable and are fully supported.
Setting up the EverDrive
Step 1: Set up your TV and N64 as appropriate to the TV you’re using. If you need help with this, please consult the owner’s manual. Make sure you insert the Expansion Pak into the N64. The Ocarina of Time Randomizer will not function without the additional RAM.
Step 2: Plug your SD card into the adapter, and the adapter into your computer. Format the SD card per the following, depending on your computer’s Operating System
Step 3: Download the latest version of the appropriate Operating System for your specific EverDrive here
- If you are using the Everdrive-64 2.5 or EverDrive-64 3.0, click on v2x-v3x, then on os-bin
- If you are using the Everdrive-64 X7, click on x-series, then on OS
Step 4: Unzip the file containing the OS, then drop the OS (which is the file from inside the zip, named “ED64”) into your SD card.
Step 5: Place your ROMs inside the SD card at the top level – Do NOT place them inside the OS folder.
Step 6: Safely remove the SD card from your computer and insert it into your EverDrive. The stickered face of the SD card goes towards the front of the EverDrive, while the shiny gold connectors go towards the back. Do not force it in. It slides in snugly without having to shove.
Step 7: Put the EverDrive into the N64 and turn it on as with any other game. You can then navigate the menu with the D-pad. A is Select/Confirm, B is Back.
Setting up the EverDrive: Operating Systems
Windows 10
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Go to “This PC” and right-click on the SD card. Click on “Format” -
Set File System to FAT32, Allocation Unit Size to 32 kilobytes, and check Quick Format. Leave the Volume Label blank. Click Start.
Common Errors
Missing Saves
If you’re using an EverDrive-64 2.5 or EverDrive-64 X5, you need to hold the reset button for two seconds. Afterwards, wait for it to boot back to the main EverDrive menu before turning off the N64.
Error 91
The only known way to fix this is to reformat the SD card. You can recover any saves on it from (SD card name)\ED64\SAVE, but the error will persist. Users have only seen this error on SanDisk SD cards, so it is recommended that you order a different brand. The SD Card recommended here has not given that error so far.
Error 0xF0 Loading ROM After Saving
This error seems to be caused by a filename with a name no longer than 8 characters, excluding the extension, and a . as one of those 8 characters. It is recommended you use more descriptive file names, avoid using . except for the file extension, and if you do, not to place it as one of the first 8 characters of the filename.
The X-series updates as of V3.04 should support EverDrive V3 and V2.5 as well. While untested, this error should be fixed in V3.05.
Black Screen
If you set everything else up correctly (e.g. is your TV plugged in?), it’s possible the PAL/NTSC switch is in the wrong position if you’re using an Everdrive-64 2.5 or an Everdrive-64 3.0. Turn off the N64, remove the EverDrive, and take the SD card out of the EverDrive. Slide the small yellow switch inside the SD card slot to the right. Please note that the EverDrive-64 X7 does not have this switch, so if you are using an EverDrive-64 X7, then you have a different issue.
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Slide the small yellow switch inside the SD card slot to the right.
If the black screen occurs when you try to launch the Randomizer ROM instead of at power on, then make sure that you have an Expansion Pak and not a Jumper Pak inserted in the top front of your Nintendo 64.
External Links
Working SD Cards
Sony 16GB (Link)
Non-Working SD Cards
PNY 16GB (Link)
The card itself works, but the plastic is incredibly fragile and broke after only a few uses.
SanDisk Brand
SD cards from this brand often give Error 91 after saving, instead of actually saving.
BOYMXU 32GB (Link)
This card doesn’t seem to work with EverDrive. If anyone can make it work, let us know how!