Boom PSX N64 USB Adapter

Boom PSX/N64 USB Adapter (also known as Boom PSX/N64 USB Converter) is an adapter used by many emulators. It allows the connection of both a Nintendo 64 controller and a Playstation controller to the computer through a USB port. This controller is not limited to only N64 and Playstation emulators. Players who wish to play MAME arcade emulator, SNES, NES, and others can also use this adapter.

Both controllers may not be used at the same time. There is a switch that controls which controller is connected. The switch is controlled by the player.

Issues

There are several compatibility issues. The foremost is the fact that not all N64 controllers work with this adapter. Also there are issues with recognition by Windows and other operating systems, although this issue is pretty rare.

1. Drivers
Users of Win2000 and WinXP need not worry about installing the included drivers. Support is built into the OS, and installing the drivers from the installation disk is not likely to solve any issues you may face. Users of Win98 and possibly WinME will need drivers. Simply follow the instructions included on the disk.

2. Analog stick doesn't work
After installing the adapter you absolutely must calibrate the analog stick. If you notice that your game character barely manages a walk despite full motion of the stick, you need to calibrate it. This doesn't seem to be an issue with PSX pads, just N64. Go to your Control Panel and open Gaming Options. Highlight the adapter in the list. It should be "4-axis 16-button joystick" for Win2000/XP users, and "Monster Gaming Device" (or similar) in 98/ME. Click the Properties button, then the Settings tab, and finally Calibrate. Follow the directions and everything should be fine thereafter. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this if the adapter is disconnected.

3. When I click Properties in Gaming Options, all the buttons go crazy, like they're all being pressed
This one is a bit mysterious. First, I don't recommend using anything other that genuine, first-party Nintendo controllers with the adapter. Third-party controllers seem to cause more than their fair share of problems, and in fact they may not be officially supported anyway. I've also seen some first-party controllers exhibit the same problem. I can only surmise that the adapter is temperamental with older N64 pads, even ones that otherwise work fine with the console or other adapters. I bought a brand new N64 controller with my adapter and have had no problems. Bottom line? If you experience this issue, buy a new controller. N64 pads can still be purchased new at Nintendo's site. You could also buy an Adaptoid, which seems to play nice with worn-in controllers.

4. Rumble and/or mempaks don't work
With the lower cost comes the absence of bonus features, namely rumble and mempak support. They simply won't work. If you really need the features, purchase an Adaptoid.

Initially by AllNatural from http://www.emutalk.net/showthread.php?t=16748

When using an N64 controller, it will be treated as a PlayStation controller and show up as 4-axis, 16-button joystick (N64 controllers being a 2-axis, 14-button controller). Two-axis controllers should not have the Z-axis and Z-Rotation bars, as these are for the second joystick (which is not on an N64 controller). Therefore, up and down on an N64 joystick is the Z-rotation, and left and right is the Z-axis. The box with the plus also shows left, right, up and down, thus the bars and box will be used for a single joystick. This is not meant to be, as the bars are for the right joystick of a PlayStation controller and the box is for the left joystick.

Overall, the adaptoid is less problematic and functional. An adaptoid is just a simple cable with a Nintendo 64 socket on one end, and a USB plug on the other end, which provides for easier use. They also support controller paks and rumble paks, which means you can transfer your game saves that you have saved using an official game onto your computer and play them using an emulator, or vice versa.

See Also

*Emulation
*Nintendo 64
*PlayStation

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