2024-01-22 14:43:57
After the expansion module for the Polymega was actually announced for delivery in the second quarter of 2023, the first copies were not shipped until the end of December 2023. The beginning of January is mine EM05 – Ultra Element Module Set finally got to me.
Packaged smartly and safely
The contents of the packaging are manageable. In addition to the actual expansion module, an N64 controller is also included, along with short instructions, and that’s regarding it.
The controller
What is immediately noticeable is the modern design of the controller, as it dispenses with the typical Nintendo 64 arrangement of the analog stick and adopts the Xbox design. The long cable, which at 3 meters should actually be sufficient for almost all circumstances, is very positive.
The N64 switch controller also works without any problems with an adapter
The quality of the workmanship is in no way inferior to the original Polymega gamepad. The buttons have a good pressure point, the analog stick is a bit more cumbersome, but also very precise. The digital cross is also a bit cumbersome, but works perfectly. There is a module slot for a Rumble Pak, but unfortunately none is included, so you have to use an old original or from a third-party manufacturer to get vibrations. The Transfer Pak for transferring Game Boy data is also supposed to work, but I wasn’t able to try it out because I didn’t own it. The Controller Pak can also be plugged in, but it is not absolutely necessary as several virtual ones can be created on the Polymega.
The module
Before the module is plugged into the basic device, the current firmware update must first be installed, otherwise the module will not be recognized. It simply slides onto the console. The module has four Nintendo 64 gamepad inputs, whereby in addition to originals and third-party manufacturers, the Nintendo 64 gamepad for the Switch can also be used with a Bluetooth adapter, such as the N64 BlueRetro controller receiver with memory pack from 8bitmods.
245 games are supported from the PAL region alone
If a game that can handle all three regions is inserted into the module slot, the game will be recognized following switching on and displayed large in the main menu. As usual with Polymega, the game can be installed from the cartridge. If this is not desired, the game will still not be started by the module, but will also be read and temporarily saved.
Die Emulation
Except for Mission Impossible, the games work perfectly
The games can be played in Classic mode or In the new game be started. In classic mode, the pure N64 game is started, while in “new game” the improvements such as saving at any time are also activated. When taking a snapshot of the save game, the console warns that saving may affect the module save. With Banjo Kazooie I had the opposite problem in that the snapshot failed to load and the Polymega crashed. Upscaling to 1080p makes the system great and the games suddenly look quite good once more for their age.
Donkey Kong 64 at 1080p in 16:9 widescreen
Adjustments to the screen width can also be made. Most N64 games only support 4:3 mode and therefore look best that way. Exceptions, like Donkey Kong 64, can also be played in widescreen mode, but the Polymega menu must also be changed to 16:9 so that the aspect ratios are correct. It’s a shame that this doesn’t happen automatically, but the console remembers the setting for the game so that widescreen mode is automatically activated the next time it loads.
Warning message for non-optimized games, a better translation might still be worked on
As with the other modules, not all cartridges are supported, especially with multi-game cartridges and new releases problems occur and do not play. If a game, such as Mission Impossible, is not yet 100% supported, it will show this when you start it and a function called N64 beta compatibility can be activated. This then starts the game, although errors such as crashes or unclean graphics can occur. Polymega wants to continually expand and improve the compatibility of the games with firmware updates.
N64 Beta Compatibility Mode increases the number of games supported
Conclusion
The EM05 – Ultra Module Set is a must for Polymega and N64 game owners. N64 games have never been brought to LED televisions in a better or simpler way. No trying around to find out what the best settings are, just play in the module slot and get started straight away. Merging with language or enhancement patches is also no problem, as these can be saved to an SD card and easily selected in the menu. The gamepad fits well in the hand and has a very good keyboard layout with the Xbox design. If you prefer to play with original gamepads, you can do this without any problems. As with all Polymega emulations, you cannot install your own files; only original cartridges from the N64 era can be read and played. The problems mentioned can certainly be minimized, if not completely eliminated, with further updates. A great extension for the Polymega, which is unfortunately not currently available in Europe.
The EM05 – Ultra Module Set is currently available only order from Polymega for €82.88. In addition, there are at least 42 € postage costs, with import taxes and customs fees on top of that.
An overview of the Polymega console can be found here:
Hands-On: Polymega – Die ultimative Retrokonsole?
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