1.3

Bug information and programming guides for the N64 will be periodically released. All information that will become unnecessary with software (library, etc.) and hardware upgrades used in development will be noted together. Please utilize this information after confirming that the information concerns your specific upgrade.

Safe Frame

Information has been collected to help developers create a "Safe Frame". Take these values into consideration when developing games.

The standard resolution of the Nintendo 64 is 320 (horizontal) x 240 (vertical) dots. The image signals actually sent to the TV are set to enlarge the screen's effective display area. This means greater attention must be paid to the positioning of information displays as the game progresses. The "Safe Frame" is that area on virtually all TV screens in which important information, such as text or scores, can be properly displayed.

The following values for the Nintendo 64 "Safe Frame" are calculated using the standard resolution values described above:

  1. Values for Super Nintendo SHVC

    The value for "Safe Frame" of SHVC needs to be within the shaded area of BG planning sheet.

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 31 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 22 dots inside from top and bottom

  2. Values used with Mario64

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 22 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 16 dots inside from top and bottom

    Note: To gain processing time in Mario64, nothing is displayed for 8 dots at the top and bottom of the screen.

  3. Values used with Wave Race 64

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 24 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 21, 23 dots inside from top and bottom

    Note: To gain processing time in Wave Race, nothing is displayed for 20 dots at the top and bottom of the screen, and for 8 dots at the left and right of the screen.

  4. Values when projected on a 15% overscan TV (Non-Japanese brands, 14")

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 21 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 16 dots inside from top and bottom

  5. Values when projected on a 10% overscan TV (Japanese brands, 29")

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 15 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 11 dots inside from top and bottom

  6. Values when projected on a 8% overscan TV (latest Japanese brands, wide TV)

    (Horizontal direction) X axis 12 dots inside from left and right

    (Vertical direction) Y axis 9 dots inside from top and bottom

    Use the reference information above to determine the positioning of important display information.