Software Submissison Requirements (PAL)

Note: The following submission requirements apply to games intended for distribution to the Asian and European markets. Please contact Kai Zeh (NOE Product Testing, Tel. 49-602-695-0767) for the latest information regarding PAL submissions.

Introduction
This document describes the procedures and requirements to be followed when submitting PAL version N64 software to Nintendo Co. Ltd., (NCL) for approval testing. This document also includes the submission requirements for games intended for use with the Gateway 64 System.

All PAL version software licensed by Nintendo must be submitted for approval testing by Nintendo Co. Ltd. This approval testing process normally requires approximately 2 1/2 weeks for its completion. Individual testing will vary depending upon the software submitted and peripheral compatibility. However, the overall process includes a thorough testing of the software on all game platforms for which it is intended to be used. Game play is performed by various testing personnel in order to test all areas of game play.

All software submissions to NCL must be forwarded to the attention of NCL ROM Approval Coordinator, International Business Department. Otherwise, the submission's placement into the testing queue may be delayed. To help reduce a submission's turn-around time, it is suggested that licensees assign a primary contact person for all software submissions. All communications with NCL concerning a submission's testing status should be forwarded through this individual. The contact person should also be responsible for notifying any other interested parties.

Prior to Submitting the Master ROM
Before submitting the Master ROM, you must complete the "Code Request and Latest Product Information" Form and fax it to NCL International Business Export Division. Once the form is received, a game code, print code and product code will be provided to you. Please be aware that a new form must be submitted any time there are revisions to the original information.

Instructions for N64 Code

Instructions for Code Request and Latest Product Information Form
Prior to submitting ROM's and/or artwork, developers must request a game code from NCL using the "Code Request and Latest Product Information" form. Once the game code and print code are determined they will be sent to you by fax. The print code must appear on all relevant printed material for the product. The NUS game code must be entered in the "ROM Registration Data" (on the ROM) and on the "Nintendo 64 Software Specification" Sheet. A copy of the "Code Request and Latest Product Information" form is included in this packet.

Guidelines for Completing the Form
The following guidelines should be followed when completing this form. If you are unsure of an answer, please leave that section blank. Please submit a new form any time there are revisions to the original information.

  • Company Name
    Enter the company name.

  • Contact
    Enter the contact name, department or section where he/she works, telephone and fax number.

  • Hardware
    "NINTENDO 64"

  • Game Title
    Enter the game's title spelled out completely and accurately. Also indicate whether this is a temporary or final product.

  • Memory
    Enter the correct and complete ROM configuration.

  • Accessories
    Indicate whether the game is compatible with existing accessories. If so, provide the accessory name.

  • Japanese Version of Same Game
    Indicate whether there is a Japanese version of the game. If so, provide the title of the Japanese version, game code (if available), and date of launch (actual or expected). If this game has ever been provided to another licensee, please provide the name of the licensee in the TITLE column.

  • U.S. Version of Same Game
    Indicate whether there is a U.S. version of the game. If so, provide the title of the US version, its game code (if available), and date of launch (actual or expected). If this game has ever been supplied by another licensee, please provide the name of that licensee in the TITLE column.

  • Other Title of Same Game
    Indicate whether the game has been or will be marketed in an area other than Japan and the U.S., under another title, or by another licensee. Please provide the game title and/or the licensee name.

  • Destination
    Provide the name of the country in which you plan to market the game.

  • Destination Code
    Provide the destination code for the country in which you plan to market the game.

  • Distributor
    Provide the name of the distributor

  • Language of ROM / Code
    Indicate the language which appears in the game as screen text and messages. Enter the ROM identifying code in the brackets provided.

  • Quantity
    Provide the projected order quantity.

  • Request for Delivery
    Supply the date on which you would like the order to be delivered from our factory.

  • ROM / Future Submission Date
    Supply the date on which you plan to submit the ROM for approval. If a specific date is not available, indicate only year and month.

  • Artwork / Future Submission Date
    Enter the date on which you plan to submit the finished artwork.

  • Remarks
    Provide any additional remarks.

Submission Package Requirements
The following items are required for all Nintendo 64 software submissions to Nintendo Co., Ltd. Software submissions packages which do not include these items will not be entered into the approval process until all criteria are met.

  • Nintendo 64 Software Specification Sheet
  • One copy of the Master ROM Image File
  • Either one copy of the Game Play Video Tape or ESRB Rating Certificate
  • One written copy of all screen text contained in the software.
  • One written copy of all game play instructions.

Note: If an English version of the software has been submitted to Nintendo of America Inc. (NOA), copies of the Game Play Video Tape, Rating Certificate, and one written copy of all screen text contained in the software are not required for the PAL submission.

Specification Sheet and Checklist
A Nintendo 64 Software Specification Sheet and Nintendo 64 Software Submission Checklist must be filled out completely and must be correct for the submitted program version. Please refer to "Instructions for Nintendo 64 Software Specification Sheet" for specific instructions concerning the completion of the Nintendo 64 Software Specification Sheet.

Master ROM Image File
The Master ROM Image File must be submitted on DOS formatted Iomega compatible Zip Disk(s), SGI TAR format DAT Tape, CD ROM formatted per ISO 9660, or 3.5 inch 128 Mbyte MO Disk(s) in MS-DOS Ver. 5 format for approval testing.

  • N64 Transfer PakTM
    For software that supports N64 Transfer Pak, please submit 1 unit of the target DMG Game Pak. The game does not need to be complete, however, you should submit the most up-to-date version.

  • N64 Disk Drive
    For software that supports the N64 Disk Drive, please submit the target N64 Disk's master data on an MO disk. The game does not have to be complete, however, you should submit the most up-to-date version.

Game Play and Video Tape/Rating Certificate
A video tape containing complete game play is required unless the product has been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). If the product has been rated by the ESRB, then a copy of the rating certificate must accompany the submission and no video tape is needed.

Screen Text
A printed copy of all screen text contained in the software must be submitted for approval.

Game Play Instruction Manual
A complete copy of the written game play instructions must be submitted for approval. If the instruction manual is not complete, please submit a copy of a simple manual.

Software Self-Verification Process
The licensee should perform the following Self-Evaluation on software prior to submission in order to increase the probability of rapid software approval.


Copyright © 1999, 2000
Nintendo of America Inc. All Rights Reserved
Nintendo and N64 are registered trademarks of Nintendo
Last Updated October, 1999