What does the Reset button on an N64 actually do?

[BACK]
What does the Reset button on an N64 actually do?
Posted On: August 17, 2023

The question struck me this morning when I saw my old N64; there's a reset button on it. What does it actually do? Can't remember a moment where I did have to push it.


Is it simply a button that does exactly the same as if you were to turn off the console and back on, just in a fraction of a second? I feel it would be weird because its not like the on/off switch isn't right next to it and could be used to reset the console anyways.


So what does the 'Reset' button do? Is it just turning it off and back on again or is there more going on when you press it?


Question from user Fredy31 at stackexchange.


Answer:

Please use the Reset Button!! The difference is Save Game corruption.


The Power Switch is an "order" to absolutely right now, power off the console. So if you are saving your progress it will corrupt your save file. The save file may be on EEPROM or FLASH memory that is inside the cartridge, so it may not prompt for a Controller PAK, this could also affect GB/GBC cart save data if you are using the Transfer PAK.


The reset button is treated as a "request" which notifies the game code that it has 1/2 of a second to do anything it needs to before it will be reset. This would include to finish writing save game data.


Answer from user James at stackexchange.



[BACK]
What does the Reset button on an N64 actually do?
Posted On: August 17, 2023

The question struck me this morning when I saw my old N64; there's a reset button on it. What does it actually do? Can't remember a moment where I did have to push it.


Is it simply a button that does exactly the same as if you were to turn off the console and back on, just in a fraction of a second? I feel it would be weird because its not like the on/off switch isn't right next to it and could be used to reset the console anyways.


So what does the 'Reset' button do? Is it just turning it off and back on again or is there more going on when you press it?


Question from user Fredy31 at stackexchange.


Answer:

Please use the Reset Button!! The difference is Save Game corruption.


The Power Switch is an "order" to absolutely right now, power off the console. So if you are saving your progress it will corrupt your save file. The save file may be on EEPROM or FLASH memory that is inside the cartridge, so it may not prompt for a Controller PAK, this could also affect GB/GBC cart save data if you are using the Transfer PAK.


The reset button is treated as a "request" which notifies the game code that it has 1/2 of a second to do anything it needs to before it will be reset. This would include to finish writing save game data.


Answer from user James at stackexchange.



[BACK]

I turned Karlach into a hell hound by accident. I turned Karlach into a hell hound by accident.

Posted On: November 24, 2024
Question from user Annepackrat at BaldursGate3 at reddit.com.Answer:Hope youre doing well, soldier.Answer from user Cambyses-II at BaldursGate3 at reddit.com....[More]


In what way is super mario advance 2 less difficult than the original game? In what way is super mario advance 2 less difficult than the original game?

Posted On: March 2, 2024
The Wikipedia article for Super Mario World states that the Gameboy Advance version (Super Mario Advance 2) has a 'toned down difficulty' compared to the original game. However, I am curious as to how...[More]


How to get VALORANT on 2021 M1 MacBook Air How to get VALORANT on 2021 M1 MacBook Air

Posted On: March 27, 2024
VALORANT, currently, is not on MacOS. It is also not on Steam. You cannot download VALORANT through the website because. well, there's no button to do so. So how do you get it on Mac?Originally, I tho...[More]


Would you like to see Hogwarts Legacy 2 soon? Would you like to see Hogwarts Legacy 2 soon?

Posted On: March 14, 2023
Recently ran a video on Facebook asking the same question (link to watch video is on my reddit profile) However, Facebook is full of jokers. Please lets have a intelligent conversation on the subje...[More]


Jaheira just left my party???? Jaheira just left my party????

Posted On: October 8, 2025
What the hell just happened. Doing an honor run and beat Ketheric. We are just in Moonrise, talking to people. Just finished the cute little reunion scene for Isobel and Aylin, and then all of a sudde...[More]


Is it possible to prevent being ambushed by a FOE? Is it possible to prevent being ambushed by a FOE?

Posted On: April 30, 2024
FOEs, unlike regular encounters, appear on the map. They always face a direction, and if you walk into them from behind, you always get a preemptive strike. Conversely, if they want into you from behi...[More]


In Hogwarts is how do I get to this chest behind the revolving statues? In Hogwarts is how do I get to this chest behind the revolving statues?

Posted On: February 12, 2023
There are some caves that has these chests behind the revolving statues. Standing on the platform rotates and you end up on the other platform, rather than the other side of the wall. How do I get ...[More]


Nexus Mod Manager wont recognize Fallout New Vegas Nexus Mod Manager wont recognize Fallout New Vegas

Posted On: February 8, 2023
I have trouble opening NMM for my New vegas game saying that it does not have the permission to write the game and I've been told that I should run as admin to open it, but :.Can someone please explai...[More]


In Yakuza 0, How do I fight the 3rd to last opponent in the Colosseum? In Yakuza 0, How do I fight the 3rd to last opponent in the Colosseum?

Posted On: March 28, 2023
I have fought every opponent at the Bed of Styx colosseum except for one. Even after repeating every tournament multiple times, I haven't met the third to last person in the opponent list. Is t...[More]


My MC’s And Alcohol (Hogwarts Legacy) My MC’s And Alcohol (Hogwarts Legacy)

Posted On: July 27, 2023
All my MC’s in my mind Don’t like people Drinking so whenever I’m in a cave or at a bandit camp I make sure to have them Basic Cast and Destroy all of the Bottles i see. Plus it&r...[More]