So as many people are aware, the N64 Test Cart is quite rare, very similiar to the Gray Zelda Majora's Mask NFR.  However, as many people are not aware, there are actually two versions of it, the original and the Rev B.  The Rev B is significantly rarer and it has taken me forever to acquire one, but finally got it! 

Of course, I've always been curious as to the differences between the two, since that information is not posted anywhere.  Besides the extra "Rev B" sticker on the front label, the actual ROM difference is very sutble.

I did a full controller test and audio test (but didn't do the rumble pack test), and I only noticed a tiny difference in the audio test.  The audio test plays a series of beeps at different frequencies. While I don't remember the exact frequency, the original ROM does 3 tests, one at 40XXX frequency, one at 30XXX frequency and one at 20XXX frequency.  The ROM B version only does 2 tests, one at 40XXX and one at 20XXX. 

Not quite the glamorous difference I was looking for, but there is at least a quantifiable difference between the two.  Just wanted to share the news!

And as a collector, glad to knock off the Rev B version!  As far as I'm aware, you can count the number of confirmed collector copies on one hand at this point!

Wow, nice snag and some great info via testing. Cool stuff.

Badass stuff as always!

Damn Jone, nice. We need to compile your various threads to make some sort of N64 encyclopedia .

Great score Jone, of all the N64 test carts I've only seen 1 or 2 REV B ones. They made a lot of revisions for the other test carts too, most of the SNES ones have at least 4 revisions (A-D) with a few more number variations as well. NES has a couple revisions as well such as the Port test cartridge, the 5 screw variant had a correction to the ROM from a error that used to crash the REV A cartridge.

Thanks for chiming in, I knew you'd have some good Test cart info to add.  I don't go after all of the NES / SNES ones (too many of them), but I've always cared about he N64 one since that's my favorite platform.  Maybe I'll have to expand my horizons!

Trust me you don't want to go down that road, I'm kinda starting to now that I have most all the test carts.  It's a very expensive slope, plus some of the variations are only on the ROMs as well.

Yay for Seattle Goodwill auctions! They get the best donations! lol

edit:  Just looked up the memo, it was an incompatibility between the cart and the 08 PCB.  That was the time when Servicers were sent the Super Mario 64 cart to use until their cart was able to be returned.  I don't think this is related to the Rev B cart though.

So the test on the audio on mine is only 2 test which is 44100 and 32000. but its not rev b  what i never under stood is why the test cart doesnt have a memory card tester and formatter

You've also inadvertently found the worst N64 "game" ever.

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

well usally the worse is the best for collecting purposes lol.

saw this one on ebay . cant believe someone would donate it to a goodwill.

I notice the REV B label is cut noticeably smaller than the original.

Yes I gather that game quality doesn't factor in collecting, I just couldn't help but comment.

I noticed this as well, the coloring is also a bit more purple than blue.  However, in comparing to known copies, I've seen the "small label" style on both the Rev A / B carts, and the "big label" style on both as well.  So in reality, I'd consider Rev A / Rev B to be the major variant and perhaps there are 2 minor variants (big / small label) within each copy.

I wouldn't expect the market to value the label sizes differently but Rev B should command a significant premium over Rev A on rarity for sure.

Amazing find as usual.

Here Jone I thought you would get a kick out of this, the worlds lamest and laziest test cartridge!  Sad thing is that it is offical too!

 

Yeah I think I had seen that somewhere before, maybe on eBay or Limbofunk's website? Neat oddball test item for sure!

I still would play the test cart over superman 64...