Observations:

• All 5 Connectors are N64 3 pin controller connectors
• Two Connectors are to the Console
• Three Connectors will receive Controllers
• There is a power jack, on the end
• No power supply or wires are included

After opening the box, it's clearly not a customized Joybus device, but a simple mechanical relay. So from a technical perspective, it's not a new Joybus device. Still interesting from a history and collector perspective though.

The Relay is by Magnecraft W67RCSX-12

Other Markings on the Relay:

• 12 VDC
• 5 Amp - 28 VDC
• 5 Amp - 120 VAC
• E52197
• 0297A (Date Code 2nd Week, 1997)

From the Datasheet Document Page 50 (PDF Page 51):

• DC Operated Coil - Solder/Plug-In, 5 AMP
• 6PDT
• Nominal Input Voltage 12 VDC
• Nominal Resistance 90 Ohms
• 0.735 x 1.374 x 1.2 (W x L x H) Inches

The rest of the internal wiring is covered with a "goo", so any further physical research could be damaging to the function of this unit. At first glance there doesn't appear to be any electronic components sticking out.

Thoughts:

• Reference to Ultra 64 is interesting in trying to "date" the unit.
  • N64 Developers referred to the console as "Ultra 64" during it's entire life span.
  • Relay Date code 2nd week of 1997, means it was built, Jan '97 or later
• Unable to tell if this item was contracted by Nintendo, a publisher or developer.
• Controller Connectors
  • All of these connectors have a slightly rubberized feel
  • Standard controller connectors are hard and smooth like a Lego brick
  • These controller plugs do not have the word 'Nintendo' in the molding
  • Other than these differences they appear "high quality"
    • The cables are still very flexible (20 years old)
    • Molded onto the wires, no screws or snap points.
• The box itself seems like a fairly standard electronics project box
• The label is nicely printed but not perfectly positioned
• The box opens from the bottom between the flanges
• The cable holders are nicely mounted, but standard for an electronics project box

Guesses about usage:

• Competition: Referee could setup options then enable player controllers when the clock starts.
• At a convention or conference where somebody could step in and take over control
• During a demo to either a publisher or investor.

Functionality testing.

Test: No power plug in unit, plugged into console as described on sticker.

Expected: Either Referee or Player 1 controller port would work.

Result: Referee Controller worked.

Test: 12V power in to unit, plugged into console as described on sticker.

Expected: Player 1 and Player 2 ports would work.

Result: TBD