What exactly is ground?

[3MZ]

Okay so what would it be on a N64 mobo?

 

[Atari]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_(electricity)

...

On the N64, the metal portions of the board are called grounding strips. This where static electricity buildup is diffused. In most portable cases though, Ground is just referencing the negative lead.

 

[3MZ]

Thanks alot (im obviously a noob) I was pretty sure thats what it was I just needed some verification.

 

[Atari]

No problem. You got to learn these things somewhere.

 

[grossaffe]

grounding provides a reference for what constitutes 0 potential. Voltage is a measurement of potential difference (meaning the difference in potential of two reference points).