Analogue has lifted the veil on its modernized Nintendo 64 console. Originally teased last year–exactly one year ago today, in fact–the Analogue 3D plays N64 game cartridges in 4K resolution. Like other Analogue devices, the 3D was built using FPGA to provide an authentic N64 experience while also allowing users to enjoy the benefits of playing on modern displays. It even supports all of the original accessories. But if you want to cut the cord and ditch the three-prong N64 controller, Analogue collaborated with 8BitDo on a new-style controller that looks quite lovely.
The Analogue 3D is designed to offer the “the essence of CRT” on a 4K TV. You can cycle through various display modes made to reproduce the effect of an old-school television set. There’ll be two models available–one in white and the other in black–and the Analogue 3D is priced at $250. Preorders will begin on October 21 at 8 AM PT, and if the initial preorder window is anything like other Analogue releases, the console will likely sell out very fast. The Analogue 3D will begin shipping in Q1 2025.
Check out the Analogue 3D’s design in the image slideshow below. The clean white and black color options appear to match the original white and black editions of the Analogue Pocket, the company’s superb modernized Game Boy.
Analogue 3D
With certain display modes enabled, players can revisit their N64 game library in ultra high definition with faithfully reproduced scanlines, shadow masks, and other effects unique to CRT TVs. Analogue says the 3D offers 10X the N64’s native 320×240 resolution without lag. The console is region-free and supports the entire N64 library.
The custom-built Analogue 3D OS takes cues from the Pocket with its Library and Memories hubs. Library is a catalog that displays a list of your games; a new entry is added to the list each time you load a cartridge for the first time. Memories is where your save states and screenshots are stored. You can save your progress at any time and jump back in at the same spot through the menu system.
In addition to the four controller ports on the front of the console, the console has an HDMI port, two USB ports, and an SD card slot on the back that supports SDHC cards up to 16GB. The Analogue 3D comes with an HDMI cable, USB cord, and a USB-C power supply. It has built-in Dualband Wi-Fi for firmware updates and supports both standard Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE.
Analogue says it spent four years developing a perfect way to experience N64 in FPGA for absolute accuracy. Ideally, this should be a massive step up when compared to N64 emulators.
Here’s a closer look at all of the tech behind the Analogue 3D:
Compatibility
Original N64 game cartridges100% compatibilityRegion freeCompatible with original accessoriesOriginal style N64 cartridge slotBuilt-in Expansion Pak capabilities
Video
4K HDMI outputNTSC & PAL SupportLag-free, zero signal degradationOriginal Display Modes (CRT & PVMmodels)Variable refresh rate
Audio
48KHz 16 bit PCM audio
Hardware
Two USB ports / charging / wired supportSD card slot including a 16GB SD cardDualband WiFi with OTA wireless3DO S updatingBluetooth Classic and LEFour original-style controller portsUp to four players supported (wireless & wired)8BitDo 64 Controller updating via Analogue3 D System (wired)3DO S (4K)220k LE Intel Cyclone 10GX
8BitDo N64 Controller
8BitDo N64 controller
8BitDo’s N64 controller will be sold separately for $40 and is also compatible with Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Android. It has D-input and S-input modes. The controller features all of the N64’s inputs–joystick, C-buttons, an authentic D-pad, A/B buttons, R/L/Z triggers–in a similar layout but with a modernized form factor.
It also has a Hall Effect joystick with an original style gate, a marked improvement when compared to the infamous N64 controller joystick that was prone to stick drift and becoming “loose” over time. Like other 8BitDo controllers, there’ll be a high level of customization that you can access through 8BiDo’s Ultimate Software, allowing you to tinker with fine details.
Preorders for the 8BitDo 64 Controller go live at the same time as the console.
If you’d rather play with original controllers, you can pick up preowned N64 controllers at GameStop for $18 each. There are a bunch of third-party N64 controllers available for cheap on Amazon, but seamless performance isn’t guaranteed with clones like these.
Considering how many Nintendo 64 games had an emphasis on multiplayer, you’ll probably want to have a few extra controllers on hand to take advantage of the Analogue 3D’s four controller ports. The console supports four players total with wireless and wired controllers (or a combination of the two), so you could opt for multiple 8BitDo controllers and ditch the original controller altogether.
