Analogue, the company known for its FPGA consoles, recently unveiled the Analogue 3D, a modern twist on the beloved Nintendo 64 that promises 4K VRR support. At first glance, this announcement might not set your pulse racing. However, for those passionate about preserving the N64 gaming legacy, especially folks who steer clear of still-evolving PC emulators, here’s the kicker: Analogue 3D ditches emulation entirely.
What’s groundbreaking here is the FPGA technology—standing for Field Programmable Gate Array—that Analogue employs. In simple terms, they’ve meticulously reconstructed and enhanced the original Nintendo 64’s capabilities directly on the hardware, bypassing the need for emulation. This means you get perfect compatibility and fidelity with the entire Nintendo 64 game library. Analogue achieved something similar with their earlier product, the Analogue Pocket, which covered a wide array of handheld retro games. Now, they’ve set their sights squarely on the N64.
The promotional material for the Analogue 3D might feel a bit embellished at times, but there’s no denying the interest among gaming preservationists and retro gaming aficionados for hardware like this. Consider this: upgrading an original N64 with Bluetooth and 4K (VRR) capabilities—not to mention modding skills—will probably run you more than the $250 price tag of the Analogue 3D. For those without the technical know-how, the Analogue 3D offers a straightforward, cost-effective alternative.
Here’s what sets the Analogue 3D apart: it’s a faithful recreation of the Nintendo 64, complete with region-free play and full compatibility with the N64’s expansive library. Forget about input lag or the sometimes sketchy enhancements that emulators introduce. This console is tailor-made for retro collectors and gamers who cherish the authentic experience.
As tweeted by Analogue on October 16, 2024, they’ve introduced the Analogue 3D as a revamped N64 experience, boasting 4K resolution and compatibility with every single original N64 game. To sweeten the deal, it’s region-free and supports Bluetooth LE as well as dual-band WiFi. They’ve even kept the iconic four-player capability intact.
One of the big advantages is its compatibility with not just Bluetooth controllers but also the original N64 controllers and their expansions, including old Memory Paks. This allows you to migrate your cherished game saves onto this new platform. Additionally, Analogue is rolling out a Bluetooth 8BitDo 64 controller designed for this system. This controller combines an updated Xbox-inspired layout with hall-effect analog sticks—offering durability that surpasses most first-party controllers.
Moving beyond standard offerings, Analogue has thrown in some unique features via its 3D OS, specifically devised for this console. It offers Original Display Modes that mimic CRT and PVM output on today’s 4K displays, enhancing clarity especially when coupled with VRR to address the jittery performance of some N64 games. Of course, true CRT enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow in skepticism.
Yet, if these display modes stand toe-to-toe with or surpass the current leading CRT filters that dominate the emulation world, particularly in preserving the art style of vintage games, the Analogue 3D is set to impress. Considering the success of Analogue Pocket’s display solutions for portable consoles, it’s likely they’ll nail it again with their 3D OS.
One gap in the Analogue 3D’s offering is the lack of support for the Nintendo 64DD—a rarity among even die-hard enthusiasts. However, with devices like the SummerCart64 flash cart, both the 3D and original N64 can accommodate it. For anyone eyeing both nostalgia and new possibilities in N64 gaming, this console emerges as a top pick for modern displays.
You can reserve your spot to own the Analogue 3D and its companion 8BitDo 64 controller beginning October 21st. The console is priced at $249.99, while the controller comes in at $39.99.
Update from 10/17/24: We’ve corrected the initial details in this article where the term “FGPA” was mistakenly used instead of the correct “FPGA,” labeling it as a “Field Programmable Grid Array” rather than the accurate Field-Programmable Gate Array.
