Thanks to Analogue, a company in high regard for bringing retro consoles back to life, that iconic Nintendo 64 is about to get a second wind. Having already knocked it out of the park with high-quality reimaginings of consoles such as the NES, the SNES, and Sega Genesis, Analogue now turns its attention to the Nintendo 64 with the highly publicized release of the Analogue 3D. Called Analogue 3D, it launches early 2025 for $249.99 and should give fans of the long-in-the-tooth console a modern, enhanced way to enjoy these N64 games.
The Analogue 3D will not be a regular emulator; instead, it uses the technology of FPGA-field-programmable gate array-to accurately represent the N64 hardware for a truly authentic gaming experience.
This technology makes it capable of operating with real N64 cartridges, keeping compatibility with the whole roster of N64 games without input lag, graphic inaccuracies, or other emulation problems that are commonly present in emulators based on software demand. This console is region-free, enabling even greater flexibility for international collectors of classic cartridges.
Probably one of the most salient features of the Analogue 3D is visual enhancement. The console upscales games at 4K, from tenfold in original N64 resolution, thus giving players a sharper and even more vibrant graphic than they have previously experienced. Should one get the urge for the classic feel of the N64, the Analogue 3D features a CRT display mode where users can recapture the look of the original games on modern HDTVs. But as far as controllers go, Analogue is leaving options open to everyone. The Analogue 3D will ship with four original-style controller ports; players can use their vintage N64 controllers for that truly authentic feel. It also supports Bluetooth, so players can use wireless controllers if they wish. Another option is a modernized version of the N64 gamepad-which 8BitDo has designed-costs $39.99.
It retains the feel of an original gamepad but incorporates updated features, such as a Hall effect stick compatible with Switch, Android, and PC.
Speaking of connectivity, the Analogue 3D speaks for both modern and retro enthusiasts. The connectivity includes HDMI output, dual USBs, and a slot for an SD card, extending the functionality and making modifications of the console for different getenv set-ups pretty easy. All features run on Analogue’s custom 3D OS, a very user-friendly operating system created just for this console to take care of each little detail in gaming. Preorders for the Analogue 3D began on October 21, 2024, and were made available in slick black and white finishes. Early chatter about the preorder speaks to a console that is sure to be a darling among retro gamers and collectors alike.
The Analogue 3D is arriving at the most interesting time in the gaming world. With Sony readying the PS5 Pro and Nintendo teasing fresh hardware, Analogue’s bet on nostalgia comes at a time when high-definition visuals and seamless functionality are taken as givens. By marrying the charm of classic gaming with today’s performance, Analogue 3D would find its place next to current gens while providing that bridge between yesteryear and tomorrow for dedicated cohorts and new gamers alike who looked to see the legacy of Nintendo 64 refined as never before.
