I know, I know. My headline is undoubtedly provocative for all you rascally N64 maniacs, but truth be told, I love the Nintendo 64 just as much as the next clinically depressed millennial. The console was a huge part of my youth, and like many of you, I got a front-row seat to gaming’s awe-inspiring transition from 2D to 3D. Cue the nostalgic tears.
Super Mario 64 was undoubtedly a watershed moment for the industry, and contrary to popular hater belief (you know who you are), the N64 became home to many classic titles that people still praise and play to this very day. First-party heavy-hitters like Wave Race 64, Super Smash Bros. Rare gems like Jet Force Gemini, GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie. Plus deeper cuts like Space Station Silicon Valley, Bomberman 64 and Mischief Makers.
So keeping this in mind, it’s no surprise that quality retro hardware company Analogue has just teased its premium, modern, revisionist take on the blurry wonder. ‘A reimagining of the N64’, the upcoming Analogue 3D touts 4K resolution, four original-style controller ports (I suppose for using your crusty OEM Nintendo gamepads), wireless Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity (presumably for newer accessories) and most importantly, FPGA engineering.
That last bit means no (allegedly) janky software emulation, and Analogue is claiming that the new Analogue 3D is ‘The first and only aftermarket solution supporting 100% compatibility in every region. USA, EU & JP’. So, if we’re to believe Analogue here, this is essentially going to be a region-free, hardware-emulated, modern HDMI N64 console with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a device released in 2024, which is the targeted launch window.
The webpage also half-reveals what could possibly be a brand new controller for the Analogue 3D. Nothing is mentioned about a possible price, though given Analogue’s track record, I think we can safely assume that this machine won’t be cheap. But if you already own a ton of old N64 cartridges—CIB, of course—then you’ve already accomplished the actual expensive part.
Given what we little we know so far, this all sounds excellent to me, and I’m cautiously optimistic. Hopefully Analogue can deliver on all these promises, and more importantly, make enough of these things to satisfy consumer demand. Lots of gamers are going to want an Analogue 3D and I’d rather come face to face with a ‘SOLD OUT’ icon come launch morning.
I’m still salty about missing out on the ‘90s translucent Analogue Pockets. First World problems, I can assure you.
We’ll see if Analogue has anything more to say about its 4K 64-bit revival in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned, and make sure you hold your N64 controller correctly—middle prong for analog, left prong for digital. Good. We’re not monsters.
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