Analogue Fully Unveils Its Modernized N64 - Preorders Go Live October 21

As a seasoned gamer with memories of countless hours spent battling it out with friends on Nintendo 64 classics like GoldenEye and Mario Kart, the Analogue 3D console has certainly piqued my interest!


Analogue has unveiled its updated Nintendo 64 console, the Analogue 3D. First hinted at last year, this very day marks a year since the announcement. The Analogue 3D can run N64 game cartridges in stunning 4K resolution. Similar to other Analogue products, it’s been engineered with FPGA technology to deliver an authentic N64 gaming experience while taking advantage of modern screens. It even works with all original accessories. For those preferring a wireless setup, Analogue partnered with 8BitDo on a sleek new controller design.

The Analogue 3D model is crafted to deliver a “true-to-CRT feel” on a 4K television. It allows you to switch between various display settings designed to mimic the appearance of vintage televisions. Two versions will be available – one in white and another in black – with each priced at $250. Preorders will commence on October 21st, 8 AM Pacific Time. Given the success of previous Analogue releases, it’s expected that this console will sell out quickly. The Analogue 3D is anticipated to start shipping in Q1 of 2025.

Take a look at the design of the Analogue 3D displayed in the image gallery beneath. The sleek combination of white and black hues seems to align with the initial white and black versions of the Analogue Pocket, which is the company’s contemporary take on the classic Game Boy.

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Using specific display settings, gamers can revisit their Nintendo 64 game collection in stunning high definition, complete with accurately recreated scanlines, shadow masks, and other characteristics exclusive to CRT televisions. Analogue claims that the 3D rendering provides ten times the original resolution of 320×240 without any delay. The device is region-free and compatible with the entire Nintendo 64 game library.

The tailor-made Analogue 3D OS draws inspiration from the Pocket, featuring its Library and Memories sections. The Library acts as a catalog, listing all your games, with each fresh cartridge addition creating a new entry. The Memories section is where you store your save states and screenshots. You have the freedom to save your progress at any moment and resume exactly where you left off via the menu system.

Beyond the four control panels positioned at the console’s front, this device also features an HDMI port, two USB ports, and an SD card slot on its rear side that accommodates SDHC cards up to 16GB. The Analogue 3D package includes an HDMI cable, USB cord, and a USB-C power adapter. It is equipped with built-in Dualband Wi-Fi for software updates and caters to both standard Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy connections.

According to the manufacturer, they dedicated four years to crafting an exceptional method to play N64 games using FPGA technology, ensuring maximum precision. This is expected to be a significant leap forward compared to traditional N64 emulators.

Here’s a closer look at all of the tech behind the Analogue 3D:

Compatibility

  • Original N64 game cartridges
  • 100% compatibility
  • Region free
  • Compatible with original accessories
  • Original style N64 cartridge slot
  • Built-in Expansion Pak capabilities

Video

  • 4K HDMI output
  • NTSC & PAL Support
  • Lag-free, zero signal degradation
  • Original Display Modes (CRT & PVM
  • models)
  • Variable refresh rate

Audio

  • 48KHz 16 bit PCM audio

Hardware

  • Two USB ports / charging / wired support
  • SD card slot including a 16GB SD card
  • Dualband WiFi with OTA wireless
  • 3DO S updating
  • Bluetooth Classic and LE
  • Four original-style controller ports
  • Up 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

Analogue Fully Unveils Its Modernized N64 - Preorders Go Live October 21

8BitDo’s N64-style gamepad, priced at $40, can be bought independently and works seamlessly with Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Android devices. This controller offers two input modes (D-input and S-input). It boasts a design reminiscent of the original N64 controller but updated for modern usage. The layout includes all the essential inputs such as joystick, C-buttons, an authentic D-pad, A/B buttons, R/L/Z triggers, found in the same arrangement as the classic N64 model.

Apart from this, it features a unique Hall Effect joystick, which significantly outperforms the problematic joystick on the N64 controller, known for its propensity towards stick drift and eventual looseness. Similar to other 8BitDo controllers, you’ll have extensive customization options at your disposal through 8BiDo’s Ultimate Software, giving you the freedom to adjust intricate details according to your preferences.

Preorders for the 8BitDo 64 Controller go live at the same time as the console.

As a gamer myself, if you prefer the original feel of gaming with authentic controllers, you can grab pre-owned Nintendo 64 (N64) controllers at GameStop for just $18 each. While there are numerous third-party N64 controllers on Amazon that come at a lower price, keep in mind that these knockoffs may not always deliver the smooth gameplay experience you’d expect from the original ones.

Given that numerous Nintendo 64 games were designed for multiplayer, it’s likely beneficial to have some extra controllers available to make the most of Analogue 3D’s four controller ports. This console supports up to four players in total, either through wireless or wired controllers (or a mix of both). Therefore, you could choose multiple 8BitDo controllers and potentially forego the original controller entirely.

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2024-10-16 18:40