I’m not going to lie, the Nintendo 64 might be my favourite console, it holds a very special place in my gaming memories. So I was completely surprised and overjoyed to hear about the Analogue 3D, the new console from Analogue.
Touted as a “reimagining of the N64”. The Analogue 3D will allow you to play 100% of the originally released games for the system. This time in 4K via HMDI(ten times the resolution of the original machine). It’s region free, has compatibility with wired and bluetooth wireless controllers as well as WiFi, presumably for firmware updates. It’s designed to work with the cartridges, it doesn’t use emulation.
Analogue boast that this is the “first and only reimagining of the N64. No one has every accomplished this. Software emulation has challenges that have never been overcome from basic compatibility of the entire N64 library to bugs, glitches, sound issues, and on.”
The console is targeting a Q1 release in 2025 and preorders begin on 21 October 2024, 8am PDT. The console will cost $249.99 USD (plus shipping) and is available in black and white colours.
The console’s custom designed controller is a wireless recreation of the N64 controller, designed by 8BitDo.The wireless 8BitDo controller does not come with the Analogue 3D and must be purchased separately ($39.99 USD). You can use original N64 controllers with it too.
As the console runs the 3DOS operating system, an evolution of the Analogue OS that’s supported previous releases of the NES, SNES, Genesis (Mega Drive), the Analogue 3D will be able to support save states and take screenshots.
Analogue 3D Specs
Video
- 4K HDMI output
- NTSC & PAL Support
- Lag free, zero signal degradation
- Original Display Modes (CRT & PVM models)
- Variable refresh rate
8BitDo 64 Controller
- $39.99 (sold separately, not included with Analogue3D"‹)
- Compatible with Analogue3D"‹, Switch, Windows, Android
- D-input and S-input modes
- Vibration support with Analogue3D"‹ and Switch
- Turbo function
- HALL-effect joystick
Features
- 2x USB ports / charging / wired support
- SD card slot including a 16GB SD card
- Dual-band WiFi with OTA wireless
- 3DOS"‹ updating
- Bluetooth Classic and LE
- 4 original-style controller ports
- Up to 4 players supported (wireless & wired)
- 8BitDo 64 Controller updating via Analogue3D"‹ System (wired)
- 3DOS"‹ (4K)
- 220k LE Intel Cyclone 10GX
Dimensions and Weight
- 180mm length
- 230mm width
- 49mm height
- 837g
What’s in the Box
- Analogue3D"‹
- HDMI Cable
- USB Cable
- Worldwide USB-C Power Supply [GaN, PD 3.0, 30W, 100-240v, 50/60hz, USA/JPN plug-type]
Audio
- 48KHz 16 bit PCM audio
I’m excited by the prospect of this, however I think finding the N64 cartridges to play is not going to be an easy (or cheap) endeavour. Though if you are serious about game preservation and want to relive the glory days of the N64, then this is certainly an appealing option.
Will you be preordering the Analogue 3D? Do you have any N64 cartridges lying around that just aren’t getting played. What games will you be booting up first?
