Published: Last Updated:
Readtime: 3 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
Retro game fans, rejoice: video game hardware maker Analogue has finally unveiled its long-awaited take on the Nintendo 64, creatively called the Analogue 3D. This isn’t the first bit of kit Analogue’s recreated from Nintendo’s history, being the makers of the Analogue Pocket (a modern-age Gameboy Colour), and the Super NT (an updated Super Nintendo), as well as the Mega SG (as in, the Sega Mega Drive).
The Analogue 3D opened for pre-order on the 21 October, 2024, and costs US$249 / AU$375.
It’s worth noting the Analogue 3D isn’t an emulator, and it only plays physical N64 cartridges by way of something called FPGA cores, which means you can’t just download ROMs illegally and own the entire N64 library to play it on enhanced hardware. What it does do, though, is allow you to play all 338 N64 games in 4K resolution (that’s 10 times the original system’s output), with no input lag using bluetooth controllers while connected to the internet.
If you’re like me, and you like to break out the N64 for some Goldeneye or Super Smash Bros. every once in a while, that’s gonna make a good time into a damn good time.
While all of their releases properly support the use of the game cartridges of each respective system, the Analogue 3D will also support the use of the original N64 controllers – assuming you have some that don’t have completely broken sticks, that is. You can also pick up a completely redesigned and modernised N64-style controller with your pre-order made by the fine folks at 8bitdo, which will set you back a further US$40 / AU$60.
The system and controller have been redesigned and brought up to date with more modern design sensibilities, which, to a person like me, is a dream come true.
How is That Legal?
It’s a fair question, especially when Nintendo is involved. The big N has an itchy trigger finger when it comes to taking legal action at the best of times, but what Analogue is doing is perfectly legal: it’s systems aren’t emulating Nintendo’s software, they’re legitimate hardware that can officially play the original system’s media.
Through the use of something called FPGA, or field programmable gate arrays, which are designed to be programmable to act as a specific type of hardware. Essentially, they’re able to function as the parts necessary to make games work, so you can put a cartridge into the Analogue 3D and, as far as that cartridge knows, it’s being played on original hardware and will function.
It’s the same method that the company used to launch its not-a-GameBoy Analogue Pocket, which also plays original GameBoy, GameBoy Colour and GameBoy Advance games at 10x the resolution. If it was illegal, Nintendo would have destroyed Analogue long ago.
When Can I Get It?
The Analogue 3D is available now, and costs US$249 / AU$375. As with all Analogue products, you can only get it from Analogue’s website, or through third-party resellers, so make sure you get it from the real deal.
Analogue does have a history of doing very limited runs of its products, so unless you’re comfortable waiting months for the next shipment to be opened up I’d recommend you get in swiftly.
Edit: The first run has sold out, so prepare to wait months for a restock!
