8BitDo has been working on a Nintendo 64-inspired controller to accompany the upcomingreimagined Analogue 3D Nintendo 64, and it is now available for preorder. Simply dubbed the8BitDo 64, the new controller will be available in black and white colors when it launches in Q1 next year. The 8BitDo 64 carries theN64 layout but with a modern touchto the ergonomics and the technology inside. It will perfectly compliment the Analogue 3D Nintendo 64 that is also scheduled for Q1 next year.
8BitDo 64 Controller: Specifications and Design
The company has shared some of the specifications and features of the upcoming 8BitDo 64 wireless controller. It comes withHall effect joysticksfor better precision and durability, but retains the concave rubber joystick cap that sat on the single joystick of the original Nintendo 64 controller. The C buttons, as well as the A/B buttons, are the same size and in the same location as the original controller too. The position of the Start button, however, has been tweaked to fit the new ergonomic shape.
8BitDo 64 Controller
The 8BitDo 64 controller is a modern take on the classic Nintendo 64 controller. It retains a lot of the details from the original controller but adds Hall effect joysticks, Bluetooth and USB Type-C connectivity, and updated ergonomics. The controller is available in both black and white colors to match the Analogue 3D Nintendo 64 reimagined console.
For connectivity, the 8BitDo 64 Controller usesBluetooth or a wired USB Type-Cconnection. It is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PC, and Android, along with the upcoming Analogue 3D Nintendo 64. You also get four original controller ports, an SD card slot, and two USB ports. It comes with vibration support with the Nintendo Switch and Analogue 3D.
PC users will be able to make use of the 8BitDo Ultimate Software to keep the controller updated. They can also enjoy the controller with Nintendo 64 emulators while on PC.
The original Nintendo 64 controller has a unique design with two standard grips and a third central grip that houses a single joystick, just below the Start button. The right side of the controller has four C-buttons and the A/B buttons, while the left side is where the D-pad sits. It has shoulder buttons as well that flank the cable for a wired-only connection.
8BitDo 64 Controller: Price and Availability
Priced at $40, the 8BitDo 64 Controller falls right in line with the company’s budget-friendly, yet well-built offerings. Both the black and white colors are up forpre-order via Amazon, and will be released onMarch 19, 2025.
While the original Nintendo 64 controller can be hard to source, there are plenty of third party controllers that have the exact same design and ergonomics for those who want to experience the classic games with a retro feel.
Analogue 3D Nintendo 64 Console
The two color options go hand in hand with the black and white models of the Analogue 3D Nintendo 64, a reimagining of the original console. It features a bespoke upscaler that canupscale classic gamesto 4K. There will also be multiple display modes to make the visuals feel like they were on a CRT display. According to the company, it will be fully compatible with the N64’s cartridge library and also be region-free. The full spec sheet was shared by the company last month.
The upcoming console has been priced at $250 and will be available in Q1 next year.
