If you grew up with an N64 you had a pretty decent childhood, and now you can relive those wonder years with the Analogue 3D, a new console from Analogue that promises complete compatibility with all N64 games. There is perhaps one little caveat to that statement. Analogue says the Analogue 3D will offer complete, 100% compatibility with every original N64 game ever made. So if you end up with any fake cartridges, those will obviously not work.
For the most part, though, it’s highly unlikely you’ll run into any issues. The Analogue 3D promises to bring your N64 games into the modern age by adding things like 4K upscaling for games, while also offering several CRT modes for that modernized yet still retro feel. The console also comes with four original controller ports. So if you still have any original N64 controllers lying around, you can plug them right in.
You won’t need to use these though. The Analogue 3D also supports Bluetooth controllers so you can play wirelessly. This is 2024 after all, and wireless controllers are more commonplace than not. Analogue partnered with 8Bitdo to make an official controller for the Analogue 3D, but you can also use other Bluetooth options. This looks to include Nintendo’s official wireless N64 controller that it released a few years ago.
The Analogue 3D console goes up for pre-order on Oct. 21 for $249.99
Analogue’s devices, such as the special editions of the Analogue Pocket, tend to be very limited. So you always have to be ready to buy the moment pre-orders go live. That doesn’t appear to be the case with the Analogue 3D. It isn’t listed as having a super limited run, but that doesn’t mean Analogue won’t have low stock. Pre-orders go live on October 21 at 8AM Pacific Standard Time and the console will retail for $249.99.
That’s only $50 more than the original launch price of the N64 in the US. A very reasonable price point considering the handful of upgrades being included here. The Analogue 3D will also come in Black and White color options. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller comes in colors that match the console, however, these are optional at $39.99 and are not included in the box with the console.
The console is region-free
This might be one of the biggest benefits of the Analogue 3D. A region-free experience means you can play any original N64 games you own, whether or not they’re all from the same region. The console also runs on its own OS called 3D OS, which has a list of your game library and even a menu for saved screenshots with the ability to share them. This is an “evolution of Analogue OS” the company says, with a suite of features that were uniquely crafted for N64.
If you value video games in their physical form and have a passion for preserving video game history, then this console is definitely for you.
