Analogue 3D Revives Nintendo 64 in 4K with VRR Support, Offering an Emulation-Free FPGA Console for All N64 Games

Analogue, the FPGA console maker, has introduced a new and improved 4K VRR variant of the classic Nintendo 64, called the Analogue 3D. This might not immediately catch everyone’s attention, but for those deeply invested in preserving the authenticity of N64 games without depending on still-evolving PC emulation, this is pretty big news. Notably, the Analogue 3D does not rely on emulation, which is a rare find these days.

The term “FPGA,” which stands for “Field Programmable Gate Array,” is crucial here. Essentially, Analogue has fully recreated and upgraded the Nintendo 64’s capabilities without using software emulation. This guarantees a 100% compatibility rate with the entire system library. It’s a technique they successfully employed with the Analogue Pocket for a variety of retro handheld consoles, and now they’re honing in specifically on the N64 with Analogue 3D.

Though some might say the announcement was heavy on the marketing jargon, there’s a definite audience out there—namely game preservation enthusiasts and retro gaming fans—who find hardware like this invaluable. If you consider the expense of buying and modifying an original N64 to support modern features like Bluetooth and 4K (VRR), the Analogue 3D’s price tag of $250 is actually quite reasonable. Plus, unless you’ve got the technical know-how to mod an original console, this is a hassle-free alternative.

The Analogue 3D is essentially a flawless modern revival of the Nintendo 64. By removing region locks and offering full compatibility with the original N64 game library without the input delays or questionable enhancements often caused by emulation, this console is likely to be a prized addition for retro collectors.

Beyond just offering wireless Bluetooth controller compatibility, the console also works seamlessly with original N64 controllers and accessories, such as the original Memory Paks, allowing you to transfer old game saves to the new system effortlessly. To sweeten the deal, Analogue has introduced an 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller alongside it, which adopts a more modern Xbox-like design while featuring long-lasting hall-effect analog sticks. These should outlive any typical analog sticks used in mainstream controllers.

Analogue isn’t stopping there; they’re bringing in some unique features through their 3D OS. These include Original Display Modes that emulate the display output of CRT and PVM on modern 4K screens. This functionality should help improve image clarity, especially with VRR support smoothing out the quirks of older, more jittery N64 games. However, die-hard CRT fans might approach these features with a bit of skepticism.

If Analogue’s efforts with their Pocket’s Original Display Modes are any indication, they have a decent track record with maintaining visual accuracy, although doing so is relatively easier for handheld consoles that they manufacture directly.

Where Analogue 3D seems to falter a bit is in its lack of support for the Nintendo 64DD. Hardcore fans might seek alternatives like the SummerCart64 flash cart for their enhanced Nintendo 64 experience. Regardless, for bringing N64 games to life on today’s displays, especially as newer N64 games are developed, the Analogue 3D is a compelling option.

You can start pre-ordering the Analogue 3D and its paired 8BitDo 64 controller on October 21st, with the console priced at $249.99 and the controller at $39.99.

Updated 10/17/24: The original article mistakenly referred to the Analogue 3D as being based on an “FGPA,” instead of the correct term “FPGA,” which stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array. These errors have been corrected in this update.