Upcoming Gray Edition Great upgraded 8BitDo controller for Nintendo 64 Back in stock on Amazon for $45. Scheduled to launch January 30The new version matches the color scheme of the N64 controller that debuted with the console back in 1996. Bluetooth controller 8BitDo 64 Originally released last August for $40 in two color options: solid black And solid white. Nostalgia will cost you an extra five bucks, but the gray edition looks Very good. The 8BitDo 64 controller works wirelessly on Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, Apple and Android devices.
The controller's updated form factor and layout were developed in collaboration with retro hardware manufacturer Analogue. 8BitDo 64 is the official controller Analog 3DAn excellent FPGA console that reproduces Nintendo 64 cartridges in 4K resolution. After several delays, Analogue 3D launched in November. If you are interested in purchasing it, White and black versions of Analogue 3D are back in stock for $270 at Analogue online store. Note. The console does not come with a controller, and 8BitDo 64 is currently the only officially supported wireless option for Analogue 3D.
$45 | Release January 30
The colors of the gray version of the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller are almost identical to the colors of the original Nintendo 64 controller. The bright shade of the classic Nintendo gray body is complemented by bright buttons. Here is the list of inputs of the 8BitDo 64 controller:
- Hall effect control knob (light gray)
- D-pad (dark gray)
- Button (blue)
- Button B (green)
- C-pad (yellow)
- Start button (red)
- Buttons on the shoulder left and right (dark gray)
- L/RZ triggers (dark gray)
- Select / Star / Home (Light Grey)
A switch on the back of the controller switches between S-input for switch 1/2 and D-input for everything else, including analog 3D. With the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 desktop or mobile app, you can completely remap controls and make other changes.
8BitDo 64 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) or Bluetooth 5.0. The Analogue 3D and some newer Android phones support Bluetooth LE, so battery life is slightly improved on those devices. 8BitDo 64 can work up to 36 hours without recharging when connected via Bluetooth LE. In our experience, that number is closer to 30 hours on Switch 1/2, which is still impressive.
You can also use the 8BitDo 64 as a wired controller with a detachable USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Instead of the bulky N64 Rumble Pak, the 8BitDo 64 has built-in vibration motors. Vibration only works in Analogue 3D and when playing N64 games in the Nintendo Switch Online app on Switch 1/2.
Outside of the color scheme, the new gray model is identical to the white and black versions, so the features described below apply to all three colors.
40 US dollars
The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller has a modern form factor, just like the manufacturer's. Ultimate Controller Series and official Switch 1/2 Pro Controllers.
8BitDo has retained the unique aspects of the original joystick while updating the technology and ergonomics. The joystick has been moved to the left side of the controller, and although there are three round ridges on the cover, the rubberized texture is much nicer to the thumb than the plastic surface of the N64 controller. Like the original, the 8BitDo 64 features an octagonal control stick, which Nintendo included to simulate an eight-way D-pad. The handle is activated by a Hall sensor (anti-drift) and has a wear-resistant metal ring.
The classic four-way D-pad is still housed in a recessed pocket, and the large A/B and C-pad buttons follow the original layout. The shoulder buttons on the right and left are beefier and provide better feedback. The N64's Z button, which was located on the back of the middle prong, has been replaced with two regular Z triggers behind the shoulder buttons. Dual triggers are useful if you want to use the controller for games outside the N64 library.
The large Start button on the N64 returns, joined by three buttons found on many 8BitDo Switch controllers: Minus (select), 8BitDo (home), and Star/Turbo. With Standard Turbo mode enabled, your game will register button holds as repeated presses. There's also an automatic turbo mode that spams programmed input without you having to press a button at all.
If you're having trouble syncing 8BitDo 64 with Switch 2 or Analogue 3D, make sure that controller updated to latest firmware. If you Nintendo Switch Online Subscription + Expansion Pack8BitDo 64 has excellent ergonomics and is more affordable than official N64 controller sold at the Nintendo Store.
Analogue 3D is a region-free console that plays all Nintendo 64 cartridges released in the North American, Japanese and PAL regions. This includes games that required the N64 Expansion Pak, such as The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64. As an FPGA console, Analogue 3D offers a completely authentic experience that reflects the original hardware on a gameplay level in every moment. The visual update is stunning. The console has an HDMI output and can display N64 games in 4K resolution; it also supports 1080p resolution if you don't have a 4K display. Like Analogue's other retro FPGA devices, the 3D has multiple display modes, aspect ratio options, and a variety of other customizable visual settings. It also has a built-in extension pack.
Analogue 3D is compatible with original N64 accessories and has four controller ports for official Nintendo 64 controllers. As mentioned, you will need to provide your own controllers. If you don't have any old N64 controllers lying around, there are inexpensive wired controllers that emulate the three-pin form factor. We would recommend Hyperkin Captainwhich is available in translucent and solid color options. Amazon has five different colors of the Hyperkin Captain in stock for $20-$23 each.
8BitDo 64 is the only wireless controller with official support for Analogue 3D, but there is a workaround. First-party Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox controllers can connect wirelessly to Analogue 3D and original Nintendo 64 hardware using a third-party accessory such as Bitfunx BlueRetro N64 Wireless Controller Adapter.
Sign up for GameSpot's weekly deals newsletter:
