8BitDo’s reimagined Nintendo 64 wireless controller launches next Wednesday, July 30. The controller manufacturer confirmed the release date in an email to GameSpot. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller was revealed alongside the Analogue 3D last October. Analogue’s 4K Nintendo 64 has been delayed twice, and since the new gamepad was designed in collaboration with the retro hardware manufacturer, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth has been pushed back twice, too.
Though designed with the Analogue 3D in mind, the controller supports PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android. If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, the new controller will offer a cool new way to play classic N64 games. You can preorder the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller for $40 in white or black at Amazon.
We’ve reached out to 8BitDo about Switch 2 compatibility. A handful of the manufacturer’s controllers received firmware updates when the Switch 2 launched in June. Considering that 8BitDo’s newest Switch controllers–Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, All-Button Arcade, the upcoming Pro 3 Bluetooth–support Switch 2, we would be surprised if the 64 Controller doesn’t work on Nintendo’s new console.
$40 | Releases July 30
The 8BitDo 64 Controller is a wireless Bluetooth gamepad that sports all the buttons you’d expect from a device designed to play N64 games but reorganized into a contemporary form factor that resembles the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller series.
The reworked shape moves the joystick to the left side of controller. This is a Hall Effect joystick with a metal ring, so it should feel as smooth and precise as 8BitDo’s other controllers with the same tech. Hall Effect sensors eliminate the risk of stick drift, and metal rings hold up better over time.
8BitDo recreated the N64 control stick’s surface by adding three circular ridges. Thankfully, it has a rubberized stick cap instead of the original’s hard plastic surface. 8BitDo also included the octagonal stick gate, which Nintendo implemented on the N64 controller to mimic an eight-way D-pad. The actual D-pad on the new controller is in a new location, too, but it still sits in a recessed pocket.
The large A/B buttons and four C buttons match the N64 layout and are the same size/shape. The should buttons and triggers have been redesigned to match modern expectations. The shoulder buttons are labeled R and L, just like the N64 controller, while both of the top triggers are Z buttons. The N64’s Z button was on the back of the middle prong. The dual triggers will be helpful if you want to use the controller for games outside of the N64 library.
The large start button returns and is joined by three buttons found on many 8BitDo Switch controllers: minus (select), 8BitDo (home), and Turbo. Once you assign the turbo function to a button, pressing and holding it is registered as repeated taps.
You can fully remap the controls and make other adjustments using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software desktop or mobile app. It has two different input modes: S-Input (Switch) and D-Input. Though it has built-in rumble motors, vibration is limited to Analogue 3D and Switch.
$40 | Releases July 30
The black edition of the 8BitDo 64 launches the same day, but Amazon currently estimates a longer wait for the black controller. The date will vary based on your location, but it says August 11 for us (as of July 25). It’s possible your order will arrive sooner, as Amazon’s estimates are often fairly conservative.
The Nintendo 64 controller isn’t 8BitDo’s only exciting upcoming release. On August 12, 8BitDo will launch the Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad for $70. The highly customizable retro-inspired wireless controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PC, Apple devices, and Android. Check out our 8BitDo Pro 3 preorder guide for more details.
What is the Analogue 3D?
The Analogue 3D is the premium retro hardware manufacturer’s next FPGA console. Unfortunately, preorders for the $250 console sold out last October, so interested retro gamers will want to keep an eye on potential restocks after the console launches in late August.
The console lets you play your original N64 game cartridges with hardware-accurate emulation and 100% compatibility in up to 4K resolution. The console has four controller ports for real Nintendo 64 three-prong controllers or third-party wired controllers. It does not come with a controller, though, so you’ll want to grab an 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller or another controller or two.
Preowned N64 controllers are available to purchase at GameStop. Alternatively, you can buy one of the many clones of the original controller on Amazon for cheap.
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