Retro Gaming Enthusiasts Rejoice: Analogue Announces N64 Remaster, Compatible with Original Cartridges in Stunning 4K Resolution
Ready for a throwback? Analogue, the innovative crew behind the nostalgic Pocket Game Boy-esque console, is venturing into a new dimension with FPGA emulation, this time tackling the iconic Nintendo 64 in 3D. The much-anticipated device is christened Analogue 3D. Like the Pocket, this bad boy shall play all your dusty N64 cartridges, making excavating pixelated treasures in Banjo-Kazooie a sweet adventure.
What sets the Analogue 3D apart is its ability to connect your N64 via HDMI and upscale the puny 64-bit console's resolution up to a crisp 4K. This console is your ticket to reviving gaming classics like never before.
Priced at $250, the Analogue 3D boasts the ability to upscale most N64 games' native resolutions from 320 x 240 to 4K. Not every game will reach the max 640, but expect a stunning visual improvement nonetheless. Moreover, the device recreates the "warmth, depth, and texture" of classic CRT TVs, complete with scatterings of scanlines and the glowing hue of cathode ray tubes.
Your old N64 accessories or controllers will be compatible, but for a more modern twist, consider the $40 8BitDo 64 Controller. Designed in collaboration with Analogue, this new controller mimics the original console's single-joystick feel without the notorious drift. It works wirelessly or wired, rendering it compatible with various devices like the Nintendo Switch, PC, or Android. If you prefer a retro fit, 8BitDo offers mod kits for your original N64 Controllers.
The Analogue 3D package does not include controllers or cartridges, but it comes equipped with a replica of the N64 Expansion Pak (which doubled the RAM to a mighty 8 MB). The console features a 4K HDMI output, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port for the power supply.
While Analogue made a name for itself with the Pocket Game Boy FPGA device, it has also manufactured recreations of the Super Nintendo and the overlooked NEC Turbografx-16. FPGA represents a form of hardware replication that uses modern chips to emulate the original devices. Analogue recently unveiled an exquisite $500 CNC aluminum Pocket, with CEO Christopher Taber sharing that it was one of the priciest and most complex products to produce.
The Analogue 3D represents a four-year endeavor for the company, as they strive to elevate the N64 gaming experience rather than mere replication. The device runs on the company's custom OS named 3Dos, which launches games, manages in-game screenshots, and more.
Under the hood, the Analogue 3D operates off an Intel 220k LE Altera Cyclone 10GX FPGA, a more sophisticated setup compared to the Pocket.
The Nintendo 64 didn't gain notoriety for its hardware prowess but for its revolutionary titles. Super Mario 64 shake-up the 3D platformer scene, Super Smash Bros. spawned a subgenre of fighting games, and Goldeneye 007 demonstrated that shooters could thrive on consoles. Despite its legacy, the N64 is a notoriously tricky console to emulate due to its proprietary hardware. Any attempt to emulate an N64 game falls short of the original visual experience.
Preorders for the Analogue 3D begins on Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. PT, 11 a.m. ET on their official website. It's time to embrace the charm and challenges of your old-school gaming days!
- The forthcoming Analogue 3D, hailing from the innovative team behind the Pocket Game Boy, is venturing into the realm of Nintendo 64 emulation, ushering in a new phase of nostalgia for gamers.
- Unlike traditional emulation methods, the Analogue 3D connects your N64 console via HDMI and upscales its resolution to a crisp 4K, allowing you to relive gaming classics like Super Mario 64 and Goldeneye 007 in stunning visual detail.
- Compatible with your old N64 controllers, the Analogue 3D also supports a more modern option - the 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed in collaboration with Analogue, which offers a wireless or wired connection, and is compatible with various devices.
- Unlike previous Analogue projects such as the Pocket Game Boy FPGA device, the Analogue 3D represents a four-year endeavor, aimed at elevating the N64 gaming experience rather than mere replication, running on a more sophisticated Intel FPGA setup.
