The Analogue 3D could potentially breathe new life into your N64 collection

Analogue has announced the next in their line-up of FPGA-powered console recreations. This time, they’ll be revisiting a personal favorite of mine, the Nintendo 64, with the Analogue 3D.

Analogue is playing it pretty coy with the Analogue 3D. The only thing I have in terms of news is some shadowy images of the hardware and controller and the promise that it will be 100% compatible through the use of FPGA hardware emulation.

This is sort of big news because the N64 has been notoriously hard to emulate accurately. Even Nintendo’s own attempts at software emulation through the Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online haven’t been perfect. Through the use of FPGA they can emulate the hardware, rather than the software environment, ensuring maximum compatibility.

The Analogue 3D will output at 4K via HDMI, and supports both Bluetooth controllers as well as Nintendo’s original T-rex feet. They’re also collaborating with 8BitDo to create an N64 style controller. While the controller is also occluded by shadow, it looks to be similar to their “Ultimate” style controller but with the six face buttons of the N64.

Signature blur

While I recognize all of the N64’s faults, it’s still one of my favorite consoles. However, its native video output leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve modified mine to support RGB and run it through an upscaler, but I don’t think it’s even possible to make it look good on modern displays. Analogue says that the Analogue 3D will have filters to replicate CRT and PVM displays, which may help, but I’m wondering if they’ll go further and have the option to remove the system’s blurry filtering.

We’re waiting for more information, like what the console looks like in action. I’m very interested, but if it simply outputs in 4K with filters, then it might not be for me. I’d probably just stick with my modified N64 and run it through the upcoming Retrotink 4K, which would yield essentially the same result.

Nonetheless, for anyone without the setup (or time to create the set-up), the Analogue 3D will be the best, easiest way to play N64 games. As with their other consoles, the Analogue 3D will only run games through cartridge, though that would likely include Everdrives if you’re not keen on having a collection.

The Analogue 3D will be coming sometime in 2024.