Analogue 3D: A 4K VRR-Enhanced FPGA Console Revives the Nintendo 64 Experience Without Emulation

Analogue has just unveiled a game-changer for retro gamers: the Analogue 3D, a fresh take on the beloved Nintendo 64, complete with 4K and VRR capabilities. If you’re into preserving old-school N64 games and want to avoid the pitfalls of PC emulation, this might catch your attention. What sets the Analogue 3D apart is that it doesn’t rely on emulation.

The magic lies in the FPGA technology, which stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. By utilizing this tech, Analogue has managed to recreate and enhance the original Nintendo 64 experience without resorting to software emulation. This guarantees complete compatibility with every game in the N64 library. It follows the footsteps of the Analogue Pocket, tailored for a broader range of handheld consoles, but the 3D is squarely focused on delivering the N64 experience.

Now, you might think their announcement was a bit too much, but there’s a distinct appeal for gaming preservationists and enthusiasts in this kind of hardware. When you consider the costs of modding an original N64 with Bluetooth and 4K (VRR) output, the $250 price tag of the Analogue 3D seems quite reasonable. Plus, not everyone has the know-how to modify an original console.

The Analogue 3D could easily be seen as a dream come true for N64 lovers. It doesn’t just emulate the vibe of the original; it enhances it. With region locks gone and flawless compatibility, you won’t miss out on any game as they were meant to be played, steering clear of input lag often associated with emulation.

The Analogue 3D doesn’t just offer a trip down memory lane; it also brings modern conveniences. With wireless Bluetooth support and compatibility with original N64 controllers and Memory Paks, you’ll transition your saved progress effortlessly to the new console. They’ve also introduced an 8BitDo 64 controller with a sleek, Xbox-inspired design, ensuring better durability with its hall-effect analog sticks—something that promises outlast those of many traditional consoles.

Analogue didn’t stop there. The console’s unique 3D OS offers Original Display Modes to replicate the look of CRT and PVM displays on current 4K screens. This should nicely clean up any fuzziness, enhanced by VRR that smooths out gameplay. While purists might remain skeptical of its accuracy compared to other CRT filters, the implementation seems promising. And if their work on the Analogue Pocket is anything to go by, these modes might just hit the mark.

If there’s any gripe, it could be the lack of 64DD support, though hardcore fans can tackle that with the SummerCart64 flash cart for both the 3D and original systems. However, for those wanting to enjoy N64 titles on modern TVs, the Analogue 3D appears to be an excellent solution, especially given the efforts in modern game development for the console.

Get ready to secure your own Analogue 3D and the compatible 8BitDo 64 controller, with pre-orders starting on October 21st. Pricing is set at $249.99 for the console and $39.99 for the controller.

Update on 10/17/24: We originally misstated some tech specs, calling it an “FGPA” and Field Programmable Grid Array instead of the correct FPGA and Field-Programmable Gate Array. These have now been corrected.