The upcoming gray edition of 8BitDo’s great modernized Nintendo 64 controller is back in stock at Amazon for $45. Scheduled to launch January 30, the new edition matches the color scheme of the N64 controller that debuted with the console back in 1996. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller originally launched last August for $40 with 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 devices, and Android.
The controller’s reimagined form factor and layout was designed in partnership with retro hardware manufacturer Analogue. The 8BitDo 64 is the official controller for the Analogue 3D, the superb FPGA console that plays Nintendo 64 cartridges in 4K resolution. After multiple delays, the Analogue 3D launched in November. If you’re interested in picking one up, the white and black editions of the Analogue 3D are back in stock for $270 on Analogue’s online storefront. Note: The console does not come with a controller, and the 8BitDo 64 is currently the only officially supported wireless option for the Analogue 3D.
$45 | Releases January 30
The colors on the gray edition of the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller look virtually identical to the original Nintendo 64 controller. The shell’s distinct shade of classic Nintendo gray is complemented by colorful buttons. Here’s the list of inputs on the 8BitDo 64 Controller:
- Hall Effect Control Stick (Light Gray)
- D-pad (Dark Gray)
- A button (Blue)
- B button (Green)
- C-pad (Yellow)
- Start button (Red)
- L/R shoulder buttons (Dark Gray)
- L/R Z triggers (Dark Gray)
- Select / Star / Home (Light Gray)
A switch on the back of the controller toggles between S-Input for Switch 1/2 and D-Input for everything else, including Analogue 3D. With the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 desktop or mobile app, you can fully remap the controls and make other adjustments.
The 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 a bit better when gaming on those devices. The 8BitDo 64 can run for up to 36 hours between charges when connected via Bluetooth LE. On Switch 1/2, that number is closer to 30 hours, in our experience, which is still impressive.
You can also use the 8BitDo 64 as a wired controller with the detachable USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Instead of the bulky N64 Rumble Pak, the 8BitDo 64 has built-in rumble motors. Vibration only works on 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 editions, so the features outlined below apply to all three colors.
$40
The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller has a contemporary form factor like the manufacturer’s Ultimate Controller series and the official Switch 1/2 Pro Controllers.
8BitDo retained the unique aspects of the original joystick while upgrading the tech and ergonomics. The joystick is repositioned to the left side of the controller, and while the cap has the trio of circular ridges, the rubberized texture is much kinder to your thumb than the N64 controller’s plastic surface. Just like the original, the 8BitDo 64 has an octagonal stick gate, which Nintendo included to mimic an eight-way D-pad. The stick is activated with a Hall Effect sensor (anti-drift) and has a wear-resistant metal ring.
The classic four-way D-pad still sits in a recessed pocket, while the large A/B buttons and C-pad match the original layout. The R/L shoulder buttons are chunkier and offer better feedback. The N64’s Z button, which was located on the back of the middle prong, is replaced with two conventional Z triggers behind the shoulder buttons. The dual triggers are helpful if you want to use the controller for games outside of the N64 library.
The N64’s big Start button returns and is joined by three buttons found on many 8BitDo Switch controllers: Minus (select), 8BitDo (home), and Star/Turbo. With standard turbo activated, your game will register holding a button down as repeated taps. There’s also an auto-turbo mode that spams the programmed input without needing to press the button at all.
If you have trouble syncing the 8BitDo 64 to Switch 2 or Analogue 3D, make sure the controller is updated to the latest firmware. If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, the 8BitDo 64 has superior ergonomics and is more affordable than the official N64 Controller sold on the Nintendo Store.
The Analogue 3D is a region-free console that plays every Nintendo 64 cartridge released in North America, Japan, 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, the Analogue 3D offers a thoroughly authentic experience that mirrors original hardware on a moment-to-moment gameplay level. The visual upgrade is staggering. The console has HDMI output and can display your 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 bunch of other customizable visual settings. It also has a built-in Expansion Pak
The Analogue 3D is compatible with original N64 accessories and has four controller ports for official Nintendo 64 controllers. As mentioned, you need to provide your own controllers. If you don’t have old N64 controllers in a drawer somewhere, there are budget-friendly wired controllers that mimic the three-pronged form factor. We’d recommend the Hyperkin Captain, which is available in translucent and solid color schemes. Amazon has five different colors of the Hyperkin Captain in stock for $20-$23 each.
The 8BitDo 64 is the only wireless controller with official Analogue 3D support, but there is a workaround. First-party Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox controllers can connect wirelessly to Analogue 3D and original Nintendo 64 hardware with a third-party accessory such as the Bitfunx BlueRetro N64 Wireless Controller Adapter.
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