Analogue, renowned for its modern reinterpretations of classic gaming hardware, is set to take a leap into the 64-bit era with the announcement of the Analogue 3D, a contemporary revival of the beloved Nintendo 64. The company asserts that this new console will offer “100 percent compatibility” with N64 cartridges from all regions and boasts support for 4K output. To cater to purists, it will also include “Original Display Modes featuring reference quality recreations of specific model CRTs and PVMs.” Additionally, the Analogue 3D will come equipped with Bluetooth support and four controller ports.

However, it’s essential to note that the announcement is currently more of a tantalizing teaser. While we do have some intriguing details, there’s no official word on the price or a specific release date, except that it’s expected sometime in 2024. At this stage, Analogue hasn’t even unveiled the hardware, leaving fans with only fleeting glimpses of what appears to be the console and the accompanying wireless 8BitDo controller.

Analogue’s foray into the Nintendo 64 realm is genuinely exciting. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality recreations of classic consoles such as the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, enabling gamers to enjoy their old cartridges on modern televisions. Most recently, Analogue ventured into portable gaming with the sleek Analogue Pocket.

The N64 is a particularly intriguing choice, as Nintendo’s console is notorious for its difficulty in emulation, even for Nintendo itself. Analogue, however, believes it has the solution with field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology, allowing the Analogue 3D to function as if it were the original hardware, thus promising 100 percent compatibility. The company’s founder, Christopher Taber, notes that the development of the Analogue 3D has been a three-year endeavor, with many doubting its feasibility. “This is one that nobody thought was possible,” he says.

While there’s much more to learn about the Analogue 3D, Taber hints at forthcoming details, encompassing not only the hardware specifications, price, and release date but also additional features that will undoubtedly pique the interest of retro gaming enthusiasts.

Related