The Analogue 3D, an FPGA-based Nintendo 64 , is set to open for pre-orders on October 21st, priced at $249.99. This console aims to provide a highly accurate emulation of the original N64 hardware using a powerful Altera Cyclone 10GX FPGA chip, which is the most advanced FPGA used by Analogue to date.https://Twitter.com/analogue/status/1846567706910142548Key FeaturesCompatibility: The Analogue 3D supports all official N64 cartridges from any region, promising no slowdown or inaccuracies. It features four controller ports for original N64 controllers and also supports wireless controllers via Bluetooth.Resolution and Display: It includes a bespoke 4K upscaler designed to faithfully recreate the look
I believe it’s probably slightly more for a used N64 in good condition, but your point is valid. I actually bought an Analogue Pocket. It’s a quality product, no question about it. I guess the appeal for that one for me is that you can get adapter to play whatever handheld cartridges in one system and the screen is way better quality than the original systems. An N64 though, I’m not as certain. These typically have an SD card slot so that you can run roms on them, but if you just want an emulation machine, there are far more cost effective options. I’d probably argue that the N64 model makes the least sense because the console was pretty reliable and didn’t have the read issues like the standard front loader NES.
Emulators can’t always play every game. I know Pokémon Snap has always struggled to run.
This is identical to real hardware and upscales everything to 4K. Not to mention native support for Bluetooth controllers and other creature comforts.
Getting an N64 + a RetroTink to upscale costs the same or more than this Analogue product (depends a lot on the N64 and RetroTink you buy). This is actually a fairly good value. I’m shocked Analogue priced it where it is considering that the Pocket is FOMO-sold and pricey.
Yeah, I was fully expecting this thing to be like $400.
The real question is if you’ll be able to purchase one of the 17 they’ve produced or if you’ll have to wait for their limited edition translucent version in a year.
That’s a really good point. Software emulation is fine for most people, but Analogue stuff is going to be as close to the original as possible plus having all those modern things that we expect now. I haven’t emulated N64 stuff very much so maybe there’s more complications than I was thinking.