Analogue 3D: A 4K VRR Revival of the Nintendo 64 with Complete Game Compatibility, No Emulation Required

Analogue, a well-known name in the FPGA console world, has unveiled their latest creation: the Analogue 3D. This is a high-tech, 4K VRR-ready version of the classic Nintendo 64. Now, at first glance, this might not seem groundbreaking, but for die-hard fans of N64 games who prioritize authentic gameplay over imperfect PC emulation, this is huge news. The Analogue 3D manages to play every original N64 game without hitting any emulation roadblocks.

The secret sauce here is the “FPGA”, which stands for “Field Programmable Gate Array.” Essentially, this allows Analogue to recreate and elevate the Nintendo 64 experience sans any software emulation, making sure that every game, down to the last byte, runs exactly as it should. Analogue has accomplished similar feats with their Pocket series for classic handheld consoles, but this time, they’re focused on the beloved N64.

Sure, the announcement might feel a bit embellished, but there’s a solid reason behind the enthusiasm. Retro hardware appeal and game preservation are always in vogue. Upgrading a vintage N64 to support modern features like Bluetooth and 4K (VRR) can cost more than the Analogue 3D’s retail price of $250. And not all of us have the technical skills to mod an old console.

Analogue’s latest creation promises a perfect modern iteration of the N64, eliminating region locks and boasting full compatibility with the entire game library. This is a dream come true for anyone who’s grown weary of the input lag and questionable tweaks that come with emulation.

Their social media announcement paints the Analogue 3D as a revamp of what might be the best multiplayer console ever, bringing it into the 4K era. It supports wireless Bluetooth controllers and can connect with original N64 controllers and accessories. For those wanting to transfer their old saves, this console accommodates original Memory Paks. And there’s also a Bluetooth 8BitDo 64 controller in the mix, sporting an Xbox-inspired design and hall-effect analog sticks, promising durability that even high-end first-party controllers may lack.

The console also comes with what Analogue calls the “3D OS,” a feature set that integrates Original Display Modes to replicate old-school CRT and PVM visuals on modern 4K TVs. This could be a game-changer for enhancing the often-blurred graphics of classic titles, though purists might approach these enhancements with a skeptical eye.

If these display modes prove to be as good—or even better—than current CRT filters in emulation, this is a win for anyone wanting to preserve the visual integrity of these games. Given the success of Analogue Pocket’s display modes, it’s likely they’ll pull it off with the 3D as well.

The only downside? It doesn’t support the Nintendo 64DD—unless you spring for a SummerCart64 flash cart, which could bridge the gap for both the 3D and original systems. Still, for bringing N64 games into the present day, this console is a solid contender, especially with the ongoing development of new N64 games.

You’ll want to mark your calendars: pre-orders for both the Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 controller kick off on October 21. The console is priced at $249.99, with the controller set at $39.99.

A quick note: an earlier version of this piece misidentified the Analogue 3D’s technology as “FGPA” instead of the correct “FPGA” and mistakenly referred to it as “Field Programmable Grid Array.” These have since been corrected.