Analogue 3D preorder to kick start from October 21st at 11 AM ET at the price of $249.
After a previous delay in the launch, Analogue has finally shared the details on the release of Nintendo 64. The company released the console details along with the images. Analogue plans to launch the console in the first quarter of 2025 at $249, and it will be available in two colors – black and white. Preorders for the 4K Nintendo 64 will kick off on October 21st at 11 AM ET.
The Analogue 3D is a modern take on the N64, just like previous consoles like the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy. The console has new features for upgrading the classic games to 4K and includes several display modes to mimic the look of a CRT display. Analogue said, “It’s designed with a bespoke, purpose-built 4K upscaler.”
Image Credit: Analogue
Inside the Details of the 4K Nintendo 64 Console
The company claims that the Analogue 3D is fully compatible with the entire N64 cartridge library and is region-free. The console uses FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) technology to work just like the original console. This is great news for N64 fans, as imitating its games has been quite tricky.
The console supports Bluetooth and has four controller ports, including two USB ports and an SD card port. It also has a new operating system dubbed 3D OS. It will not come with a controller, but it has the updated version of the N64 gamepad without the third prong which will be sold separately for $39.99.
Users can connect the console with the best TV through HDMI. From there, the processing system inside the console boosts the game’s resolution up to 10X. There are several exceptions as some of the games have higher resolution and some can’t be upscaled to 4K. The Analogue 3D guarantees it will capture the “depth, texture, and warmth” through ultra-fine scanlines and a stimulated phosphor glow, which tube TVs are known for.
The announcement comes at an exciting time for new video game hardware. Sony is set to launch the PS5 Pro, and Nintendo is gearing up to unveil a new console, along with a $99 alarm clock.
What’s New in the 4K remake of the Nintendo 64 Console?
The Analogue 3D is the only third-party console in the market which is compatible with real game cartridges. Analogue has said, “The creation of 3D was particularly challenging because of the designs of the N64 games developed at that time.” The company also said that 100% compatibility has not been achieved by any emulation. Even the Nintendo Switch ran into graphical bugs and issues after the re-release of N64 games.
Similar to the Nintendo Switch, Analogue Pocket is a docking station that can run games on television via HDMI. The Analogue Pocket often sells out quickly, and its limited edition colorways occasionally appear on eBay at high prices. Some fans have criticized the company’s strategy of releasing limited editions and using it as a tactic to encourage repeat purchases.
Despite the criticism, the Analogue 3D is an exciting step forward for cartridge-based gaming, and a even better step backward towards nostalgia of days spent gaming in the past.
