Get ready to revisit the golden age of gaming, as Analogue’s highly anticipated Nintendo 64 console, the Analogue 3D, is finally taking shape. However, fans will have to wait a little longer, as the company has announced a delay in its release. Originally scheduled for a 2024 launch, the Analogue 3D is now slated to hit shelves in the first quarter of 2025.
To tide over the eager fans, Analogue has unveiled the first images of the console, giving us a taste of its sleek and modern design. The console will come in two classic color options, black and white, and will retail for $250. Preorders for the Analogue 3D will commence on October 21st at 8 a.m. PT on the Analogue website.
While the console itself will be available, keep in mind that it doesn’t include a controller. However, Analogue has partnered with 8BitDo to create a Bluetooth N64 controller specifically for the console, which can be purchased separately for $40.
Analogue has a history of creating meticulously crafted hardware emulators that deliver a truly authentic retro gaming experience. They’ve already released a range of emulators, including the Analogue Pocket for Game Boy and the Analogue Duo for TurboGrafx. The core of their technology lies in their use of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips, which act as a blank slate for recreating other hardware. This unique approach allows for direct emulation on the chip, eliminating software-based emulators and resulting in seamless gameplay.
The Analogue 3D, however, posed a significant challenge for the company. They spent approximately four years meticulously engineering the console to ensure perfect accuracy and eliminate any input lag. N64 emulation is notoriously difficult, but Analogue claims the 3D will offer “100% compatibility,” promising a faithful recreation of the original N64 experience. This means you can plug in any of your classic N64 cartridges and enjoy your favorite games without any compromise.
One of the key challenges with N64 emulation is the importance of a CRT display for accurately reproducing the graphics. While the Analogue 3D will output video in 4K resolution, it will also feature Original Display Modes, allowing users to recreate the look and feel of a CRT display on modern TVs.
Furthermore, Analogue has announced a significant change to its operating system, Analogue OS. It will now be split into product-specific operating systems. The Analogue 3D will run on 3DOS, while the Pocket will operate with PocketOS, and so on. 3DOS, specifically designed for the Analogue 3D, will function similarly to previous OS versions. When you plug in your console or controller, you’ll gain access to firmware updates and have the ability to install additional software.
The delay in the release of the Analogue 3D might disappoint some, but the company’s commitment to delivering an authentic and flawless N64 experience is evident. The wait will surely be worth it for those eager to relive the glory days of Nintendo 64, with the promise of 100% compatibility, a sleek new design, and a dedicated operating system.