The Analogue 3D plays original N64 games in 4K – and it sounds like a dream come true
The Analogue 3D is a reimagining of Nintendo's beloved console
🤩 The Analogue 3D is a reimagining of the N64
😍 It can play original cartridges at 4K resolution
👏 It’s also packed with modern features like save states, Bluetooth, and WiFi
📆 The Analogue 3D is available to pre-order on October 21 for $249.99
Decades after its 1997 European release, the N64 remains my favorite console ever. Nothing else has come close, but it’s fair to say the Nintendo 64 has become harder to enjoy these days. Modern displays don’t do the console’s composite 480p output any favors, but the Analogue 3D is about to change that.
Dubbed as a “reimagining of the N64”, the Analogue 3D plays original cartridges in 4K resolution. That’s a 10x increase over 480p. And there’s so much more.
The Analogue 3D is region-free so you can play N64 games from any territory; it’s equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth support (hello, wireless controllers); and doesn’t rely on any emulation whatsoever. You hear that, Nintendo?
If that wasn’t enough, the Analogue 3D includes original display modes that transform your HDTV into a convincing CRT display. That’s crucial, as developers designed games around the limitations and quirks of CRT TVs, which are harshly exposed by modern flat-panel displays.
The console also retains the N64’s signature four-player controller ports, allowing you to relive the glory days of multiplayer gaming. Grab three friends and your original controllers, pop in GoldenEye 007, WWF No Mercy, or Mario Tennis, and prepare for hours of entertainment.
Analogue has created a custom OS for its console called “3DOS”, which lets you take screenshots, create save states, and tinker with various settings like button mapping. The company has also teamed up with 8BitDo to create a modern take on the classic N64 controller, complete with Hall Effect joysticks to combat drift. It’s sold separately for $39.99.
Analogue 3D release date
If you’re desperate to get your hands on the Analogue 3D like I am, the Analogue 3D release date is Q1 2025. That’s rather vague, but it means the console should be released between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025.
Analogue 3D price
The Analogue 3D price is $249.99, which is cheaper than expected considering the Analogue Pocket costs $219.99. Analogue told IGN that “the MSRP we achieved for Analogue 3D required… a heroic effort,” and it’s why the console doesn’t support openFPGA.
Analogue 3D: pre-order date
A 4K N64 is bound to be popular with retro enthusiasts and gamers who grew up with Nintendo’s console, so expect the Analogue 3D to sell out fast. The pre-order date is October 21, 8am PDT / 11am EDT / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST. It’s being sold exclusively from Analogue’s website.
Analogue 3D specs
Compatibility
Original N64 game cartridges
100% compatibility
Region free
Compatible with original accessories
Original style N64 cartridge slot
Expansion Pak support (built-in)
Video
4K HDMI output
NTSC & PAL Support
Lag-free, zero signal degradation
Original Display Modes (CRT & PVM models)
Variable refresh rate
8BitDo 64 Controller
$39.99 (sold separately, not included with Analogue 3D)
Compatible with Analogue 3D, Switch, Windows, Android
D-input and S-input modes
Vibration support with Analogue 3D and Switch
Turbo function
HALL-effect joystick
Features
2x USB ports / charging / wired support
SD card slot including a 16GB SD card
Dual-band WiFi with OTA wireless
3DOS updating
Bluetooth Classic and LE
4 original-style controller ports
Up to 4 players supported (wireless & wired)
8BitDo 64 Controller updating via Analogue 3D System (wired)
3DOS (4K)
220k LE Intel Cyclone 10GX
Audio
48KHz 16-bit PCM audio
Colors
Black or White
Dimensions & Weight
180mm length
230mm width
49mm height
837g
What's in the Box
Analogue 3D
HDMI Cable
USB Cable
Worldwide USB-C Power Supply [GaN, PD 3.0, 30W, 100-240v, 50/60hz, USA/JPN plug-type]
If you’ve got a soft spot for the N64, the Analogue 3D sounds like a dream come true. We’ll have to wait and see whether it delivers on its lofty promises but as a diehard Nintendo 64 fan, I’m more than a little excited.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.