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Analogue 3D: Two-minute evaluate
The Analogue 3D is lastly right here, and it’s top-of-the-line retro video games consoles out there in the marketplace. After a number of delays and what felt like an extended wait than these excruciating Christmas Eve sleeps as a child, Analogue’s tackle the long-lasting Nintendo 64 is in my arms, and I’ve been testing it totally during the last couple of weeks.
Analogue’s strategy to {hardware} is one among real love for nostalgia, permitting players to recreate the recollections of their youth by enjoying authentic cartridges in 4K by way of an FPGA chip. This implies the 3D is for the true fanatic, somebody who has a set of N64 video games and needs to expertise their childhood in one of the best ways attainable.
Construct high quality is great, as you’d count on from the corporate that created the Analogue Pocket, and the console works with authentic N64 controllers in addition to 8bitdo’s trendy recreation, which has been purposefully constructed to be used with the 3D.
The Analogue 3D is the quintessential Nintendo 64 expertise, and is a must-buy for these trying to play probably the most genuine recreation of the console of their youth on top-of-the-line OLED TVs. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless an N64, so when you don’t have a bodily assortment or don’t have the required nostalgia to really take pleasure in these usually dated video games, you could need to go for a special period of retro gaming as an alternative.
Analogue 3D: Worth and availability
Checklist value: $249.99 / £190 / $AU 385
Is available in two colours (white and black)
At present bought out
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Analogue 3D is now delivery by way of analogue.co. The 3D first went on preorder in October 2024, and whereas it’s now out there, it’s at present bought out on the Analogue web site.
You should buy the 3D in Black or White, and within the field you’ll get an HDMI cable, USB-C for energy, and an influence adaptor. The 3D has no controller within the field, and whereas you need to use any of your previous N64 controllers, third-party firm 8bitdo’s 64 controller is accessible for $39.99 / £32 in black and white by way of Amazon.
There are additionally no video games included within the field, and no means to play titles from different consoles with cartridge adaptors, so that you’ll have to supply your individual bodily N64 cartridges.
Analogue 3D: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Worth
$249.99 / £190 / $AU385
Dimensions (H x W x L)
1.9 x 9 x 7in / 49 x 230 x 180mm
Weight
29.5oz / 837g
Compatibility
Nintendo 64
Connection sort
USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, SD card
Battery life
N/A
Options
HDMI Out 4K decision, trustworthy CRT recreation for contemporary TVs, 100% compatibility with authentic N64 cartridges
Software program
Native OS
Analogue 3D: Design and options
Plastic however sturdy enclosure
Seems to be elegant below your TV
One of the simplest ways to play N64 cartridges
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Analogue 3D is beautiful, identical to the opposite merchandise within the firm’s repertoire. It feels just like the N64 grew up, and whereas some folks will likely be ready patiently for restricted version coloration choices, I’m a giant fan of the black and white choices right here. There’s no toy-like plastic, no rattling components, and no leftover design weirdness from the late 90s.
As an alternative, Analogue has constructed a console that feels dense and premium whereas trying nice on a shelf and even higher beneath a TV, the place it blends in with trendy consoles reasonably than protruding as a relic – this positively passes the “Can I put this in the living room?” spouse take a look at.
The end jogs my memory of high-end audio gear, with traces which can be clear, delicate edges, and a coloration palette that’s understated with out dropping character. Even the cartridge slot has a satisfying firmness, and inserting a cartridge has that superior “thunk” you used to like as a toddler.
Across the again, you get HDMI out, USB-C for energy, two USB-A, and an SD card slot pre-installed with a 16GB card for storing screenshots, firmware, and all the opposite OS data. On the entrance are 4 authentic N64 controller ports that gentle up satisfyingly while you join a Bluetooth controller.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Analogue 3D gives all the pieces you want for a contemporary N64 expertise with out muddle or further converters. The console performs your authentic cartridges utilizing FPGA {hardware}, which implies no emulation and no guesswork. What you’re seeing is successfully the actual {hardware} recreated with jaw-dropping accuracy.
The menu interface is straightforward in the absolute best manner. With the faucet of a button, you’ll be able to tweak video settings, swap filters, and overclock the efficiency to try to beat the abysmal framerates of the unique N64. It’s clear, responsive and takes seconds to navigate.
It’s value noting, nonetheless, that save states usually are not out there but on the Analogue 3D, and we’re undecided when they are going to be. On my Analogue Pocket, the save state function is one among my favourite components of the system, and Analogue even confirmed the function on the 3D in its advertising and marketing. Hopefully, save states will likely be out there quickly, and I’ll make certain to replace the evaluate as quickly as they’re.
Assist for authentic controllers is a large win, and whereas I didn’t take a look at one myself, I can think about the impracticality of the unique thumb stick would add to the appeal of the 3D expertise. Fashionable controllers work very nicely, and pairing them takes seconds. The system mechanically detects what’s related, so you’ll be able to soar straight right into a sport, however I’d advocate ready for 8bitdo’s gray variant, which has coloured buttons, because the all black N64 controller confused me at instances.
Analogue 3D: Efficiency
Trustworthy FPGA {hardware} emulation of N64 video games
4K picture high quality with beautiful CRT filters
100% cartridge compatibility
That is the place the Analogue 3D earns its price ticket. Enjoying N64 video games on FPGA {hardware} is a totally totally different expertise to emulation, and fairly actually one of the best ways to expertise your favourite video games from the late 90s. Every thing responds immediately, with no enter lag, and it very a lot appears like a product made by Nintendo for an grownup gamer desirous to relive their youth.
I examined the console on top-of-the-line OLED TVs, 65-inch Samsung S90D OLED, which is about as removed from a CRT as you may get. In some way, the Analogue 3D dealt with it with out exposing each flaw of the period. Colors seemed vibrant, edges had been cleaner than I’ve ever seen them on authentic {hardware} and the system held up fantastically whether or not I used to be enjoying Mario 64, Mario Celebration 3, GoldenEye 007 and even WCW/NWO Revenge.
However be warned, this isn’t a console that transforms the visuals into one thing trendy. It preserves all the pieces, flaws included, however that’s the place the appeal lies: it’s a 4k trustworthy restoration of the N64 and for those who love the awkward console, the 3D is a must-buy. Mixed with Analogue’s beautiful filters which the corporate calls “a museum-grade restoration of analogue gaming’s most beautiful display technology”, the 3D really cements itself as one of the best ways to play N64 on a contemporary TV.
There have been a few moments the place cartridges wanted a second insertion to register correctly, and naturally, I discovered myself blowing cartridges (although’s not advisable). Within the field Analogue gives some foam pads to assist clear the pins of your N64 cartridges, which is a beautiful addition in case you’re having compatibility points.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Picture high quality on the 3D actually shines, however once more, when you’re anticipating to see an N64 sport with trendy graphics, you’ll be dissatisfied.
Polygon edges look cleaner, the scaling is easy, and the entire picture feels extra steady than the unique {hardware} ever managed. My Samsung S90D OLED made colors pop with out turning all the pieces into neon, and brightness ranges had been dealt with nicely sufficient that nothing felt washed out or overly crushed.
Like I discussed above, Analogue features a handful of non-obligatory filters. Including gentle scanlines gave Mario 64 a nostalgic softness, whereas GoldenEye 007 benefited from a cleaner look with out something layered excessive. It’s also possible to regulate facet ratio, take away overscan, and tweak settings relying on the sport.
That is pretty much as good as N64 video games are ever going to look with out fully remaking them, however the {hardware} can’t cover the truth that some textures are muddy and a few 3D fashions are… nicely… horrible. That mentioned, the 3D does make these video games look sharper, extra constant, and extra nice to revisit.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Analogue has executed a wonderful job with compatibility, with the corporate claiming 100% compatibility for the primary time ever. In my testing, all the pieces labored flawlessly, though I don’t have probably the most in depth N64 catalog. Mario 64, Mario Celebration 3, GoldenEye 007 and WCW/NWO Revenge all labored precisely as I remembered them, quirks and all.
I’ve seen posts on-line from different reviewers stating EverDrive help varies relying on mannequin, and it’s impossible that Analogue will formally endorse flash carts. So when you plan to make use of a single cartridge for all of your video games, then I counsel doing all of your homework earlier than shopping for a 3D.
(Picture credit score: Future)
After utilizing the 3D for just a few weeks, I’m shocked by my expertise. As somebody who loves retro gaming and actually appreciates what the corporate does for sport preservation, I discover this product manner tougher to advocate than, say, the Analogue Pocket or the Modretro Chromatic, for instance. That could be due to my very own private nostalgia for the Sport Boy period, however I feel it’s extra to do with the truth that the N64 has aged very poorly in comparison with even older video games like these discovered on the SNES.
The Analogue 3D is a exceptional piece of {hardware}, however the N64 library itself hasn’t aged nicely. These video games are enjoyable, iconic, and traditionally essential, however the soar from 2D to 3D was messy, and it reveals. Textures are blurry, controls can really feel floaty, and body charges dip greater than you would possibly keep in mind.
Should you don’t have nostalgia for these video games, the Analogue 3D gained’t magically convert you. It’s very a lot a time machine for individuals who grew up within the late 90s and nonetheless really feel emotional watching the boot emblem seem on display screen.
If that’s you, the console is magic. If not, a SNES or GameCube could be a greater retro funding, and I feel sticking to the N64 library on Nintendo Change On-line would in all probability meet your wants.
Must you purchase the Analogue 3D
Purchase it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Additionally contemplate…
Should you’re nonetheless not completely bought on the Analogue 3D then take a look at these glorious related merchandise for comparability and consideration.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 – Cell 0
Analogue 3D
Nintendo Change 2
Nintendo Change OLED
Worth
$249.99 / £190 / $AU385
$429.99 / £395.99 / $AU699.95
$349.99 / £309.99 / $AU539.95
Dimensions
1.9 x 9 x 7in / 49 x 230 x 180mm
10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm
4 x 9.5 x 0.5in / 10 x 2.4 x 1.4cm
Weight
29.5oz / 837g
18.8oz / 535g
14.88oz / 421.84g
Compatibility
Nintendo 64 cartridges
Nintendo Change 2 / Nintendo Change / Nintendo Change On-line (N64, SNES, and so on)
Nintendo Change / Nintendo Change On-line (N64, SNES, and so on)
Connection sort
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI output
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI output (in TV mode)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI output (in TV mode)
Battery life
N/A
2-5 hours
4.5 to 9 hours, relying on utilization
Options
4k output, VRR, Lag free, zero sign degradation, NTSC & PAL Assist, museum-quality filter accuracy to recreate CRT
8-inch OLED multi-touch show (1080p decision), 256GB inside storage, improved stereo audio system, next-gen dock with 4K output and built-in LAN port, strengthened adjustable kickstand
7.0-inch OLED multi-touch display screen (1280×720 decision), 64GB inside storage, stereo audio system, enhanced dock with built-in LAN port, adjustable broad kickstand
Software program
Analogue 3Dos, can play official Nintendo 64 cartidges
Runs all Nintendo Change 2 video games, entry to Nintendo eShop and on-line providers
Runs all Nintendo Change video games, entry to Nintendo eShop and on-line providers
How I examined the Analogue 3D
Examined for two weeks
In contrast it on to the expertise on Nintendo Change On-line
Examined throughout sport sorts
I’ve used the Analogue 3D for the previous few weeks, and it has develop into my essential approach to play Nintendo 64 video games at dwelling.
I’ve examined the console with all of my authentic cartridges, together with Mario 64, Mario Celebration 3, GoldenEye 007 and WCW/NWO Revenge.
Each sport was performed on my Samsung S90D OLED TV, so I might correctly choose the picture high quality and efficiency on a contemporary show. I attempted all of Analogue’s show filters in addition to overclocking the {hardware} by way of the built-in menu.
First examined November 2025
Analogue 3D: Worth Comparability
