Following up the Game Boy-inspired Chromatic's release last year, ModRetro has finally officially revealed the design of its Nintendo 64 remake console. Similar to the recently released Analogue 3D, the M64 plays classic N64 cartridges in 4K through an FPGA chip.
Unlike traditional emulation, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices are configured to perform a specific function, in this case, replicating the Nintendo 64's hardware. This results in an experience that more closely resembles original gaming hardware.
Like the far more low-key Analogue 3D, the M64's look is inspired by Nintendo's original Nintendo 64, including its curved top, prominent controller ports (which work with the original N64's hardware), familiar cartridge slot, and power button, alongside an odd-looking dial button that's labeled "Menu." It's unclear what this dial will do beyond navigating on-screen menus, but the fact that it's so prominently placed on the console hints that it might have another purpose. The back of the M64 features an HDMI port, three USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot.
M64
- 4K Capability
- Yes
- Brand
- ModRetro
- CPU
- AMD
- Ports
- HDMI, 3 USB-C, microSD
Like the competing Analogue 3D, ModRetro's M64 aims to bring Nintendo's classic N64 into the modern era with a flashy new design, HDMI, 4K output, and more.
The M64's flashy design is undeniably eye-catching
I'm a sucker for translucent tech
The console features a translucent design in green, purple, and white, along with three color-matched controllers. The controller looks like a more modern take on the original N64 gamepad, complete with its awkwardly placed three prongs. The Analogue 3D took a different approach and worked with 8BitDo to create a more ergonomic gamepad that strays farther away from the N64 controller's traditional look.
In a post on X earlier this week, Luckey noted that the M64's pricing is still $200 (the same cost as the original N64 back in 1996), but that the cost could increase in the near future. In a follow-up X post, Luckey said that while the M64 is compatible with retro N64 cartridges, a "crazy good library of new, old, and never released titles" is on the way, similar to the Chromatic. Though you can't currently purchase the M64, you can join a wait list.
While the M64 is undeniably better looking than the Analogue 3D and also $70 cheaper, Luckey's controversial history always leaves me torn when Mod Retro announces new games or products. That said, I'm interested to see how the console compares to the Analogue 3D, and it will be interesting to see what unreleased Nintendo 64 games will make their way to the M64.