Analogue, a gaming hardware company, is set to release the Analogue 3D console in the first quarter of 2025 for $250. The console is designed to play Nintendo 64 cartridges at 4K resolution, a significant improvement over the original hardware. The Analogue 3D uses an FPGA chip to achieve 100% game compatibility, unlike software emulation. It also features Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and four controller ports for multiplayer gaming. The console is compatible with modern controllers, such as the 8BitDo 64 controller.
Analogue has a history of releasing retro consoles with modern upgrades, starting with the Analogue NT for NES and Famicon cartridges. The company gained mainstream appeal with the release of the Analogue Pocket in 2021, a handheld device capable of playing multiple retro game cartridges on a modern LCD display. The Analogue Pocket consistently sells out due to its popularity among retro gaming enthusiasts. However, some fans have criticized Analogue for its limited edition drops strategy, which can lead to inflated prices on resale markets like eBay.
The Analogue 3D is the only third-party N64 console on the market that works with actual game cartridges. Analogue faced challenges in achieving 100% compatibility with N64 games due to the console’s unique development at the time. The company claims to have overcome these challenges and offers a solution that eliminates graphical bugs and other issues commonly encountered on emulators. While the original N64 controller is not included with the Analogue 3D, fans can use their existing controllers or purchase the 8BitDo 64 controller for $40.
Analogue emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original CRT look for N64 games, as modern displays can make older games appear blocky due to their lower resolutions. To address this, the Analogue 3D offers filters that mimic the original CRT display, creating a softer and warmer look reminiscent of older televisions. The company’s “Original Display Modes” aim to recreate the warmth, depth, and texture of CRT displays, providing a nostalgic gaming experience for fans of retro consoles.
Preorders for the Analogue 3D will go live on October 21, 2025, at 8 a.m. PT. The console’s release in 2025 marks a significant step in preserving and modernizing classic gaming experiences for a new generation of players. With its advanced technology and commitment to game compatibility, the Analogue 3D is poised to become a popular choice among retro gaming enthusiasts who want to play N64 games at 4K resolution. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Analogue’s dedication to reviving classic consoles with modern enhancements sets a standard for preserving gaming history while adapting to contemporary technology.
