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Analogue 3D: Two-minute review
The Analogue 3D is finally here, and it’s one of the best retro games consoles accessible in the marketplace. After multiple delays and what felt like an extended wait than these excruciating Christmas Eve sleeps as a child, Analogue’s tackle the enduring Nintendo 64 is in my palms, and I’ve been testing it completely during the last couple of weeks.
Analogue’s approach to hardware is one of true love for nostalgia, allowing gamers to recreate the memories of their youth by playing original cartridges in 4K by way of an FPGA chip. This means the 3D is for the true fanatic, somebody who has a group of N64 video games and needs to expertise their childhood in the easiest way attainable.
Build high quality is superb, as you’d count on from the corporate that created the Analogue Pocket, and the console works with unique N64 controllers in addition to 8bitdo’s fashionable 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 essentially the most genuine recreation of the console of their youth on one of many best OLED TVs. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless an N64, so should you don’t have a bodily assortment or don’t have the required nostalgia to really take pleasure in these usually dated video games, chances are you’ll need to go for a special period of retro gaming as an alternative.
Analogue 3D: Price and availability
- List price: $249.99 / £190 / $AU 385
- Comes in two colors (white and black)
- Currently sold out
The Analogue 3D is now shipping via analogue.co. The 3D first went on preorder in October 2024, and whereas it’s now accessible, it’s at present offered out on the Analogue web site.
You should purchase 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 The 3D has no controller within the field, and whereas you need to use any of your outdated N64 controllers, third-party firm 8bitdo’s 64 controller is on the market for $39.99 / £32 in black and white by way of Amazon.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
|
Price |
$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 kind |
USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, SD card |
|
Battery life |
N/A |
|
Features |
HDMI Out 4K decision, trustworthy CRT recreation for contemporary TVs, 100% compatibility with unique N64 cartridges |
|
Software |
Native OS |
Analogue 3D: Design and options
- Plastic however sturdy enclosure
- Looks elegant beneath your TV
- The finest solution to play N64 cartridges
The Analogue 3D is attractive, similar to the opposite merchandise within the firm’s repertoire. It feels just like the N64 grew up, and whereas some folks can be ready patiently for restricted version colour 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.
Instead, 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 fashionable consoles somewhat than protruding as a relic – this positively passes the “Can I put this in the living room?” spouse check.
The end jogs my memory of high-end audio gear, with strains which might be clear, delicate edges, and a colour 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 baby.
Around 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 unique N64 controller ports that gentle up satisfyingly while you join a Bluetooth controller.
The Analogue 3D gives all the things you want for a contemporary N64 expertise with out litter or further converters. The console performs your unique cartridges utilizing FPGA {hardware}, which suggests no emulation and no guesswork. What you’re seeing is successfully the true {hardware} recreated with jaw-dropping accuracy.
The menu interface is easy 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, nevertheless, that save states usually are not accessible but on the Analogue 3D, and we’re unsure when they are going to be. On my Analogue Pocket, the save state function is one among my favourite components of the gadget, and Analogue even confirmed the function on the 3D in its advertising. Hopefully, save states can be accessible quickly, and I’ll make sure that to replace the evaluation as quickly as they’re.
Support for unique controllers is a big win, and whereas I did not check one myself, I can think about the impracticality of the unique thumb stick would add to the allure of the 3D expertise. Modern controllers work very effectively, and pairing them takes seconds. The system robotically detects what’s linked, so you’ll be able to leap straight right into a sport, however I’d suggest ready for 8bitdo’s gray variant, which has coloured buttons, because the all black N64 controller confused me at instances.
Analogue 3D: Performance
- Faithful FPGA {hardware} emulation of N64 video games
- 4K picture high quality with attractive CRT filters
- 100% cartridge compatibility
This is the place the Analogue 3D earns its price ticket. Playing N64 video games on FPGA {hardware} is a totally completely different expertise to emulation, and fairly actually the easiest way to expertise your favourite video games from the late 90s. Everything responds immediately, with no enter lag, and it very a lot looks like a product made by Nintendo for an grownup gamer desirous to relive their youth.
I examined the console on one of many best OLED TVs, 65-inch Samsung S90D OLED, which is about as removed from a CRT as you will get. Somehow, the Analogue 3D dealt with it with out exposing each flaw of the period. Colours regarded vibrant, edges have been cleaner than I’ve ever seen them on unique {hardware} and the system held up fantastically whether or not I used to be enjoying Mario 64, Mario Party 3, GoldenEye 007 and even WCW/NWO Revenge.
But be warned, this isn’t a console that transforms the visuals into one thing fashionable. It preserves all the things, flaws included, however that is the place the allure lies: it is a 4k trustworthy restoration of the N64 and for those who love the awkward console, the 3D is a must-buy. Combined with Analogue’s attractive filters which the corporate calls “a museum-grade restoration of analogue gaming’s most beautiful display technology”, the 3D actually cements itself as the easiest way 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 (even though’s not really helpful). In the field Analogue gives some foam pads to assist clear the pins of your N64 cartridges, which is a stunning addition in case you are having compatibility points.
Image high quality on the 3D actually shines, however once more, should you’re anticipating to see an N64 sport with fashionable graphics, you may be upset.
Polygon edges look cleaner, the scaling is clean, and the entire picture feels extra secure than the unique {hardware} ever managed. My Samsung S90D OLED made colors pop with out turning all the things into neon, and brightness ranges have been dealt with effectively sufficient that nothing felt washed out or overly crushed.
Like I discussed above, Analogue features a handful of optionally available filters. Adding gentle scanlines gave Mario 64 a nostalgic softness, whereas GoldenEye 007 benefited from a cleaner look with out something layered excessive. You also can modify facet ratio, take away overscan, and tweak settings relying on the sport.
This is pretty much as good as N64 video games are ever going to look with out utterly remaking them, however the {hardware} can’t conceal the truth that some textures are muddy and a few 3D fashions are… effectively… horrible. That mentioned, the 3D does make these video games look sharper, extra constant, and extra nice to revisit.
Analogue has executed a superb job with compatibility, with the corporate claiming 100% compatibility for the primary time ever. In my testing, all the things labored flawlessly, though I haven’t got essentially the most intensive N64 catalog. Mario 64, Mario Party 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 assist varies relying on mannequin, and it is impossible that Analogue will formally endorse flash carts. So should you plan to make use of a single cartridge for all of your video games, then I recommend doing all your homework earlier than shopping for a 3D.
After utilizing the 3D for a number of 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 suggest than, say, the Analogue Pocket or the Modretro Chromatic, for instance. That may be due to my very own private nostalgia for the Game Boy period, however I believe it is 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 effectively. These video games are enjoyable, iconic, and traditionally essential, however the leap 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 bear in mind.
If you don’t have nostalgia for these video games, the Analogue 3D received’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 GameDice may be a greater retro funding, and I believe sticking to the N64 library on Nintendo Switch Online would most likely meet your wants.
Should you buy the Analogue 3D
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider…
If you’re still not entirely sold on the Analogue 3D then check out these excellent similar products for comparison and consideration.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Analogue 3D |
Nintendo Switch 2 |
Nintendo Switch OLED |
|
Price |
$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 Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch Online (N64, SNES, etc) |
Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch Online (N64, SNES, etc) |
|
Connection type |
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, depending on usage |
|
Features |
4k output, VRR, Lag free, zero signal degradation, NTSC & PAL Support, museum-quality filter accuracy to recreate CRT |
8-inch OLED multi-touch display (1080p resolution), 256GB internal storage, improved stereo speakers, next-gen dock with 4K output and integrated LAN port, reinforced adjustable kickstand |
7.0-inch OLED multi-touch screen (1280×720 resolution), 64GB internal storage, stereo speakers, enhanced dock with built-in LAN port, adjustable wide kickstand |
|
Software |
Analogue 3Dos, can play official Nintendo 64 cartidges |
Runs all Nintendo Switch 2 games, access to Nintendo eShop and online services |
Runs all Nintendo Switch games, access to Nintendo eShop and online services |
How I tested the Analogue 3D
- Tested for 2 weeks
- Compared it directly to the experience on Nintendo Switch Online
- Tested across game types
I’ve used the Analogue 3D for the past few weeks, and it has become my main way to play Nintendo 64 games at home.
I’ve tested the console with all of my original cartridges, including Mario 64, Mario Party 3, GoldenEye 007 and WCW/NWO Revenge.
Every game was played on my Samsung S90D OLED TV, so I could properly judge the image quality and performance on a modern display. I tried all of Analogue’s display filters as well as overclocking the hardware via the built-in menu.
First examined November 2025