The Analogue 3D is a new console that will be able to play Nintendo 64 games in 4K resolution. It is being made by Analogue, the same company that created the Analogue Pocket, a high-quality handheld gaming system that can play cartridges from the Game Boy, Sega Game Gear and other retro systems.
The Analogue 3D will use an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) chip to accurately emulate the hardware of the Nintendo 64, the last great cartridge-based home console that was released in 1996.
The FPGA chip will allow the Analogue 3D to replicate all of the specific quirks of the original console, making games look and run like they would have on the Nintendo 64 without any performance problems or rendering inaccuracies.
The Analogue 3D will also feature four controller ports with the same design as the original console, so you can hook up any vintage or modern controllers you want. It will also support wireless controllers via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth.
One of the wireless controllers will be made by 8BitDo, a company that has collaborated with Analogue on its previous retro consoles. The controller will have a more conventional two-handled design than the original Nintendo 64 controller, which has a unique three-legged shape.
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How Will the Analogue 3D Output Games in 4K?
The Analogue 3D will output games in 4K resolution over HDMI, so you can connect it to modern TV sets. However, it will also offer video filters that can make the output look more like what you would have seen from an original Nintendo 64 connected to an older TV set.
The console will support “Original Display Modes” plus “reference quality recreations of specific model CRTs and PVMs” (cathode ray tube and professional video monitor). These filters will add some softness and scanlines to the image, which can enhance the low-polygon character models and low-resolution textures of Nintendo 64 games.
A brand new Nintendo 64 console is on the way:
A brand new Nintendo 64 console is on the way – what N64 classic would you like to replay at 4K? https://t.co/A6M2Uuq6VL
— GamesRadar+ (@GamesRadar) October 17, 2023
What Games Will the Analogue 3D Be Able to Play?
The Analogue 3D will be able to play original Nintendo 64 cartridges from any region, as it will have a region-free cartridge slot. This means you can enjoy games from North America, Japan, Europe and other parts of the world on the same console.
The Nintendo 64 has a library of over 300 games, many of which are considered classics by fans and critics alike. Some of the most popular titles include Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., Banjo-Kazooie, Star Fox 64 and many more.
When Will the Analogue 3D Be Released and How Much Will It Cost?
Analogue has not revealed a specific release date or price for the Analogue 3D yet, but it has said that it will launch sometime in 2024. Based on its previous consoles, such as the Analogue Pocket and the Analogue Super Nt, we can expect the Analogue 3D to be a premium product that will cost several hundred dollars.
Analogue has also not shown the full design of the console or the controller yet, but it has teased both in dimly lit images on its website. The console seems to have a rounded shape with some vents on top, while the controller looks similar to an Xbox or PlayStation controller with an analogue stick on the left side.
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Why is the Analogue 3D Exciting for Retro Gamers?
The Analogue 3D is exciting for retro gamers because it will offer a way to play Nintendo 64 games on modern TVs with improved graphics and sound quality. It will also preserve the authenticity and accuracy of the original console’s hardware and software, which can be lost or altered by emulation or other methods.
The Analogue 3D is also exciting because it will be one of the few official ways to play Nintendo 64 games in this era. Nintendo has not released a mini version of its classic console as it did with the NES and SNES Classic Editions. It has also not added any Nintendo 64 games to its online service for Switch subscribers. The only way to play Nintendo 64 games legally on current platforms is to buy them from the Wii U Virtual Console, which has a limited selection and does not support HDMI output.
The Analogue 3D will fill this gap by offering a modern and high-quality solution for Nintendo 64 fans who want to revisit their favourite games or discover new ones. It will also appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation of Analogue’s products.