Analogue is poised to make a significant impact in the retro gaming market with its latest offering: the Analogue 3D. This innovative console is a complete reimagining of the Nintendo 64, set to ship in early 2025 after a year of anticipation. Pre-orders will begin on October 21, with a retail price of $250.
A New Era of FPGA Emulation
At the heart of the Analogue 3D is an advanced FPGA (field programmable gate array) chip, which is designed to emulate the original N64 hardware at a level of precision not seen in previous attempts. This capability means that the console will support every official N64 cartridge released worldwide, promising no slowdown or inaccuracies—a claim that, if realized, will make the Analogue 3D the first system to achieve perfect emulation of the N64. While other FPGA and software emulators have come close, none have reached this level of fidelity.
Analogue has been a leader in recreating classic gaming systems for over a decade, starting with bespoke versions of the Neo-Geo and NES. Over the years, the company has shifted towards more accessible, yet still high-end, models that include versions of the SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy. A defining characteristic of Analogue’s approach is its commitment to using FPGA technology. Unlike traditional software emulators that depend on ROMs, Analogue’s consoles utilize FPGA cores programmed to directly replicate original hardware. This results in significantly improved accuracy and reduced input lag.
The Landscape of Retro Gaming
As FPGA technology has matured, Analogue has found itself in a unique position within the retro gaming community. The rise of open-source projects has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for retro gaming preservation, but Analogue’s products stand apart due to their user-friendliness and high-quality construction. However, the premium pricing of its consoles and limited-edition variants has led to some criticism and issues with scalping. Nevertheless, the success of the Analogue Pocket has introduced many new players to retro gaming and spurred interest in FPGA development.
Bridging the Generation Gap
While earlier generations of gaming consoles can generally be emulated without significant hurdles, the transition to fifth-generation systems like the N64 presents a range of challenges. Current FPGA projects, such as the MiSTer, have made notable progress, with many U.S. games being playable, but achieving flawless performance remains elusive.
The Analogue 3D benefits from a significant technological advantage: it employs the powerful Intel Cyclone 10GX FPGA chip, which boasts 220,000 logic elements. For context, the MiSTer project uses a Cyclone V FPGA with 110,000 logic elements. This advanced hardware equips Analogue with the flexibility needed to develop a robust emulation core capable of handling the complexities of the N64’s architecture.
Tackling N64’s Unique Challenges
One of the biggest obstacles for N64 enthusiasts is the console’s varied output resolutions, which often result in poor scaling when played on modern televisions. The N64’s games were originally designed for CRT displays, and many of them run at resolutions ranging from 320 x 240 to 640 x 480, with some titles even falling below these numbers. This creates a challenging scenario for contemporary displays, which can struggle to render these older graphics cleanly.
Analogue aims to address these issues with the 3D. It will support 4K output and variable refresh rate displays, along with compatibility for both PAL and NTSC cartridges. Furthermore, the console will feature “Original Display Modes” designed to replicate the visual characteristics of classic CRTs. These modes are not merely filters; they are sophisticated emulations that aim to capture the essence of how games looked on vintage displays.
Frame rate management is another critical aspect of N64 gaming that Analogue has sought to improve. Many titles suffer from inconsistent frame rates, often running at sluggish speeds that were less noticeable on CRTs but are jarring on modern displays. Analogue claims to have developed a solution that addresses the common bottlenecks associated with the N64’s original RAM setup, promising to run games smoothly and eliminate the slowdowns that plagued the original console.
A Modern Take on Classic Design
The Analogue 3D’s design pays homage to the iconic look of the N64 while incorporating modern touches. The console maintains a similar shape to its predecessor, but with several aesthetic updates that bring it into the 21st century. The four controller ports are seamlessly integrated into the housing, and the power and reset buttons are angled to point towards the cartridge slot, providing a sleek appearance.
On the back of the unit, users will find a USB-C power port, two USB ports for accessories, an HDMI port for video output, and a full-sized SD card slot for storage. This thoughtful design ensures that the console is not only visually appealing but also practical for modern gaming setups.
Accompanying the Analogue 3D is a new operating system called 3DOS. This system resembles a blend of the user-friendly AnalogueOS seen on the Pocket and the familiar interface of the Nintendo Switch. It features a carousel of cards on the home screen, allowing users to easily navigate through their library, manage save states, and access game screenshots.
While 3DOS will enhance the user experience, it’s important to note that the Analogue 3D will only play original cartridges. This commitment to physical media is a cornerstone of Analogue’s philosophy, emphasizing the value of authentic gaming experiences. Unlike the Analogue Pocket, which allowed for an “openFPGA” setup, the 3D will not support this feature, focusing instead on delivering a straightforward experience rooted in nostalgia.
Controller Compatibility and Accessories
The Analogue 3D will not include a controller in its package, leaving it up to players to use either their original N64 controllers or opt for modern alternatives. It supports a range of controllers through its four ports and offers Bluetooth Classic and LE support.
In a collaborative effort with accessory maker 8BitDo, Analogue has developed a new controller specifically for the 3D. This controller features an octagonal gate around the thumbstick and appropriately sized buttons for the C buttons. It also includes a built-in Rumble Pak, enhancing the gaming experience for both the Analogue 3D and the Nintendo Switch. Available in black or white to match the console, this controller is priced at $39.99.
Conclusion
The Analogue 3D represents a significant milestone in the world of retro gaming, aiming to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. With its advanced FPGA emulation, elegant design, and commitment to preserving classic gaming experiences, it has the potential to redefine how players interact with beloved titles from the N64 era. As the pre-order date approaches, excitement is palpable within the gaming community. If Analogue delivers on its promises, the 3D could very well spark a renaissance in how we preserve and celebrate gaming history.
This upcoming console is not just a product; it’s a celebration of the legacy of the Nintendo 64, offering a new generation of gamers the chance to experience these classic titles in a way that’s never been done before. The combination of high-quality emulation, modern enhancements, and a focus on original media makes the Analogue 3D an exciting prospect for both nostalgic players and newcomers alike. With its impending release, the Analogue 3D stands to leave a lasting mark on the retro gaming landscape.
