Analogue, the hardware company known for creating sleek and modern takes on classic game consoles and handhelds, has announced that its next project will be a modern spin on Nintendo's iconic 64-bit era console.
The Analogue 3D is essentially the most advanced version of the Nintendo 64, featuring 4K resolution, which Analogue's Christoper Taber says allowed the company "to create incomprehensibly profound Original Display Modes." Analogue 3D will also include support for wireless Bluetooth and include four original-style controller ports, meaning you can dust off your wired N64 controllers and play your favorite N64 games the old fashion way.
The company confirmed that it has partnered with gaming peripheral maker 8BitDo to make a wireless controller for the console. Unfortunately, Analogue did not share a full look at the console or controller. However, it provided teaser images for both products, which you can check out in the gallery below.
As expected, the Analogue 3D will feature 100% compatibility for every N64 cartridge, regardless of region, but it will not play copyrighted ROM files. Nor will the device include support for OpenFPGA, a software available on the Analogue Pocket that was designed to "preserve video game history."
The announcement is a pleasant surprise from Analogue, who previously made modern takes on the SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy. The Nintendo 64 was a beloved console when it was released back in 1996. While Nintendo has never made a miniature-style console akin to the NES and SNES Classic, the company did announce Switch Online + Expansion Pack, allowing players to play from a catalog emulated N64 games such as Star Fox 64 and Pokemon Stadium.
Nevertheless, there has been no modern device that would allow Nintendo fans to dust off and play their favorite N64 game cartridges natively, with the only other option to play the N64 games on a CRT TV or find an HDMI adapter compatible with the N64 console.
Analogue 3D is launching sometime next year.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
