Retro gaming enthusiasts anticipating Analogue’s reimagining of the Nintendo 64 will need to wait a bit longer. Analogue announced a delay in the release of the Analogue 3D, its FPGA-based console designed to output original Nintendo 64 games at up to 4K resolution.
The company, known for its high-end retro consoles like the Super Nt (Super Nintendo) and Mega Sg (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive), initially targeted a 2024 release for the Analogue 3D. Analogue updated their website and social media channels, to directly inform fans that the launch is postponed. Specific date is not known, but it is expected to ship sometime in 2025.
Analogue cites a need for further refinement as the reason for the delay. The company aims to deliver a polished, reference-quality experience. The complexity involved in perfectly replicating the Nintendo 64’s unique hardware architecture using FPGA technology is a significant undertaking.
The Nintendo 64, released in 1996, featured complex and, at the time, cutting-edge 3D graphics. The console’s hardware, co-designed with Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI), used a custom processor and specialized rendering techniques. This intricate design makes faithful recreation a substantial technical challenge.
FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology lies at the heart of Analogue’s approach. Unlike software emulation, which uses a general-purpose processor to mimic the behavior of another system, FPGA involves configuring a specialized chip to precisely mirror the original hardware’s circuits. This method results in near-perfect accuracy, eliminating the lag and compatibility issues often associated with software emulators.
Analogue emphasizes its commitment to accuracy. The Analogue 3D will not employ any form of software emulation. Instead, it will utilize an Intel Cyclone V FPGA chip to recreate the Nintendo 64’s hardware at the transistor level.
Beyond the hardware, the Analogue 3D promises features that enhance the original Nintendo 64 experience. The console is designed to output to modern displays via HDMI, supporting resolutions up to 4K. This allows players to experience classic games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007 with unprecedented clarity.
Analogue also focuses on preserving the feel of the original games. The Analogue 3D will feature original-style controller ports, allowing the use of authentic Nintendo 64 controllers. The console will also offer wireless controller support via Bluetooth, providing flexibility for modern setups. Additionally, Analogue has developed unique display modes to replicate the look of CRT televisions, appealing to purists who prefer the classic visual aesthetic.
The original Nintendo 64 used cartridges. Similarly, the Analogue 3D is compatible with original Nintendo 64 game cartridges. The support for the original physical media further underscores Analogue’s focus on preserving the authentic Nintendo 64.
Details on the final pricing and pre-order availability remain unannounced. With the delay, prospective buyers will need to follow Analogue’s official communication channels for updates. The delay, while disappointing to some, reflects Analogue’s dedication to a specific vision. That is making a console that delivers the classic Nintendo 64 experience with faithfulness and with visual enhancements that meets the modern 4K television displays. The Analogue 3D represents a growing trend of high-end retro gaming hardware. As classic games continue to hold cultural significance and generate nostalgia, companies are finding a market for premium products that cater to dedicated fans.
