Unlike watching old movies in high-def, which is a ubiquitous occurrence in today’s world, playing old video games has always seemed to be a lesson in complacency.
A system like Nintendo 64 may have been the focal point of many late nights and long Friday afternoon get-togethers during our childhood, but it never really looked great. Trips down Nostalgia Lane today may or may not come with a bleak reality check that, regardless of how fun the games were, they never looked very good. And now, with larger screens, the video output is much more noticeable than it was on our old CRTs.
That all changes with Analogue’s 3D, a Nintendo 64-based console with 4K graphics — yes, 4K! This wildly upscales the 240p resolution of the 1996 system (ironically from the same year the DVD arrived) and will likely be shocking to anyone super familiar with the original graphics.
A Long Time Coming
Announced earlier this year, the 3D console now gets some imagery. Available in black or bone white shells, the unit won’t come with any games but will be 100% compatible with any of your old N64 cartridges — the first time this has ever been the case with a recreation system. And with its set of display modes, it aims to capture the essence of CRT reference-quality images with the warmth and tone of your old TVs.
According to the product page, there will be “no more incompatibilities found in software emulation like input lag, graphic/audio inaccuracies, timing/frame rate issues, and more.” A result of four years of engineering, the 3D sounds about as perfect as any recreation system has ever been.
Other Features
Like the original, the 3D will feature four controller ports but will also have a pair of USB ports, a port for your SD card, and Bluetooth support. While it won’t come with its own controller, the unit is compatible with your old N64 controllers or even third-party options such as the superb one that 8bitdo’s put out, which Analogue has used for its promo photos.
Spec Sheet
Output: 4K HDMI
Region: Region free
Dimensions: 7” x 9” x 2”
Weight: 29.5oz
Release Date: Q1 2025
Pricing & Availability
While the system doesn’t arrive until early next year, pre-orders for the Nintendo 64-based 3D console will begin on October 21 for $250. Head over to Analogue’s website to learn more.
Recap
Analogue 3D Nintendo 64 System
Analogue makes easily the best recreation system ever with the 3D, bringing 4K resolution to the notoriously blurry Nintendo 64 games and 100% compatibility with your old cartridges.
