ModRetro Revives the N64 Controller for New M64 Console
▼ Summary
– ModRetro is developing an upgraded Nintendo 64 remake called the M64, which will play N64 games in 4K using FPGA technology.
– The M64’s design is inspired by the original N64, featuring a curved top panel, cartridge slot, and four controller ports for original gamepads.
– The console includes an HDMI port, three USB-C ports, a microSD slot, and a power button and menu dial on the front corners.
– The M64 controllers are nearly identical to the original three-pronged design, prioritizing authenticity over modernization.
– The M64 is priced at $199 for all customers, extending the introductory pricing previously offered only to waitlist subscribers.
ModRetro is bringing back the iconic Nintendo 64 experience with its newly announced M64 console, a modern remake designed to play classic N64 games in stunning 4K resolution. Following the successful release of their Chromatic Game Boy last year, the company has now set its sights on revitalizing another beloved piece of gaming history. The M64 utilizes FPGA technology to deliver authentic gameplay, positioning it as a direct competitor to the recently launched Analogue 3D.
Founded by Palmer Luckey, who also operates a defense contractor specializing in military technology, ModRetro has been gradually unveiling details about the M64 through social media. The full design of the console, along with a faithful recreation of the N64’s distinctive three-pronged controller, has now been officially revealed. The console’s aesthetic pays clear homage to the original hardware, featuring a gently curved top panel, a cartridge slot on top, and four controller ports on the front that are fully compatible with original N64 gamepads.
The front of the M64 features a power button on one corner of the top panel and a dial labeled “Menu” on the other. While its primary function is assumed to be navigating on-screen interfaces, it remains unclear if this dial will offer any additional features. The rear panel is equipped with an HDMI port for 4K output, three USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot for expanded storage.
Official images showcase the M64 with a translucent housing available in several classic color options: green, purple, and white. Each console is paired with three color-matched controllers. While the Analogue 3D also supports original N64 controllers and partnered with 8BitDo for a modernized gamepad, ModRetro has chosen a different path. The company has prioritized authenticity, crafting a controller that is nearly identical to the original, complete with the unique three-prong design, the thumbstick positioned on the top of the middle grip, and a trigger button located directly beneath it.
In a recent social media post, Palmer Luckey shared significant pricing news. The M64 was initially offered at an introductory price of $199 for those who joined the waitlist after the announcement. Luckey has now revealed that this introductory $199 price point is being extended to all potential buyers, at least for the foreseeable future. This price matches the original Nintendo 64’s launch price from 1996, making it an attractive proposition for retro gaming enthusiasts.
(Source: The Verge)
