The Analogue 3D finally launched late last year with four controller ports on the front supporting the N64’s original wired gamepads. If you wanted to go wireless, your best option was the 8BitDo 64 which offered a similar button and joystick layout as the N64’s original controllers, but with a modernized design. For a more authentic but conveniently wireless N64 experience, Analogue has released an update for the 3D today that adds support for Nintendo’s modernized N64 controller.
Nintendo’s wireless controller was announced in 2021 alongside N64 games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online platform. Coming from Nintendo it’s about as accurate a recreation of the N64’s original hardware as you can find, but at $54.99 it’s more expensive than the $39.99 8BitDo 64, and it can only be purchased if you’re already subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The only way to get a more authentic wireless N64 controller is to upgrade the original wired versions using 8BitDo’s $39.99 Mod Kit.
The Analogue 3D version 1.2.0 firmware update is available for download now through the company’s website and can be installed by either copying it to the console’s memory card, or connecting the 3D to a PC with a USB-C cable. Other improvements include fixes for compatibility issues with some 4K displays and switches and audio clipping problems. The Analogue 3D’s Library will also now remember when a game has been added to your collection and will track your total play time for each title.
