8BitDo have been on a roll this year, launching an array of products that continues to excite retro gamers, one of my favourite releases being the Retro Mechanical Keyboard, but that could change as they have just revealed the 8BitDo 64 controller designed with inspiration from the Nintendo 64.
It was only a matter of time before 8BitDo launched this beast, but they timed it well by collaborating with Analogue on the announcement of their Analogue3D, a Nintendo 64 remake that goes on sale on the 21st October, the same time as this controller by 8BitDo.
Typically Analogue do not package controllers with their consoles, and they have followed that rule with the Analogue3D, but customers will have the opportunity to purchase this controller alongside the purchase of the console, in a choice of black or white.
This controller revives the classic Nintendo 64 layout by featuring the larger buttons, the circular gripped analogue stick and a strong yet flexible DPAD. A and B are larger, more prominent than the C-buttons, alongside an even larger start button, featuring 8BitDo’s signature ergonomics and comfortable build quality.
There’s some minor upgrades such as a precision hall-effect joystick making the original feel like it came straight out of a Kinder Egg. It uses Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync this up to your Nintendo Switch and Analogue 3D incredibly simple. Simplicity meets nostalgia with this one and I am confident it will sell well, especially with Nintendo Switch’s Online N64 library continuing to grow.
The 8bitDo 64 controller will retail for $39.99 and pre-orders go live on the 21st October, 8AM PDT, so set your alarms.
