To our surprise some of the best N64 controllers have been released within the last few years. I know, it sounds odd right? A new N64 controller for a console that came out in 1996?
Yup. It seems many gamers out there are still playing their best N64 games on original hardware, many of them like the original controller, but there’s plenty to choose from if you’re looking for something more modern and maybe even wireless!
So, we’ve put together a list of the best N64 controllers you can buy in hopes you bring a new touch to such an incredible nostalgic console, just make sure you team these up with the best N64 HDMI cables, you’ll be amazed.
1. Brawler64 Wireless
The Brawler64 Wireless is a controller made for the N64 by Retro Fighters. We’ve been playing with this for months now and it’s one of the best N64 controllers for a good reason.
Firstly, this wireless controller is fairly affordable, coming in at around £39.99 ($49.99) and it comes with the wireless adapter so there’s no sneaky “add-ons” that you’ll need to buy, everything is ready to go straight out of the box.
The modernised N64 controller removes the classic awkward layout and replaces it with a much more comfortable aesthetic that we are all familiar with. The buttons are well placed, the DPAD large, and the anlaogue stick grippy.
On the back the trigger buttons are responsive, and a large enough size for adult hands. It comes in a wide number of different colours and a classic grey for anyone that wants to go retro. It also has over 10 hours of battery life, which can be recharged via the USB-C port.
Our only downfall with this controller when we reviewed it was that there’s a lot of travel on the analogue stick, so your thumb will be moving around a lot. But still, it’s one of our best N64 controllers. No more cables!
2. Hyperkin Admiral Wireless Controller
Hyperkin have been around for a while, creating accessories for all kinds of gamers, both retro and modern. They even reveal the Retron Sq recently which is basically a console that accepts cartridges of your best gameboy color games.
This is a wireless N64 controller that comes with a module that attaches into your controller port on your console. It has over 30ft of connectivity and it can even be used on PC, Mac and Android Smartphones.
This controller can last up to 6 hours, so not as long as the Retro Fighters controller and is charge via Micro-USB, not USB-C.
It is also compatible with original memory cards and third party memory cards. Like typical Hyperkin products, they’re usually not the best quality, but their prices are always competitive, this one comes in at $39.99, so very competitive!
3. Retro-Bit Tribute 64 (Wired)
Fancy going wired with a nod to the original design? Then the Retro-Bit Tribute 64 is the one to go for. This controller features a much slimmer, more compact nature and if you look closely, the analogue stick closely resembles the original too!
Retro-Bit went all out with this one, and although it’s wired it has some nice features. What we like is that they use some very nice, tactile buttons that are thick enough for adult fingers to press.
The arrow buttons resemble the original too, with the yellow colours and small indentations.On the back you’ll find four trigger buttons which is a bit overkill, but we’ll take it!
The cable is just 10ft long which isn’t the longest but it will do for most of us who live in caves. Overall, a neat controller with awesome retro colours. It’s priced at around $24.99 which is reasonable for a wired controller.
4. Brawler64 Wired
Just like Number 1 on our list this is the Brawler64, but instead this is their wired version. Everything that is great about the wireless, is identical to this version, but with a smaller price tag coming in at just $29.99 on their website.
The wireless versions are new, and are frequently going out of stock due to the high demand, so if you’re inpatient like us, then the wired will be with you in days.
The wire itself is over 10ft long, you have dual “Z” triggers, a comfortable form factor and a big grippy thumbstick.
If you’ve read number 1 on our list then, there’s isn’t much extra to say about this one. It’s bar far the most comfortable N64 controller on the list, and it’s cheaper!
5. Old Skool Replacement Controller
Old Skool the brand isn’t very well known, and that’s for good reason, they make pretty average products, and we’ll be honest their replacement N64 controllers are pretty average too but they’re also very cheap and resemble the original controller.
Old Skool has released this in many different colours so you can choose one that suits your console, we’ve found these for as little as $25 on Amazon.
If you want something that feels and looks like your original then this is the one to go for if you don;t want to spend a pretty penny, and perhaps have a tendancy of rage quiting.
So there you have it, a quick list going over some of the best N64 controllers for your old vintage console. All of these work with original N64’s and some even work with original N64 peripherals!
A 29 year old fella that’s had a Gameboy addiction ever since he was a child. Brandon is the founder of RetroDodo and created a YouTube channel with 240,000 subscribers dedicated to retro gaming products. He now wants to create the No.1 site to showcase the latest retro products from around the globe.
