As a die-hard N64 fan, I try to stay positive about the OG N64 controller. It's an iconic pad, that much is clear to any retro gamer, but the ache you get from wielding the claw hand while using it is incredibly painful. I've always resorted to the Retro Fighters Brawler64 as it's a lot more ergonomically pleasing and easier to hold. Ditching the wire also helps too - it's the controller we deserved back in the 90s, and now Retro Fighters have gone one step further and given it a professional edge.
The Brawler64 controller is the remote that RF started with back in the day, and now they've gone full circle with the Brawler64 Pro, streamlining the design and bringing lag-optimized 2.4GHz wireless gameplay to the table. You can also play via wired USB mode for a super-low-latency 1000Hz polling rate.
The Brawler64 Pro controller boasts a Hall Effect joystick paired with an eight-way notched gate, giving you that same classic feel and gaming precision from the original with the durability you've come to expect from modern controllers. You'll be able to play from 30 feet away from your console and feel part of the action thanks to the integrated adjustable rumble. In terms of design, it's more rounded than the previous title, looking like it's taken inspiration from the Defender Pro and BattlerGC Pro controllers. Retro Fighters are creating a unified look with their controllers, and I'm not angry about it!
The controller is set to come in Classic Gray, Watermelon, Extreme Green, Turquoise, Atomic Purple, and Smoke Black. And the best part is that you can use this controller on multiple platforms, including the N64, Steam/Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, MiSTer FPGA, & PC. That means you'll be able to use this for playing original N64 games on your N64 or loading them up on the Switch via Nintendo Switch Online - how cool is that!
The controller is set to launch on Kickstarter soon, though the product page is live now for people to sign up for notifications. Retro Fighters have also stated that if their stretch goal is met, they'll release changeable faceplates for the controller so you can change your colour to suit your game or mood. Head to the official Kickstarter page for more information and to sign up to get notified when the campaign goes live!
