It feels like an eternity, and if you're anything like me, you are a little annoyed at how Analogue has handled the whole process of shipping us the 3D, which we paid for well over a year ago.
Some of you have cancelled your orders and are awaiting the anticipated M64 by ModRetro, and that I completely understand. ModRetro are far better at respecting their customers, and ship swiftly with none of that constant teasing BS.
But for those of you who have waited patiently, you'll likely be getting your Analogue 3D before Christmas, as pre-orders are starting to ship on the 18th November and proceed to December 1st.
This has caught me by surprise, and I have very few accessories to prepare myself, heck I don't even have a controller because this thing doesn't ship with one, so here are some recommendations to prepare for the delivery.
8BITDO 64 Wireless Controller
The Analogue 3D does not come with a controller. I know, a little ridiculous, but we move on. Analogue recommends pairing this with the new 8BITDO 64 controller that launched earlier this year, so much so that they're also selling it on their website.
But hold up right there! Analogue is selling the 8BITDO 64 controller for $39.99, but I have found it for $32 on AliExpress during their 11.11 promotion, which ends on the 19th November.
8BITDO creates some of the best, affordable controllers on the market, and this one is specifically designed with N64 controllers in mind, with 6 face buttons, and a familiar analogue stick. It's the perfect controller to partner with this console.
Book4Games N64 Cartridge Storage
Our friends over at Book4Games have created a super simple, yet highly effective way of storing your loose Nintendo 64 cartridges in a way that can be easily displayed.
They sit in a foam insert which slides into a plastic cover, making it easy to take them out when switching between games.
The cover has also been designed with some subtle nostalgic touches and can slide away neatly or be put on a shelf to show your friends and family your taste in video games.
It costs just €25 and supports a small business making cool things in the retro gaming space. They also make storage systems for other consoles! Read our full review here.
Everdrive 64 X5
If you'd rather have many of your Nintenso 64 games on one single cartridge than the Everdrive 64 X5 allows you to do so, by pulling the ROM files from your collection and inserting it via an SD card into this one singular cartridge.
It also makes a great way for exploring homebrew games too that are not available physically.
Everdrive has been around for years, is trusted and creates reliable hardware that opens up a unique way of playing your Nintendo 64 library.
Though, it's not cheap, coming in at $99 on the official KRIKZZ website or $125 on Amazon.
8BITDO Wireless Converter Kit For Original N64 Controller
Perhaps you don't want to use a modern controller and want to play your favourite Nintendo 64 games using an authentic controller in a way that doesn't require the crusty cable?
Well, 8BTIDO has your back, yet again, with a Wireless converter kit that transforms your original Nintendo 64 controller into a wireless one in just 30minutes using a quick kit.
And it is quick. I, a heavy-handed Neanderthal, did this in no time at all, so you'll be just fine.
This affordable kit starts at $24.99 and requires no soldering. It replaces the motherboard, adds in a new jall-joystick that won't snap after a few hours of gameplay and adds a 900Ah battery to give you over 12 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
It's fun to build and brings a new modern touch to the controller we hate, but secretly love.
N64 - A Visual Compendium By Bitmap Books
You will likely want to explore a wide range of new Nintendo 64 games, and though our best list recommends some of the greatest, there's nothing like holding a phyiscal book that illustrates some of the game's levels beautifully.
Bitmap Books has created a visual compendium for the Nintendo 64, going through over 150 titles that redefined the console, showcasing beautiful box art, screenshots of levels and more, all offering inspiration for games to add to your collection.
The books are incredibly high-quality, come with a beautiful slip case and will last a lifetime. It will sit perfectly next to the Analogue 3D on a rainy day.
Hopefully these reccomendations help you enjoy the console once it arrives in a few weeks. I could have made this list longer by recommending specific games to explore, but I'll leave it to you, as that's the fun part about receiving a new modern console like this!
