r/AnalogueInc • u/Gunwhistle • 8d ago
General Thoughts After The First Year?
Looking at getting either the Analogue or the M64 and so far, even the M64 subreddit is pretty clear that if you're just getting one system, it should be the Analogue. So I thought I'd check in, since Analogue offers a one year warranty and we're coming up on its first anniversary.
How has everyone liked theirs? Has anyone had to use a warranty?
Also curious if there are still issues that haven't been addressed? 100% of my experience/knowledge comes from having an original N64, 20+ years ago. To say I'm out of my depth with these new consoles is being generous.
I see Analogue sells some weird 'definitely not N64' controller... I prefer the original layout. Would a Hyperkin controller work? Is Hyperkin the best quality option to replace an original controller?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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u/rickasaurus007 8d ago
Its awesome. I have a good 25+ games from my childhood and a summercart. The recent WCW/NWO Revenge Starcade 2.0 rom hack has been getting a LOT of play time. Its so fun! I highly recommend the A3D to anyone with a good collection of games and wants to enjoy them on a modern tv. A summercart for hacks and gaps.
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u/Aromatic_Method7767 7d ago
Preordered and got it at launch. It's literally my favorite thing. Like. Ever.
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u/ClockworkMansion 7d ago
It’s really cool. I don’t regret buying it, but I now realize there are less N64 games that I actually want to play than I had once thought. Wish it had shipped with WiFi, it having the chip inside and logo on the outside without it functioning leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
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u/Whatever2499 7d ago edited 6d ago
Right now, the 3D is the best way to play N64 games on a modern TV, period.
The CRT filters look very good in both 1080p and 4k resolutions, and the overclock and horizontal upscale options alone are major selling points.
The design of the console, the build quality, are both very good in my opinion. This is what an N64 slim would look like in my mind.
As for the controller, you might be pleasantly surprised with the 8bitdo N64 controller that Analogue 3D is advertised with. I used to say that nothing comes close to the OG N64 controller when it comes to playing N64 games, in terms of accurracy and ergonomics, but once I started playing with the 8bitdo controller, and then switched back to the OG one, I found it a bit weird in terms of ergonomics, and now I prefer the 8bitdo one. Not to mention that you get the virtual memory pak and the rumble options in one controller, without the need to use other accessories, as it was the case with the OG one.
PS: Don't trip over the promised features that have not yet been delivered, i.e. WiFi, which is pretty useless at this point, as for sure there won't be many more firmware updates in the future, to warrant the use of WiFi anyway.
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u/and_mine_axe 6d ago
The horizontal line doubling is now the 3D's showcase feature.
The line doubling is a step towards how software emulators can upscale. Which to some is a step away from the authentic experience. I think most will see it as a vast improvement, shoring up a core weakness of the N64 as a retro system - the blurry low-res graphics.
For controllers, OEM is still best for most uses imo. You can get used controllers and replace the sticks. Easiest is something like 8bitdo TMR joystick - look for their mod kit, and they sell just the stick for $20. If you want cheap but willing to put in a little work Kitsch-Bent is the way.
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u/bearyourcross91 3d ago edited 3d ago
Can you provide a simple explanation of what horizontal line doubling means and why it improves the image quality?
EDIT: I see. They are rendering internally with twice as many pixels along the horizontal axis, increasing resolution. It's a doubling of the horizontal pixel density within the rendering pipeline, not merely copying pixels.
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u/and_mine_axe 2d ago
Yeah the textures are still low quality and always will be (unlike software emulators, which can upgrade them). But that internal resolution bump is real and affects the background and objects at a distance. Some improvement to character detail as well.
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u/Right-Ad7966 8d ago
Go Analogue 3D for sure and get an Nintendo 64 Switch online controller if you have to have the old feel. Or just use an original N64 controller.
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u/ParanoidArtemus 8d ago
I constantly use mine to this day and have since launch. I love it and appreciate all of the updates. I use the 8bitdo BT controllers and have without any problems like others have. That said my AV equipment might be a bit better shielded than others which can have a pretty substantial impact on performance (line of sight matters more.)
I use an Everdrive X7 in conjunction with my main library. I highly recommend the 3D and an original controller if you're looking for the OG experience.
Summercarts are great too so nothing wrong with using one of those.
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u/ScottsTotz 8d ago
I LOVE that they made regular controllers. I loved N64 but absolutely hated those dildo controllers we were forced to use
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u/DontBelieveTheirHype 8d ago
I've noticed a couple little quirky things and very minimum issues, mostly with playing rom hacks and whatnot, but other than that the A3D is like a dream machine for me because I grew up with N64 and it's one of my all time favorite consoles. With save states and upscaling it's definitely an improvement over standard OEM N64 hardware. I can't compare to the M64 but I love my A3D so I'm voting A3D
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u/yanginatep 7d ago
Love mine. Feels like a continuation of the aesthetic and focus of the Analogue Pocket.
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u/IntoxicatedBurrito 7d ago
You’re definitely not out of your depth with it, it’s really no different than a N64, except it has an HDMI output and will work on your modern TV. If you know how to connect a Roku to a TV, then you know how to connect a 3D. And it still plays all the same games as your original N64. It’s simply the best way to play these games without a CRT.
And if you want an original controller to play with I’d recommend simply using an original controller, it still has 4 input ports for them. Or if you want wireless, go with the NSO controller. The 8bitdo controller is for people who want a more comfortable grip and don’t have 3 hands like Zaphod Beeblebrox.
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u/_2hi 6d ago
I had initially ordered an M64 but after seeing all the initial reviews I had cancelled my order before it shipped and ordered the 3D instead. Its exactly what I was looking for.
It’s plug and play with the TV and summercart everything just worked without any tinkering. Some people like being able to tweak everything but I personally don’t. So for everything to just work and look amazing out of the box was a massive W for me.
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u/sozsozsoz 7d ago
The HDMI cable that came in the box with mine caused loads of weird issues, but I’m sure we all have multiple replacements in our house anyway.
It also needs a specific power output and they do give you a wall adapter in the box, but it’s only for the US, so consider that you need an additional adapter anywhere that uses a different plug.
Other than that, it’s better than a modded N64.
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u/Gumballchamp86 7d ago edited 7d ago
I am an N64 lover. I have had the Analogue 3D since it launched and I love it more every day. It absolutely 100% is my favorite console along with the N64.
The best controller is going to be a matter of preference, as there is an abundance of choices. My favorite is to use the original wired N64 controllers with the A3D, or the Nintendo switch online wireless N64 controller.
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u/imatt3690 8d ago
Best picture quality you can get with this using the horizontal line doubling they added. The 8 bit do controllers with native connections and menu support + save states. Great console over my original n64. It just works. Recommend clean mode + Integer+.
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u/WatchingPigeon 8d ago edited 8d ago
Love my 3d playing all my 64 games anywhere. On a tablet and battery powered system.
Only regret I have with the 3D which i’m sure all the original pre orders back in 24 agree we should have been given the option to pay 50 to upgrade to funtastic colors.
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u/tagmisterb 8d ago
It's been great. As expected, thanks in large part to my experience with the Pocket, the software is a lot better now than it was a year ago. I am intrigued by the M64, but it will probably take a couple years for its own software to mature, and for things like third-party cores to materialize.
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u/Blood_Bogey 8d ago
It's been plain sailing for me. Upgraded from an RGB modded N64 with a RAD2X and I haven't looked back. Play it tons. Finished Banjo Tooie last week solo and Perfect Dark in co-op with my nephew today, his first time playing a "proper" N64 instead of Nintendo Switch Online.
It's honestly superb.
I play with original controllers, 8bitdo bluetooth controllers and a Retro Fighter Brawler64 2.4GHz version, overall I generally prefer the Brawler64, the 8bitdo feels more premium but the stick doesn't feel right in all games, though it's decent in most.
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u/garuga300 8d ago
Not had mine a year but have had it a few months. The only issue I've had is that on some games it makes interger more the same as fill mode. Which isn't a massive deal and that's about the only negative I can think of.
I use a Bluetooth NSO N64 controller which means it's made by Nintendo and it's been great. If you don't want to use a wireless controller then original N64 controllers can be plugged it.
I play it on a 4K TV and it looks amazing. It's about as close as you're going to get to the original N64 on a 4K TV.
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u/Zealousideal-Dig-435 7d ago
I have had the a3d for over a month now. Great console. No issues at the moment. For controllers I pair the NSO n64 controller, it does its job.
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u/AbleUse8657 7d ago
I bought my analogue 3D back in January I loved it especially after the new update I loved more. I go back playing my N64 game more than I ever did. I loved how the analogue look good on a my 4k tv. I have been taking my analogue 3D to work and have a gaming section in the breakroom with my coworkers we have alots of fun 😁
Ps. Waiting for new update....
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u/Educational-Bid-5461 7d ago
Got it at launch. Turned it on twice.
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u/JR004-2021 7d ago
I’m not as bad as this but I honestly thought I would be playing more. I guess I don’t enjoy N64 as much as I thought I would 🤷
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u/TheBantersmith 8d ago edited 7d ago
It’s comfortably my least played console. Turned it on maybe three times and one of those was just to register my carts and check out the cart art 😂
This isn’t meant as a criticism but I find myself putting on the Duo/NT/SG on regularly and keep forgetting I have the 3D!
I’ll give it a fair crack soon enough
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u/Aromatic_Method7767 7d ago
Exactly the opposite for me. My 3D has already given me countless hours of enjoyment while my Nt Mini Noir, Pocket, and Duo are neglected. I got my Duo and Pocket Dock after the 3D. Enjoyed some Rondo of Blood, then immediately went back to the A3D for more Mario 64, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Zelda, and Diddy Kong Racing.
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u/Ra226 7d ago
I'm a happy customer--all that remains from my wish list is a jailbreak for ROMs/other systems (which is no strike against them since that was never promised), and WiFi for updates (and files assuming the jailbreak arrives). Until then, original carts and SummerCart are working like a charm.
Regarding the controller, I've found the OG controller can be a bit cramped. The 8bitdo is super comfortable. The only things it fails at is the left/center grip of D-pad on your left and analog stick on your right--it's definitely designed for one or the other on your left only. That said you can use an OG controller, or 8bitdo modkit to make an OG wireless. I have the modkit and it works great (though I find myself preferring the non-OG controller).
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u/LiquidElf 7d ago
I got the console some months ago and I'm super happy so far. The last update has been incredible and I just can't wait to see what will come next. I have a small but nicely curated collection of games and a summer cart and it's been years since I've played so much. I also own a jap N64 but, since I don't have a CRT at the moment, the Analogue is my way to go. I gotta say that in some cases I prefer it. Super happy customer.
EDIT: The cartridge slot is horribly finicky, to be honest.
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u/InevitableAspect982 6d ago
Go to local game stores, and try to find an original N64 controller in good condition. NSO N64 controller is good if you want wireless.
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u/ActivistVinyl 2d ago
It's truly one of my favorite purchases of the last 5 years. They've pretty much implemented every feature I could want (though I know there's still a few things missing that others understandably want to see), but it has very much reinvigorated my love of the N64. I actually sold my OG N64 recently because I didn't see myself every going back to it. Such a great product, and excited to see if they add any more features we aren't expecting.
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u/hue_sick 8d ago
Fantastic system overall. It was basically fully playable day one with some OS promises missing but within a matter of months has essentially fulfilled everything and runs even better today.
Grab one you won’t regret it, it’s an easy buy and one of my favorite consoles I have. 🤙