Recent research and expert analysis suggest that the Analogue 3D, a device designed to emulate N64 cartridges on modern TVs, may not be entirely cycle accurate to the original hardware, despite claims of 100% accuracy. While still highly regarded and playable, the device's FPGA implementation has minor discrepancies, though a fix is reportedly in development. The device remains a significant improvement over emulators, but its precision may improve with future updates.
The Analogue 3D has received firmware version 1.1.9, featuring significant improvements to its Overclock mode for CPU-bound N64 games like Perfect Dark and GoldenEye 007, along with various bug fixes and support enhancements.
The Nintendo 64 version of Super Smash Bros. employed a humorous anti-piracy measure that locked players to a single character after 69 plays, erasing save data, as a mild punishment for using pirated copies, highlighting a rare effective and amusing approach to anti-piracy.
Analogue has shown its FPGA-based N64 console, the Analogue 3D, running for the first time, with footage of it playing 1080 Snowboarding. The console, expected to launch in Q4 2024, features a controller from 8BitDo and faces potential competition from the ModRetro M64 upon release.
Fans analyzing a Nintendo N64 Switch Online trailer believe they've identified potential upcoming game additions, including Donkey Kong 64, Forsaken 64, Glover, Super Smash Bros., and Rayman 2, though nothing is confirmed yet. The blurred art in the trailer has sparked speculation about new titles being added to the service, with some games seeming likely and others more uncertain. Fans are eager to see these classic titles officially arrive on the platform.
Nintendo announced new N64 features for Switch Online, including rewind, CRT filter, and control remapping, exclusive to Switch 2, launching alongside the console on June 5, 2025. The update also grants access to three GameCube titles with the Expansion Pack subscription.
Nintendo Switch Online's new N64 app for mature games has launched with Perfect Dark and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. This opens the door for other adult-only N64 games to be added. The article lists nine mature games, including Conker's Bad Fur Day, Resident Evil 2, and Mortal Kombat Trilogy, that fans would love to see on the service.
The latest release of Perfect Dark on Nintendo Switch Online's N64 library is facing significant emulation issues, including problems with textures, lighting, performance, and controls. Enthusiasts recommend playing the PC version instead, while Nintendo is expected to release updates to address these bugs.
The latest update (version 1.1.0) for Zelda 64: Recompiled introduces a new dual analog "free camera," improved motion blur, and several other features and fixes for The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. The creator, Wiseguy, is also working on further enhancements and making the N64: Recompiled tool more accessible for developers.
Fans have discovered a new variation of the Konami code in the 1999 game Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness for the N64, allowing players to unlock all characters from the start. The code, entered on the main menu, triggers a sound when done correctly, and provides access to all characters when starting the game. This discovery comes almost 25 years after the game's release, and the fans have also found more undiscovered codes, which will be revealed soon.
Five more Rare games, including Blast Corps, have been added to Nintendo's Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, prompting a poll to gauge which game subscribers will be playing the most this weekend. The announcement trailer for these titles has also sparked speculation about potential future additions, as there are still sought-after Rare games that players hope to see on the service.
Nintendo Switch Online has added five classic games from Rare, including Battletoads In Battlemaniacs, Blast Corps, Killer Instinct, R.C. Pro-Am, and Snake Rattle ‘n’ Roll, available for download with an active membership. These games span the NES, SNES, and N64 eras, offering a nostalgic blast from the past for gamers. The Expansion Pack, which includes N64 games, is required for one of the titles. This move brings former Xbox exclusives to the Switch, showcasing the collaboration between Nintendo and Microsoft-owned studio Rare.
Nintendo Switch Online is adding classic Rare games like Killer Instinct and Battletoads in Battlemaniacs for SNES, as well as R.C. Pro-Am and Snake Rattle 'n' Roll for NES. Additionally, Rare's N64 game Blast Corps is launching on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. A paid membership is required to access the N64, SEGA Genesis, and Game Boy Advance libraries of games, as well as certain DLCs for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Modders like Kaze Emanuar are using modern tools and accumulated development knowledge to overcome the N64's limitations, creating impressive software that surpasses commercially released games. With techniques like achieving 60 FPS and improved textures, these modders are pushing the console to its limits, leading to a renaissance of N64 gaming.
Valve requested the takedown of "Portal 64," a fan-made Nintendo 64 demake of the classic game "Portal," due to concerns over its use of Nintendo's proprietary libraries. The project's creator, James Lambert, complied with Valve's request, citing communication with the company. This incident reflects Nintendo's history of protecting its intellectual property, even in cases where it has not taken direct legal action.
