Analogue 3D Price, Specs and Preorder Date Revealed, Able to Play N64 Games in 4K, But Won't Support openFPGA - IGN
Analogue has revealed the price, specs, and preorder date for its upcoming Analogue 3D console, which it touts as the first true Nintendo 64 clone console. Analogue says the sleek little device, which features a custom controlled by 8BitDo, will be able to play all original N64 game cartridges...
Analogue has revealed the price, specs, and preorder date for its upcoming Analogue 3D console, which it touts as the first true Nintendo 64 clone console. Analogue says the sleek little device, which features a custom controlled by 8BitDo, will be able to play all original N64 game cartridges with 100 percent compatibility, and will be region-free. It will cost $249.99 and preorders begin on October 21.
The Analogue 3D's biggest selling point is its ability to easily play N64 games in 4K via HDMI — a boon given the messy nature of N64 emulation. It's designed with a "bespoke, purpose-built 4K upscaler" that offers a "faithful, lag-free way to re-experience the N64." It will also include original display modes for those seeking a more authentic experience, and yes, it'll support original N64 controllers too.
It's powered by 3DOS, which Analogue calls an "evolution of AnalogueOS" featuring N64-specific features. Screenshots show that it will once against support save states, the ability to take screenshots, and other features.
Notably, the Analogue 3D will not include support for openFPGA — a key Analogue Pocket feature that makes it easy to directly boot emulators and roms. Analogue explained in a statement to IGN, "openFPGA is fundamentally a different approach to a product in many categories. To name a few: design, hardware, philosophy, price. openFPGA and Analogue 3D are two separate concepts. The MSRP we achieved for Analogue 3D required... a heroic effort.
"Analogue 3D + the engineering and hardware for openFPGA included not only is not why we designed Analogue 3D but it would cost significantly more. openFPGA will continue to be fully supported for Analogue Pocket and we're excited to announce more of what we have been working on."
Ultimately, Analogue describes the Analogue 3D as an "entirely new, next generation of hardware" that was was engineered from scratch. "Important to note - Analogue 3D is the first and only reimagining of the N64. No one has ever accomplished this. Software emulation has challenges that have never been overcome from basic compatibility of the entire N64 library to bugs, glitches, sound issues, and on."
