All links inside of this post that go to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Out of Games earns from qualifying purchases.
If you missed the announcement last week, the folks at Analogue are coming out with an FPGA N64 (available for pre-order) and as a part of the announcement, a new 8BitDo controller made an appearance. The controller was designed together with Analogue.
8BitDo is launching a new controller focused on N64 next year and it is now available for pre-order on Amazon (also available in black). The MSRP of the controller is $39.99 USD and arrived March 19, 2025. The controller mimics the look of the pro-style controller, but features N64-style buttons, which look absolutely perfect. Don't let me tell you though, you judge for yourself!
Quote From Amazon The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller revives the iconic N64 layout, but wrapped in an ergonomic, updated body. A precision hall-effect joystick with the original gate and signature concave rubber joystick cap. Say goodbye to the infamous loose joysticks. We’re bringing back the signature C-buttons, A/B and Start—with the button sizes, positioning and feel just like the original. Multiplayer on the N64 defined an era, and now with Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 Controllers, that era is redefined. The 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed hand-in-hand with Analogue, creates an experience like no other when paired with Analogue 3D. It’s a celebration of the N64, the greatest multiplayer system ever It’s Bluetooth-ready, with vibration support and platform compatibility with the new Analogue 3D, Switch, (including N64 Online) and more. Play N64 games like never before—with the best of both worlds in your hands.
The N64 isn't exactly the most ergonomic controller that has ever been made, especially for adults, due to how close your hands need to be on its cramped, three prong design. It also just never made much sense in having a d-pad on the far left side on the controller where it was seldom used by games; The whole thing was a waste of materials but we loved the goofy look of it anyway. 8BitDo have taken note of that and are bringing back the buttons we know and love but giving it that modern look.
The most important upgrade though in all of this is the use of a hall effect sensor in the stick. One of the biggest issues with sticks, especially modern ones, has been the dreaded "drift" where over time they will wear down and your stick will be automatically inputting movements to your device. The Nintendo Switch's joycons were the most notorious offender in this current generation of consoles and it has lead to more third-part devices rethink how these sticks work. So, what even is a hall effect sensor?
A joystick with a Hall Effect Sensor (via iFixit)
Magnets. A Hall effect sensor detects magnetic fields and converts this information into the electrical signals we know and love. This allows for precise measurement of its position without any physical contact so nothing is going to get worn down overtime. It’s ideal for joysticks because of that higher durability, but we also end up with slightly smoother movement, and greater long-term accuracy compared to traditional potentiometer-based sensors. No dirt and dust will ever be the enemy of these sensors. Science lesson over!
Although we don't have a unit available hands-on to test the effectiveness of the buttons and sensors, we have had plenty of experience with 8BitDo's previous controller offerings and they have been excellent. If you're looking for a SNES-style controller, the updated SN30 features hall effect sticks, or the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller which is a pro-style controller and has a wide range of compatibility with devices, is a good chunk cheaper than the official offerings from Nintendo's Switch Pro controller while featuring the hall effect sensors.
We're looking forward to the release of 8BitDo's new controller and will be reviewing it as soon as we can get our hands on it. The Analogue3d is, as of publishing, available for pre-order in black or white with a Q1 release date in 2025.
Comments
I have the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ (in transparent purple, we need more transparent tech), they're great products. This one won't see much use outside of N64 emulation, since most modern games use the second analogue stick a lot, though I could see it being great for fighting games.
Oh yeah we need so much more transparent plastic for everything electronics! It’s such a great look and you’re starting to see it creep back a little bit - like Microsoft’s few new Xbox controllers. We’ve seen 90s clothing make a return let’s get everything else too.