Summary of "Analogue's New 4K Console is AMAZING (1 Major FLAW) - Analogue 3D"
Analogue’s New 4K Console is AMAZING (1 Major FLAW) - Analogue 3D
Creator: Tito from Macho Nacho Productions
Storyline / Overview
This video provides an in-depth early review of the upcoming Analogue 3D, an FPGA-based Nintendo 64 console by Analogue. Tito received a review kit ahead of the official release and explores the console’s hardware, software, accessories, and overall performance. The review also compares the Analogue 3D to other retro gaming solutions like the MiSTer and HDMI-modded N64s.
Key Highlights & Features
Unboxing & Accessories
- Premium unboxing experience typical of Analogue products.
- Includes:
- Analogue 3D console
- Power brick
- USB-C power cable
- HDMI cable
- Cartridge cleaning pads
- Manual
- Supports up to four controllers.
- Wireless 8BitDo N64-style controllers were provided for testing but are sold separately.
- Four controller ports support original N64 controllers.
Hardware & Design
- Smaller and more compact than the original N64 with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
- Spring-loaded cartridge slot with dust flaps.
- Rear I/O includes:
- USB-C power
- Two USB-A ports (for charging and firmware updates)
- HDMI output (up to 4K 60fps)
- Full-size SD card slot with a custom shorter SD card included
- No expansion port, so no support for Nintendo 64DD.
- Active cooling with a small fan and a robust heat sink for thermal management.
- Uses an Intel Cyclone 10 GX FPGA with approximately 220,000 logic elements—nearly double that of the MiSTer FPGA.
- Cartridge connector is on a separate PCB connected via ribbon cable, an unusual design choice.
Operating System (3D OS)
- Clean, polished UI displaying game metadata, artwork (preloaded on review unit only), supported players, accessories, region, developer, publisher, release year, and playtime (not active yet).
- Per-game configurable settings for hardware and display options.
- Hardware settings include:
- Virtual Expansion Pak toggle (doubles RAM from 4MB to 8MB)
- Region auto-detection (no manual override needed)
- Advanced video processing:
- Deblur toggle (removes original N64 video smoothing filter)
- 32-bit color toggle (restores internal 32-bit rendering vs original 16-bit output)
- Anti-aliasing toggle (smooths jagged edges)
- Experimental advanced hardware settings:
- Force original hardware mode (disables overclock)
- Overclock modes (Auto, Enhanced, Enhanced Plus, Unleashed) affecting RAM, video, and CPU speeds
- Display modes with CRT effects: BVM, PVM, CRT, scan lines, and clean (no effect).
- Detailed image scaling and beam convergence options.
Gameplay & Compatibility
- Tested with nine N64 cartridges including a Japanese import; all ran flawlessly after cleaning cartridge contacts with included pads.
- Supports toggling between controller packs (e.g., rumble pack vs controller pack) on compatible games.
- Wireless 8BitDo controllers pair seamlessly; original controllers work perfectly.
- Other wireless controllers tested: Retrobit worked fine, Blue Retro receiver did not register inputs.
- Only 8BitDo wireless controllers and original N64 controllers (or 8BitDo-modified originals) are officially supported wirelessly.
Major Flaw – Flash Cart Support
- Everdrive 64x7 (popular flash cart) is not supported; the console reads it as an unknown cartridge and fails to load games.
- Significant drawback for users relying on flash carts for game libraries.
- Speculation that flash carts might bypass the OS and its curated library experience, complicating support.
- Hope expressed that future firmware updates might add support, but no guarantees.
- Analogue 3D is the first Analogue product not supporting flash carts, unlike the Duo and Pocket.
Open FPGA Support
- Unlikely to be supported on Analogue 3D.
- Analogue prefers releasing dedicated devices for other consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Sega Saturn).
- The FPGA inside is powerful enough to theoretically handle other cores, but business reasons likely prevent open FPGA.
Price & Release
- Pre-orders started late 2023 at $250.
- Shipping expected by late November to early December 2024.
- Price not affected by tariffs for pre-orders; future pricing uncertain.
Pros
- 100% compatibility with authentic Nintendo 64 cartridges.
- Seamless, polished OS with full game library management and per-game settings.
- Supports original and official wireless controllers with easy pairing.
- Gorgeous 4K output with advanced video processing and CRT effects.
- Premium build quality and design consistent with Analogue’s aesthetic.
- Compact size and active cooling ensure reliability.
- Excellent value at $250 compared to DIY FPGA setups or HDMI mods.
Cons
- No support for flash carts (Everdrive), a major drawback for many retro gamers.
- No Nintendo 64DD support due to lack of expansion port.
- Prone to fingerprints on the matte finish.
- No open FPGA support, limiting homebrew and multi-system use.
Strategies / Tips
- Use the included cartridge cleaning pads to ensure games boot correctly.
- Customize per-game hardware and video settings for optimal experience.
- Use the wireless 8BitDo controllers for best compatibility and ease of use.
- Experiment with display modes and scaling to find your preferred visual style.
- Be cautious if you rely on flash carts—consider waiting for firmware updates or alternative solutions.
Summary
The Analogue 3D is a premium, purpose-built FPGA Nintendo 64 console that delivers excellent compatibility and modern features like 4K output, per-game customization, and wireless controller support. Its major flaw is the lack of flash cart support, which may be a dealbreaker for users who rely on Everdrives or similar devices. Overall, it is a polished, well-designed system ideal for purists who want authentic cartridge play with modern conveniences.
Featured Gamer / Source: Tito from Macho Nacho Productions
Category
Gaming
