ModRetro has officially unveiled the M64, a modern recreation of the Nintendo 64 designed to play classic N64 cartridges in 4K resolution.
Priced at $199—matching the original console's 1996 launch price—the M64 represents a direct competitor to the Analogue 3D and combines authentic design aesthetics with contemporary technology.
The console's most distinctive feature is its translucent plastic shell, available in three colors: forest green, grape purple, and arctic white. The transparent casing reveals the internal FPGA hardware powered by AMD ATRIX technology, allowing players to observe the system's inner workings.
The design closely mirrors the original N64 with a gently curved top panel, a cartridge slot positioned on top, and four controller ports across the front for local multiplayer gaming.
ModRetro integrated modern connectivity alongside retro-inspired features. The rear panel includes an HDMI port, three USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot for save states and homebrew content.
A large power button occupies one corner of the top panel, while a dial labeled "Menu" sits in the opposite corner, designed to assist with on-screen navigation, though its full functionality has not been fully detailed.youtube
The M64's controller design prioritizes authenticity, mirroring the original N64's iconic three-pronged configuration. The controller features the thumbstick positioned atop the central grip with the Z-trigger button located underneath, matching the ergonomic layout of the original gamepad.
Unlike the Analogue 3D, which partnered with 8BitDo to create modernized controllers, ModRetro opted for a faithful recreation of the original design philosophy. The controllers include a translucent top half with a solid grey bottom half, and each color variant comes with matching wireless controllers that feature USB-C charging.
The technical foundation relies on FPGA technology to authentically replicate N64 performance without emulation lag, considered among enthusiasts as the superior approach for playing retro games in HD or 4K via HDMI on modern televisions.
This architecture enables near-perfect compatibility with original N64 cartridges while delivering the visual enhancements contemporary gamers expect.
ModRetro's design strategy reflects a calculated response to market feedback regarding the Analogue 3D's controller modernization. By preserving the original three-pronged design, the company capitalizes on the authentic gaming experience that defined titles like Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007, which were developed specifically around that controller configuration.
Games engineered for the original controller's specific grip and button layout may deliver a more faithful experience through the M64's recreation approach.
The $199 price point represents a significant consideration in the competitive retro gaming market.
Palmer Luckey, ModRetro's founder, confirmed that the company maintained the early-bird pricing not just for initial customers but for Black Friday sales and beyond, despite inflationary pressures, component shortages, and tariffs that have affected the broader industry.
ModRetro's M64 represents the company's second major hardware venture, following the successful Chromatic Game Boy released in 2024. The timing of the M64's launch coincides with growing momentum in the premium retro gaming sector, where enthusiasts increasingly seek authentic experiences paired with modern technological conveniences.
Whether the M64 achieves performance parity with established alternatives will ultimately determine its position within an expanding market of dedicated retro platforms, emulation handhelds, and modern console options.
