8Bitdo just revealed a new grey version of its fabulous N64 controller, and it's the exact colorway I've been waiting for. It's essentially the same pad that was designed with the Analogue 3D in mind, but features the same iconic red, blue, green, and yellow as the OG gamepad.
News of a $45 grey version of the 8Bitdo N64 controller couldn't have come at a better time, as I recently tried to make my own. By that, I mean I swapped the black version's buttons out for some spares that belong to an OG gamepad, and while it hit the right authentic notes, the buttons are actually slightly different. Sadly, it's not scheduled to land until January 2026, so you'll need to wait a while to get your hands on one.
Ideally, you'll want to catch the black or white 8Bitdo N64 controller once Black Friday retro deals properly kick in. However, there are only a few dollars extra to save, so if you have just got hold of the new Analogue 3D, you're craving a fresh pad for your OG Nintendo 64, or you just want to dive into some Switch Online gems, you could grab one now.
If you're impatient like me, you might get the hairbrained idea to try swapping the 8Bitdo parts for original buttons. I have plenty of spares lying around, so I figured there'd be no harm in trying. Sadly, while the controller looked the part despite lacking the grey shell, the buttons are actually slightly taller, meaning they aren't usable. The same goes for the d-pad, but the yellow camera buttons actually do fit fine.
Simply put, I'd just wait for the proper grey version to arrive if you really need something extra authentic. I was looking forward to pairing Analogue's new N64 console with something slightly more colorful, and it would be a closer aesthetic match for my N64 with its wireless controller adapter (the one I use is around $20 at Aliexpress)
Let's just say you really want a wireless N64 controller with the same color scheme as the original, you could opt for the Retro Fighters Brawler 64 for $49.95. It's a bit more expensive, but comes with a 2.4Ghz adapter that'll save you picking one up separately. I've used this pad a few times as my friend owns one, and it is a solid modern-feeling option for the Nintendo 64 or even the Analogue 3D since it's rocking OG ports.
Ultimately, I feel like unless you want to get the existing 8Bitdo pads cheap during Black Friday, we're all going to have to just wait until January for the grey version. Yes, I'm grumpy about it too, but those beautiful multi-colored buttons will be worth the wait.
Side note - will Analogue eventually release a matching grey version of the 3D? Maybe, and I wouldn't say no to "Play it Loud" inspired variants with transparent shells.
Got discounts on your mind? Check out Black Friday Steam Deck deals for offers on all things Valve. Alternatively, take a peek at Black Friday gaming monitor deals and Black Friday 4K 120Hz TV deals for screen savings.
