I almost feel like 8Bitdo is trying to troll me with its new N64 2.4GHz wireless controller and Bluetooth Retro Receiver. Both are pretty much answers to questions I re-highlighted in my gray 8Bitdo N64 controller hands-on and my original Black version review, and while we're getting both a proper wireless dongle for the best retro console contender, and a complete gamepad set specifically for original hardware, I now feel slightly silly.
Available to grab right now at Amazon, the new 8Bitdo N64 2.4G Wireless Controller transforms the Bluetooth gamepad original for the Analogue 3D into something that'll instantly work with your OG console. It includes a 2.4GHz dongle in the box, but that does mean its wireless capabilities are restricted to the included adapter. If, like me, you've already got a wireless pad, the standalone Retro Receiver is now a thing too, and it will bridge the same gap using Bluetooth.
I'm not sure how I feel about 8Bitdo's decision to make a 2.4Ghz N64 controller. In a sense, it's ideal for people like me who still use an OG Nintendo 64 and are already using open-source Blueretro adapters as a wireless gamepad workaround, but I'm not sure why there wasn't a Retro Receiver from the get-go.
Ultimately, the slightly irritating caveat here is that the 2.4Ghz N64 controller will only work with other devices using a USB cable. Basically, if you want full wireless compatibility with everything from the Analogue FPGA remake to your Switch, you'll still want to opt for the Bluetooth version while also acquiring a separate adapter if you're itching to use it with OG hardware.
If you're already using the exact same N64 Bluetooth and Blueretro adapter setup as me, I don't want this new 8Bitdo collection to give you FOMO. Yes, you'll pay slightly less for the 2.4Ghz gray version than you would for picking up the pieces separately, but that comes at a cost of connectivity versatility. I am also slightly annoyed that the Retro Receiver matches the look of an OG Nintendo 64 controller connector perfectly, but at the same time, it's not really adding anything new in terms of functionality.
While this reveal has caught me off guard, I'm still glad the 8Bitdo Retro Receiver for N64 and the new 2.4G controller version exists. Both basically just serve as additional ways to pair what I believe is a near-perfect Nintendo 64 gamepad with the 30-year-old system, and that gives me more to work with when conjuring up setup ideas.
If I get the chance, I'll be testing both new N64 accessory options soon, as while I already how I feel about the controller, I'm keen to see how the dongle handles features like memory card saves and whether it'll usher in Switch 2 pad support for its Retro Receiver siblings.
Looking for ways to play your classic library on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation systems and more.
