The Modretro M64 just got treated to an official announcement following a bunch of teasers back in July. In case you're out of the loop, it's the retro gadget maker's answer to the Analogue 3D, and it's set to replicate Nintendo's original N64 console while adding 4K output in a similar fashion. That's anything but a surprise, but its transparent shell has actually caught me off guard.
It's a small detail, but you'll forgive me for thinking the Modretro M64 might take cues from the company's Chromatic handheld by featuring a magnesium alloy shell. Opting for metal would have helped give the best retro console contender more of a premium vibe than Analogue's 4K N64, but it instead looks like one of Ninty's "Funtastic" systems from the year 2000.
The ModRetro M64 hardware is getting a full reveal on Black Friday - features, colors, our incredible new controller, cutting-edge @AMD hardware, etc.Much has changed since we launched early bird pricing at $199 earlier this year, things like inflation, component shortages,… pic.twitter.com/T8MLilywehNovember 25, 2025
Luckey's teaser trailer already spoils the fact that there's a smoke grey-inspired white M64 with a red dial (I'll get to that), and its visible guts reveal an AMD ATRIX FPGA front and centre. However, the official announcement photos reveal that there will also be translucent purple and green models, and they all come with matching wireless trident-shaped controllers.
That's right, the M64 is set to use a gamepad that, for better or worse, looks almost like the OG Nintendo 64 controller. That means it looks like a spaceship with questionable ergonomics, although the thumb stick means it more resembles the pad I modded with a Hyperkin Hall-effect joystick a few months back.
Naturally, it's also wireless and features USB-C charging like most contemporary controllers out there, so the front controller ports are for your old gamepads. Whether it'll be compatible with other pads like the excellent 8Bitdo N64 controller is still unclear, and wide compatibility isn't necessarily a given.
I was originally fearful that the M64 would skip on extra OS-based features, but that was before I spotted the weird dial on the console's left. It's got a "menu" label, so it looks like you'll have something to navigate with rotary movement. Whether that's scanline options similar to Analogue's display filters or something unique to Modretro's system remains to be seen, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't have a quirky purpose.
That said, Modretro is keeping its hand hidden in terms of full features and a solid release date for now, 4K FPGA abilities aside. The pre-reveal teaser does touch on new releases under the company's publishing brand, but those should work on anything that can run N64 cartridges.
The rest of the console really does just look like a Nintendo 64. It has the same shape shell, complete with that middle air vent grill, front hump that'd normally feature the N64 jewel, and the distinctive feet at the bottom. It's all pretty uncanny, and while it does enough to separate itself from the 3D, it's still got HDMI, an SD card slot, and USB ports at the rear.
The M64 will no doubt serve as a cheaper alternative to the Analogue 3D for enthusiasts who can look past the company's links to the aforementioned US weapons contractor. Whether it will actually hit all the same performance notes as its existing rival remains to be seen, though, as it will really have to hit the right visual and overclocking notes to justify its existence. It
I'm also still processing my feelings about the M64's transparent plastic design. I'm a '90s baby, so see-through tech is absolutely my jam, but it's a vibe that's more playful than premium. Is that a good fit for a grown-up FPGA device that will potentially cost more than $200 down the road? I'm not so sure, but that's not to say its translucent getup and big dial aren't fun to look at.
Tell you what, the first FPGA system maker to remake the Pikachu N64 gets a cookie.
For more ways to play the classics, swing by the best retro handhelds for on-the-go options. Those of you with Valve's handheld will also want to peek at the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for excellent add-ons and more.
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