The Analogue 3D orders are now finally on their way to N64 fans across the globe, and some of you might already have the console to hand. While most players will be looking to play original cartridges in 4K using the new FPGA system, a few of you have been in touch to ask for compatible flash cart recommendations for playing ROMs, and the one I use is actually cheaper for Black Friday.
The flash cart I use, as mentioned in my full Analogue 3D review, is the Kaico Summercart64. It's currently down from $82.99 to $66.39 at Amazon, and I can confirm that after hours of trying a variety of different ROMs, including fan games and even cancelled adventures, it works without a hitch.
It's worth noting that since the Summercart64 is open source, there are numerous other versions out there. I can only speak for the Kaico edition when it comes to Analogue 3D compatibility, so if you do find an unbranded one out there for less, there's it might not work on the FPGA console.
You'd be forgiven for thinking all flash carts will simply work with the Analogue 3D given it boasts 100% compatibility with the original N64 library. Yes, the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip within the device mimics Nintendo's original hardware, but the company does caveat that, since there are so many microSD card cartridges out there, some might fall short.
I was pretty surprised to find that the Summercart64 fires right up without any hassle. It does show up as "unknown cartridge" in the 3D's library, but that's unsurprising since it's not an original game. But, apparently, the more expensive Everdrive 64 X5 doesn't get on with the FPGA hardware.
So, we've established that Summercart64 works with the Analogue 3D, but do you actually need one for the 4K N64? Well, if you've got a big pile of original cartridges to revisit already, you won't be short of anything to play. However, this flash cart is your gateway to a whole bunch of new adventures alongside outings that never got to see the light of day (or worse, were turned into Starfox tie-ins).
The latter is a reference to Dinosaur Planet, a cancelled action-adventure romp by Rare that was retooled into Starfox Adventures for the GameCube. Upon discovering that the Analogue 3D has overlocking abilities, I was keen to see whether it could remedy the game's choppy frame rates that no doubt played a role in its move to the then next generation system.
To my absolute delight, I was able to get Dinosaur Planet running at a smooth frame rate by selecting the 3D's "Unleashed" overclock setting. I had previously attempted to play through the shelved outing on my OG N64, but the frame rates ultimately put me off.
Analogue's 4K N64, however, makes the game feel like it could have been a finished version. Throw the FPGA console's fantastic CRT filters that provide shadow masking effects into the mix, and you've also got visuals that won't leave you pining for an old tube TV.
Naturally, you can play more than Rare's cancelled RPG using the Summercart64, and I'm already on record raving about playing Zelda ROM hacks on the flash cart. That said, playing fantastic Ocarina of Time fan spin-offs like The Ultimate Trail on the Analogue 3D takes things to another level, especially since you can kick performance quirks to the curb and help extra details shine using the aforementioned CRT filters. You're talking heaps of settings that allow you to properly dial in the look and shape of each pixel phosphor based on real PVM, BVM, and consumer tube TVs, and that makes a massive difference to details and textures.
Of course, if you do have all your carts backed up, the Summercart64 could simply be a way to access them all using one menu. Whether that ruins the whole original N64 vibe the Analogue 3D is going for is up to you, but you'll still be playing on super accurate hardware with the option of OG controllers. Plus, it'll provide your actual Nintendo 64 with all the same perks, so this isn't just for those of you lucky enough to have snagged the 4K remake.
I'll be continually testing the Summercart64 with the Analogue 3D, but I haven't ran into any fatal flaws so far. The only incident that did occur was after the system misread a different cartridge and logged it as "unknown", which then stopped the flash cart from booting. This was quickly fixed by removing the library entry, as I suspect some background firmware data was messed up.
If anyone has any specific questions relating to using the Summercart64 with the Analogue 3D, I'm more than happy to answer. Otherwise, I'd consider grabbing one while the Black Friday retro deal is in effect, whether you're using the new FPGA console or Ninty's 30-year-old system.
Side note - I'm also waiting for the excellent 8Bitdo N64 controller for Analogue 3D dropping in price, so I'll report back when it does.
- 8Bitdo N64 controller |
$39.99$35.99 at Amazon - More N64 accessories at Amazon
Looking for more seasonal savings? Check out Black Friday Steam Deck deals for Valve discounts and accessories. Alternatively, take a peek at Black Friday gaming monitor deals if you need a new desktop display.
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