Join The Community
Look, if I had my way, everyone eyeing up the 8Bitdo's N64 controller would grab the colorful gray version. The gamepad's extremely authentic getup will cost you slightly more, but it's a small price to pay for something that perfectly matches the OG retro console while offering up contemporary comfort. If you're going to fight me on paying slightly more for an aesthetic, though, I suppose I can point you towards the currently discounted white version (sigh).
Maybe you've got a clinical PC setup with a Nintendo 64 emulator installed, or perhaps you simply don't care since you're pairing it with a Switch 2. In any case, the white 8Bitdo N64 controller is $33.99 at Amazon right now thanks to the Spring Sale, and while the event hasn't restored the pad's previous sub-$30 record low, I haven't spotted the retro controller for less since last year.
I've already taken to the internet to shout about 8Bitdo's N64 Bluetooth gamepad on numerous occasions, and while you'll need a dongle to use it with Ninty's original system, it's one of the best retro controllers for Nintendo 64 games regardless. The cheaper white version offers up the same Switch, Android, and Analogue 3D connectivity as the grey version, but there is now a new 2.4Hz version with an accompanying Retro Receiver available too.
The latter grey 8Bitdo N64 2.4Ghz controller is the option you'll want to go for if you're exclusively using the OG console. It comes in at $39.99, so slightly less than the existing Bluetooth version, and you're getting the Nintendo 64 dongle thrown in. I should point out, though, that the adapter included is not a Bluetooth Retro Receiver like the one you can grab for $24.99, so keep that in mind if you fancy experimenting with different pads.
If you're puzzled over which gamepad to go for, I'd go for the white Bluetooth N64 controller if you're not overly fussed about retro aesthetics. Those of you who may want to pair the pad with your Switch, emulation machine, and the OG console might want to spend more on the gray variant to retain versatile connectivity, while picking up the 2.4GHz if you're playing exclusively on an actual N64 is a no-brainer.
I can't speak for the 2.4Ghz option's performance yet, but if we place the direct connectivity aside, it should be as accurate as the Bluetooth N64 controller. I've been testing the pad continuously since launch, and while it was originally slightly off in terms of stick sensitivity, firmware updates mean its results now closely match the real wired pad and my hall effect modded original.
Simply put, the 8Bitdo N64 controller is neat, so even if you do buy the boring white version, you'll still end up with a fantastic pad for playing Majora's Mask for the millionth time.
Looking to play classics on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation systems and more.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
