Today, the controller for Analogue 3D hits the market, yet my delivery of the brand-new N64 gamepad has yet to arrive at my doorstep.
The much-anticipated 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller for the Analogue 3D retro console has faced delays, causing a ripple of frustration among early pre-order customers. Originally planned for a launch on March 19, 2025, the controller was only made available for pre-order in early July.
This delay corresponds with the delays of the Analogue 3D console itself, as the controller was designed in collaboration with its manufacturer, and their schedules impacted each other. Many customers who pre-ordered around the initial launch date expected delivery by late July or early August, but some orders, such as those from Amazon, have been reported as delayed with no precise new shipment date given.
For instance, an order listed with a July 31 estimated arrival was delayed as of August 1 without further detail, leaving customers uncertain about when they will receive their controllers.
Currently, the Analogue 3D console is expected to start shipping in August 2025, and since the controller is now officially available for purchase from retailers including Amazon and 8Bitdo's own eShop, new orders should ship soon. However, earlier pre-orders may still face delays possibly linked to supply chain or manufacturing synchronization with the console shipment.
The 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller comes with Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity, but cannot be connected directly to an OG console without an adapter. It features an old-school layout with one joystick moved to the left and buttons A and B in the position where the right stick would normally reside. The "C buttons" are located where A, B, X, and Y buttons would be on a Switch pad.
For those seeking an affordable alternative, Hyperkin offers the "Captain" controller priced at $17.99 on Amazon. This translucent replica of the original N64 controller does not have any fancy new features but is a reliable choice for those looking for a budget option. Hyperkin also offers the "Admiral" version, which has almost the same layout as the 8Bitdo pad and wireless capabilities, priced at $38.02.
The Brawler64 by Retro Fighers offers a controller with similar vibes to the 8Bitdo controller, priced at $39.95. The controller can be used with the Switch 2 or OG hardware when paired with an adapter and is designed for use with original N64 hardware, unlike the 8Bitdo controller which is intended for Nintendo Online ports.
The white version of the 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller is expected to arrive on August 6 in the US and August 2 in the UK. The black version, which the author pre-ordered, is expected to be delivered between August 12 and August 23 in the UK.
As the author is experiencing delays in receiving the 8Bitdo controller, alternative controllers such as the Hyperkin "Captain" or "Admiral" controllers or the Brawler64 by Retro Fighers are under consideration for review.
- The 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller, initially planned for a launch on March 19, 2025, has faced delays, with pre-orders made in early July the only way to secure one at the moment.
- The delay in the controller's release coincides with that of the Analogue 3D console itself, as they were designed in collaboration with the manufacturer, and their schedules have impacted each other.
- Many customers who pre-ordered around the initial launch date expected delivery by late July or early August, but some orders, such as those from Amazon, have been reported as delayed with no precise new shipment date given.
- For those seeking an affordable alternative, Hyperkin offers the "Captain" controller priced at $17.99 on Amazon, features no fancy new features but is a reliable budget option.
- The Brawler64 by Retro Fighers offers a similar-vibes controller priced at $39.95, which can be used with the Switch 2 or OG hardware when paired with an adapter.
- As for the 8Bitdo controller, the white version is expected to arrive on August 6 in the US and August 2 in the UK, while the black version is expected to be delivered between August 12 and August 23 in the UK.
- With delays in receiving the 8Bitdo controller, alternative controllers like the Hyperkin "Captain" or "Admiral" controllers or the Brawler64 by Retro Fighers are under consideration for review.
