Does 8BitDo make a better N64 Controller than Nintendo?
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2024
- #8BitDo recently released their mod kit to retrofit original #N64 controllers with modern, wireless hardware. This mod takes away the connection with original hardware, but makes a fantastic way to play games on #NintendoSwitch with Nintendo Switch Online. However, Nintendo launched their own authentic-feeling, N64 controller last year to coincide with the NSO Expansion Pak's release. Can 8BitDo compete?
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Links
- 8BitDo Mod Kit build timelapse: www.tiktok.com/@gamexdata/vid...
- 8BitDo Mod Kit: shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bit...
- NSO Controller: www.nintendo.com/store/produc...
- Kitsch-Bent parts (Referral Code): kitsch-bent.refr.cc/gamexdata
- NSO Controller Teardown: • NEW Nintendo Switch On...
- 8BitDo Mod Kit build impressions: • Turning an old N64 con...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:12 Nintendo's Controller
04:57 8BitDo's Mod Kit
09:36 Final Thoughts
10:27 Outro - Věda a technologie
![CONVERT a N64 PSU from 120v to 220v [WITH EXPLOSIONS!!!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VaqV1-sE1Hg/mqdefault.jpg)
With regards to the 8BitDo replacement thumbstick, if you're experiencing dead zones or inaccuracies, make sure to calibrate your stick after installation. Doing so on Switch should eliminate any issues experienced. Meanwhile, dead zones can be decreased manually via software (e.g., Steam Input) for use with PC. As with all Hall effect sticks, dead zones are not an immutable property of the stick but rather how the stick is being interpreted by software.
Experiences may vary when using the stick with original hardware. The stick works well as a drop-in replacement even without the full mod kit (which is intended for use with Switch and PC). However, in the absence of additional fine tuning via software, folks sensitive to differences from the original stick may be left wanting. If you're a person looking to use original hardware and want an experience similar to the original sticks, Kitsch-Bent sticks are a better route (link: kitsch-bent.refr.cc/gamexdata).
I had a few N64 controllers laying around so the 8bitdo option was a no brainer. The original guts I just put back in the 8bitdo box for safe keeping, so no worries there. My biggest complaint was the somewhat minimalist instructions that came with it that didn't fully illustrate how to do the installation. I had to supplement those with a CZcams video of someone doing it to make sure I was putting everything in right.
Also I've somehow never worn out my original control sticks in 25 years so I didn't buy the hall effect GameCube stick. Without that the kit is significantly cheaper than the Nintendo official option.
Fantastic video man! Well edited and very informative! You've def earned my sub! Keep up the great work! 8BitDo FTW! :)
I have a feeling that the lower profile joystick, like the other 8bitdo more modern version of an N64 controller... has significant deadzones as well as being very hard to do more precise movements compared to the original joystick. These are two of the main issues all of the other joysticks have when playing N64 games.
You're absolutely correct. Couple that with the difference in angles (the replacement has equal angles all around, whereas the original has less acute angles in the cardinal directions) and you get a suboptimal experience overall compared to a new N64 controller.
Great video with a lot of good information, thank you for the in-depth research and analysis. Subscribed, I look forward to future content!
I am sorta interested in a modkit, 8BitDo has been a breath of fresh air as a whole for gaming products, it's pretty crazy!
I don't think I'll do it until my controllers actually wear out though, if I do!
It's an excellent kit from 8BitDo. I picked up 2 of the them on pre-order, assembled one on an Atomic Purple controller over the weekend, and I've been having a blast running through the N64 offerings on the Switch. Took a little work to situate all components and get it registering correctly (one of my buttons membranes shifted during re-assembly), but once it was down pat it has worked without any issues. It's an absolute blast being able to play through these games with that new joystick and the freedom of wireless connectivity. I've since decided to pick up 2 more kits so that I can build out an entire 4P set-up and start hosting retro game nights featuring Mario Kart, Pokemon Stadium Mini Games, and other potential options down the line.
Really a fantastic kit, 8BitDo has just consistently put out great products for a long time now. Having the freedom to customize with all the great controller colorways that the N64 released over the years is also very attractive compared to the NSO replica that only comes in base gray. I'm looking forward to hunting down some unique colors to really customize this set-up down the line. The fact that it's a reversible mod if I ever want to rock them like normal controllers is a major plus as well.
Good video, man! I love your calm, relaxing presentation. Love finding channels like this!
great vid! just subbed bro!
Great video. It helped me a lot
Has anyone gotten the modkit to work consistently on original hardware? I have been trying to use the BlueRetro Controller Receiver from 8bitmods, but I have mixed results.
I ended up buying a Repro Controller off Amazon since all you really need is a Shell and buttons , Worked out pretty well
What's a "repro" controller? A brand? I can't find it on Amazon.
If not a brand, which brand did you go with?
@@jayjayhooksch1 A re-production, as in a clone device.
Oooh nice, i was wondering if those shells worked.
Are the stick boxes soldered in on those repro's? Can the hall effect stick be used on a repro controller is what i'm asking to replace the stick boxes that the repro's uses.
Retrotime N64 Bluetooth Controller Receiver with Memory Pak
Makes the 8bitdo controller mod work with the original n64
Or the blue retro adapters, just make sure you’re on the newest firmware
Great video! And your presentation was fantastic.
I'm thinking of picking one up strictly for emulation on a windows PC, and It's been hard to find people going into depth about how it goes on PC.
Did you have any luck getting rumble to work on PC? I think I saw another user on Reddit mention they got it working by installing the same custom software used to get the official NSO n64 controller working, but I don't have either to test right now.
I think I'll skip the hall joystick too.. It will be for N64 and I really need the original stick's range and resistance for that aiming in Perfect Dark.
Thanks! As for rumble, custom software definitely seems to be needed. I haven't personally been able to get rumble working through Retroarch on Windows (Standalone or Steam) using either Steam Input or default control options. It's unclear why it doesn't work as well as it does on Switch, but there's a certain level of jank to all of this I guess.
bought a N64 controller that unknown not working condition from used game store - going to install 8bitdo kit into it
I understand the appeal of using a hall effect joy stick becuase it won’t down, but honestly that the most integral part of the controller. I find Mario Kart, Goldeneye, Tony Hawk PS2 and a lot of other game unplayable without the OG becuase other stick lack the depth of sensitivity.
This is def a good replacement for a broken controller, it just reuses the shell. If you have a favorite color, and a button or dpad aren't working the best, this is def cool to get. I'd keep the original thumbstick tho.
I’ve seen replacement joysticks that are n64 style but I’ve never tried them. I’d be fine with the GameCube style joystick if it was modified to have the same amount of points as the n64 instead of the extra points like on the GameCube, but with the octagonal gcn style sticks, it detracts from playing N64 games.
I personally just bought shells and buttons instead of taking apart and original controller. Some third party shells and buttons are almost if not basically identical to the original.
That was my question since I have a 3rd party I want to try this on
What about membranes?
@@troymd2009did you end up doing it, what brand of 3rd party did you use if it worked?
@@jayjayhooksch1 you can buy replacement membranes as well, they aren't as good out of the box, but after breaking them in for while they feel way better.
The tip is to get high quality replacements, there are tons of cheap ones but the quality is off.
I used the modkit to give life to an unwanted N64 controller, from the controller originally not working on original hardware and having a very dusty and loose stick, to now being fully functional and wireless through the modkit. I do admit though that it was a pain in the ass to be able to close it, and even after opening and closing it multiple times and even replacing the rubber buttons, the Z button still feels weird even though it works perfectly, also I am very mad that I have tried using multiple bluetooth adapters, such as the 8BitDo wireless adapters, the Mayflash ones and others in the market, but none of them can connect to the controller, so theres no way for me to convert the input from, DInput or Switch Input into XInput through the use of hardware, and even though I know I could use software or do a trick with drivers, thats too much of a hassle so games or software that do not recognize DInput or Switch Input, will not work for the controller unfortunately. I can only hope that they release a firmware update someday, because it would be nice to be able to use the 8BitDo Ultimate software, through the Bluetooth Adapter 2 if it ever gets updated to recognize the modkit.
I just got mine, I bought one conversion kit and 2 stick replacements, all 6 of my n64 controllers have completely used up sticks and while I have tried ordering replacement parts, done the various methods people have listed to "bring life" back to the sticks and nothing really worked, they were still shit, so the stick replacement was a godsend, the conversion kit though was horrible to install, works great though, as for the leftover parts, I put them in the boxes the 8bitdo parts came in and will be storing them in the backrooms
I recently got one and I tried it out and yes it's so breathtaking to have my actual orange Nintendo 64 controller for the system Wireless. Only thing I wish they would update is to have the damn thing rumble on the actual Nintendo 64. It's crazy how rumble for the Nintendo switch online 64 games but not for the same damn games on the actual 64. Here's hoping for a firmware update, to have it rumble on the actual Nintendo 64. Because I use the blue retro adapter. So far I have two of the actual Nintendo 64 online switch controllers that I also use for the 64 and they Rumble. And the rumbles feels better than that Rumble pack. I was playing Mario party last night LOL
Had to come here for the same reason. I have two N64 Online Controllers and two of the blue retro adapters and the rumble works great as well as memory sticks with it on the original N64. But would love the color and design options of the OG controllers to be see through or the yellow and green OG controllers.
@CollinJosephNeal indeed! It does look good, I have my orange one wireless. But there is no rumble....but there HASSS to be an option. Because one time, it did try to rumble, but it was a buzz....I prefer the rumble of the N64 switch online controllers.
Thanks for not saying "eight bit dough"
I'm happy to accept that might not be the official pronunciation, but why wouldn't anyone think that at first?
Same pronunciation as Nintendo
Another advantage of the 8bit-Do is that you can literally just buy the joystick if you don't even want to upgrade the board and just intend to have a more permanent stick. Wonder how the range of motion compares to the original though... Just bought a set to upgrade my old controllers and gonna test it out when it arrives. Thanks for the input :)
What's your opinion?
I've done it on a OEM controller i have that already had a replacement stick that felt too sensitive.
And i do have an OEM controller with an original stick still in it and testing both the original stick and the hall effect stick produced results that were identical!
Honestly, I just can't trust people on controller mods anymore because they don't go through enough testing. They generally just use the controller test rom to see if it makes the same shape as an original controller, maybe try Mario 64 and Golden Eye at very base level and then say it's great. But if you try to do a double backflip and barrel roll in Wave Race, do Smash Attacks in Smash Bros, do Spin Attack loops in Ocarina and Majora, or for speed-runners find ESS position easily, the sticks always fail at least one, usually multiple of these tests.
What monitor were you playing the N64 on at the beginning?
That's a Surface Pro 9 connected via a Genki Shadowcast
8bitduo is the route to take only if you want a different color other than grey or if you already own one.
Isn't it possible to use a new n64 controller shell und replacement membranes for the 8bitdo controller?
The problem I've had with 8bitdo conversion kits is input lag. It adds another frame of lag, and since I'm already giving up a frame to play via an upscaler on my modern tv, it's just too much and feels bad. I've moved to using extension cables.
Yeah that leaves you with like 5 frames in some n64 games lol
i got a broken controller from ebay. I wish there was someone making replacement shells that I could just buy and put the retrofit kits in.
When I did this mod on an SNES controller someone straight up messaged me on eBay saying they were going to use the PCB to make an arcade stick.
Have you reviewed Brawler64 and Retro-Bit Tribute 64? I'm looking for a good USB N64 controller to use with MiSTer FPGA.
I haven't had the chance yet (they're definitely on my list). Though, I know the Brawler64 tends to get recommended a lot by folks looking for a more modern controller shape with the N64 layout.
Check out Nerrel's video on N64 Controllers. It's pretty comprehensive and addresses a lot of issues other reviews seem to ignore.
@@TakumiJoyconBoyz I ordered the NSO N64 controller this week.
Sadly doubt they'll see enough demand to commit to it, but some of the controllers 8BitDo sells now were first (and still are) available as mod kits with similar caveats to this. If the stars align there, there's at least a chance they'll spin up a ready-made option to go along with the rest of their assortment. The part that has me doubting is exactly what makes the N64 controller unique. It'll be fine for basically everything 2D from before modern controllers became the norm, it'll work decently for N64, Gamecube (sorta', the C stick is still a stick, after all, and the triggers were analog with a terminal button, but you probably won't be too limited there), and Dreamcast games, and it'll handle a lot of pre-Dualshock PS1 games...alrightly. You'll have to switch to using the C buttons for the PS1 face buttons and map A/B to L/R or L1/R1, but it'll work. That's not exactly damning, but the limitations mean this controller is a bit more of a specialty item than most of 8BitDo's other offerings.
I agree. As impractical as it'd be, I'd love to see 8BitDo recreate the controller in their style. It seems like third-party controllers these days are either very low quality or give up on the form factor altogether (e.g., the Brawler64). I'd love a modern design-accurate controller that felt good to use and didn't require sacrificing original hardware.
Also, fun fact, while testing for the video, my wife and I tested both controllers with various modern Switch games. For games like Mario Kart 8 and SSBU that don't require all buttons on a pro controller, N64 controllers were actually pretty fun to use. As you mentioned, it was only when we started to get into camera-heavy games (like Splatoon 3) where they became way too limiting.
@@GameXData Just get the NSO controller and connect it to your PC; and get a BlueRetro adapter with it if yo want to use it with your actual N64. The controller is perfect.
NIce Video!
Have they solved the HD Rumble support or regular support on the N64 with the blue retro adapter sending a signal to it?
Well blueretro control functions work fine with the 8bitdo but the controller still ignores rumble information being sent to it. Seems like an issue 8bitdo has to fix with a firmware update.
How do you close out the application with the controller?
Just bought a couple of these mod kits and 2 broken controllers to fit them in. Definitely would never mod working hardware unnecessarily
Is there any way to get the 8BitDO guts working with original hardware and with memory Pak support?
Sort of. The stick is a drop-in replacement for original controllers. It works fantastically. If you want to see what that looks like in-use, here's my video on that: czcams.com/video/P0cCJzy1ki0/video.html
As for the new mainboard, it's a bit tricky. If you want to use 8BitDo's board, you'll need to also find a Bluetooth adaptor that can plug into an N64's controller slot. Blue Retro adapters have been mentioned by a ton of folks to solve this issue.
Unfortunately, there have been some noted issues with Bluetooth adapters in the past with regards to deadzones out-of-the-box. So, if you do go that route, make sure to check for any firmware updates on your adapter and calibrate your stick after installation.
Honestly Nintendo's N64 Switch Online Controller(mouthful of a name) is almost always sold out. I'd love to get one, but chances are low. The 8bitdo modkit is a bit better in that it's a drop in replacement to make the N64 controller Bluetooth. For a modern N64 controller, the best option is the Retrofighters Brawler 64, with it's much more ergonomic design and layout.
Not sure if you'll get this notification but they are in stock right now!
I would love to have a functional N64-like controller for my Recalbox, but my N64 work like a charm and all my N64 controllers work well. (Although the my black one has its joystick starting to show its age, and would need to be replaced. Why not by a hall-effect one?)
If only someone could 3D print a replacement shell and/or buttons of a N64 controller 🤔
i want to play zelda on my PC, should i maybe just use MK instead? i remember the original controller making my thumb really sore.
I'd say the best option is always what's most comfortable for you. If you find the original controller uncomfortable, I definitely wouldn't stress about not using it.
Could you use this mod on "Old Skool" Nintendo 64 controller instead? You would only be trashing the parts of a 3rd party controller.
Maybe! If the layout of the shell is the same as an original controller, it should work. I do know some 3rd-party controllers update the internal shell design a bit to fit their own parts though. Could be a neat thing to test out if someone has one on-hand.
One nitpick about what you said. The new joystick is GameCube style, not N64 style.
Definitely a fair nitpick to make. It always feels awkward referring to an N64 thumbstick replacement as a gamecube thimstick, but I should've corrected it.
@@GameXData thats extremely important information for the n64, gamecube style sticks have a different sensitivity to originals and make certain movements impossible.
I think the mod kit is perfectly ideal for people that have broken controllers with bad sticks and/or torn apart cables, it brings new life ton controllers whose buttons and shells would have become e-waste
You dont actually need the expansion pack to get the controller, a base Switch Online subscription is enough
Great video
N64 switch online controller works in Project 64 with little to no hassle and u have to decrease the deadzones. and for other things u can use betterjoy, it's not too much of a hassle
You can connect OEM to usb with raphnet adapter. You don't need the switch or 8bit controller. The 8bit stick would have terrible angles for speedrunning.
Something that I think should be mentioned in the video is that the Hall Effect joystick is not required and an original one can be used in it’s place to have it play like the NSO one.
In fact, with an original joystick it is better than the NSO controller’s stick as the NSO stick uses potentiometers which can drift and whereas the original stick uses optical encoders which won’t drift over time as long as the plastic parts are not worn down.
Also the Kitsch-Bent parts work for the original controller stick but not all the pieces work for the NSO stick due to some redesigns for the potentiometers to fit.
All good points. The first part is mainly an omission of personal preference. I don't go out of my way to mention that the old stick can be reused because I think most folks would be better off upgrading to the (hypothetically) more durable stick. However, there's nothing stopping someone from saving $10 on their mod kit purchase and using the original stick or going all in on something like a steel stick (if they're feeling fancy).
As for the Kitsch-Bent parts, I'm referring primarily to the stick itself in the video. From my experience, that tends to be the biggest point of failure over time. Based on the teardown I linked int the video description, the stick on the NSO controller appears to be interchangeable, even if the mechanism itself has changed. It's likely I could've made that clearer in the video; sorry for any confusion.
Nice BEANS shirt!
Just find what I still have - The Adaptoid
*Me who has a ton of flea markets around with cheap faulty N64 controllers laying around*
Time to cook for a bit, boys!
Everyones a gamer now...god...
You can promote a product you were paid to cover without shitting on the original
Wait, someone was paying me? If so, I'd like to know when I'll get the money. We could use a new telephoto lens 👀
Alternate title: What Does 8BitDo that Nintendon't?
Does anyone know if the 8bit stick has the same deadzone issues as the after market GameCube stick replacements for original n64 controllers ?
More importantly,i don't care about the switch,i want a good wired controller for the n64 console with a modern stick but one without the deadzone issues
If you're looking for a modern, wired controller for use with original hardware, the Brawler64 tends to get recommended quite a bit (link: retrofighters.com/our-collection/brawler64-nextgen-n64-controller-colors-v2/).
Still play my 64 on a 20" crt, I like the authenticity of the original but it simply dosent compair to a gc stick modded in. Ditch the authenticity and start having some fun playing classics.
Has anyone compared the stick mapping to the original? The history shows the gamecube style stick doesn't map well to the original. Thoughts?
I’ll sum up the video… yes ! It’s awesome I can play everything like it’s a brand new stick with proper deadzones and speeds. Long live and love n64 controllers
For emulation I think the best one is Brawler64. Literally plug and play in Retroarch (even though I find the stick a bit too sensitive compared to a real N64 controller). However, the best N64 controller overall is hands down the NSO. It feels and behaves exactly like the real thing.
I have this, like all 3rd party joysticks attempting to emulate the N64 joystick, the sensitivity and deadzones... make more precise movements a real pain.
Junk stick movements from these “upgrades” left me rebuilding my original
@@christophervanzetta Same, or just the standard switch N64 wireless option.
I need the beans shirt.
I found the 8BitDo swap not that great. IDK if you tested with a lot of games or not. I found the 8bitdo analog stick had inconsistency problems. It is way too sensitive on the outer edges and you don't get a controlled movement. You should try playing Mario 64 and Tip Toe around. You'll clearly see how superior the OEM controller is, followed by the switch N64 controller.
Did you calibrate your stick after installation? In SM64 via NSO, I'm getting the same range of movements with 8BitDo's stick as I am with Nintendo's controller. With as minute movement of the stick I can muster, Mario's still moving forward. Meanwhile, the stick travel to break into a run feels natural compared to playing the game on original hardware.
@@GameXData I did and the calibration came out better, sometimes, than the N64 controller. Maybe the bluetooth adapter is translating wrong or something.
@Kaiesis Glad to hear that helped. Based on some other comments I've seen from other folks having issues with Bluetooth adapters, I'm thinking they're at least a contributing factor. If so, I'm guessing fixing it might (unfortunately) come down to hoping for a firmware update from 8Bitdo or waiting for an adapter that's designed to work with the modkit.
I'd get one of these mod kits if you could still use it with an N64 :|
"8BitDo" is pronounced Eight-Bit-Dough. It's a play on "NintenDO."
It's all in whether or not a year from now the stick is so floppy you have to snap the stick off to make your character run. Of all the goofy design choices Nintendo ever made, cheaping out on your analogue stick was one of the worst.
Funny, I always read it as 8-bit-dough like Nintendo, not 8-bit-doo like poo.
I have to admit that I'm kind of disappointed that it's a kit that requires modifying original hardware... because that means if original hardware gets harder to find, then the kit won't do you much good. Also, it isn't great if you're like me and don't really like modding stuff to begin with. Finally, the most disappointing thing about it is that if you use this mod, the controller won't work with an original N64 anymore... like, in principle, it's a better solution than Nintendo's official one, but it comes in a kit and requires both some degree of skill and a sacrifice a lot of people might not want to make. To be honest, I'm tempted to describe the approach derisively as gutting an official controller, scraping out the innards, and pretty much just salvaging the casing and buttons, which are the part that would be the easiest to reproduce, probably to save a few bucks. However, I suspect official N64 controllers will get more expensive in the future thanks to this, just like original SNES controllers that work well are already kinda out of reach... maybe the long-term plan of 8BitDo is to drive OEM N64 controllers off the used market by selling this mod to encourage people to destroy inventory so they can get the price high enough to make money off a better reproduction of an N64 controller? LOL.
The N64 controllers are presently cheap enough, I picked up 2 fully working Nintendo branded atomic purple and royal blue, cost £10 each (so 13usd). Gutted and binned the innards and replaced with the 8bitdo modkits - Works perfectly with zero need to revert. Not really caring about preservation or collectors crying, I purchased them on an open market (ebay) and they are now my property, so can do with them whatever I wish.
Ok I'm like 99% sure it's pronounced 8-bit-DOE like NintenDOE. Am I trippin?
Yes retro ark. Good ole retro arc. I also love the arch of the covenant. Or the big arc in St Luis. How about Noah's arch, what a great story. Yes the h in retroark is definitely silent
It is the year of the lord 2000 + 23 and people still don't see that the 'do' in the 8bitdo name is supposed to be pronounced like Nintendo.
That's because it's pronounced "8BitDoo."
twitter.com/BobWulff/status/1501716175977431040
Yeah, years ago, the company said it is "doo". They even used to sell a Bluetooth speaker that would say "8BitDo" when powered on and people then were like "oh so that's how they pronounce it". Since obviously we would assume it is like the 'do' part of Nintendo.
Not it isn't, their official speaker pronounces it "8bitdoo"
They tell people to pronounce it as "doo" instead of "do" probably because otherwise the ninten"do" ninjas would be taking them out from behind 😂
I’m shocked by what I’ve learned here. There was no doubt in my mind that it was “doh” like Ninten-do
NSO n64 controller is impossible to buy for 99.99% of people. End of story
They have actually been in stock since the most recent Nintendo Direct.
Logitech and 8bitdo generally are the best 3rd party controllers
These both seem like terrible solutions. Nintendo's N64 controller is overpriced for what you get, and the 8bitdo mod not only requires you to DIY, but also requires you to have an original N64 controller (which are becoming far more expensive due to speedrunners hoarding them).
Maybe it's different where you live, but I consistently find N64 controllers for under $30 on eBay. Especially if you buy one for parts (which you should already be doing for any DIY kit), it's not uncommon to find controllers for $10 - $20.
@@GameXData Yeah, I guess if you're gonna replace the analog stick anyway, it would be cheaper
very thoughtful on the ewaste reminder.
I live in the UK and picked up 2 working Nintendo branded controllers (atomic purple and royal blue - both pristine/working) from eBay - Got them for £10-12 each, so around 15 USD each. Mod kit was £30 each - So effectively a modded controller for £40, pretty good.
Ripped out the old parts, replaced with the 8bitdo kits (also bought new membranes) and binned the old parts as I had zero use for them and have no intention of ever reverting it back - I was a Sega kid, other than SNES, Nintendo holds no nostalgia for me.
To anyone who wishes to cry about preservation and me binning the N64 controller innards, send me your frustrated collector tears so I can excitedly drink them. Its a free market, I bought the controller in a public auction with my own money, if I want to smash it to bits I can do that also.
Just put the old board in a bag and toss in a drawer dude its not that hard...
the 8bitdo stick is a gamecube style modern stick, not n64 style, and suffers from the same oversensitivity issues. aka, its junk for real n64 use.
A lot of the hassles of poor connectivity problems outside of Switch will be dated once an open-source solution or emulators update.
And how long do we have to wait for that, it's been on the market for 2 years already.
Has Nintendo ever given _"credit"_ to whoever made the call to go ahead with that... _unique,..._ three-armed, controller design? IMO the worst ever first party, mass released controller. Competitors Microsoft and Sony get praise for releasing adaptive controllers but Nintendo never gets scorn for releasing a controller where users were expected to also use their feet or evolve additional appendages in order to cover all the buttons at one time. Nintendo sometimes innovates too hard for the sake on innovation.
Would be interested in a a three-way comparison between these two and the Retro Fighter option; a modern take on the N64 button scheme with a conventional, standard, only two-handed design.
It's a very interesting topic to me. It's not a comfortable controller now (my left hand knuckles rub against the seam in the 'crotch' between handles while using the stick), and it's a clear evolutionary dead end, but I can see what they're going for. They're hedging their bets. If analog control didn't catch on, then you have this vestigal prong dangling in the middle; no biggie. It did catch on, and people mostly use it, so you have a D-Pad and L-button hanging out on the west coast for when you do rarely need it. At the same time they're shining a bright spotlight on the analog stick by putting it right in the middle of the foolish thing. I guess they just didn't forsee the situation we have now with a lot of modern games using the stick for movement and the D-pad for menus or occasionally-used hotkeys.
For the rare games that use the D-pad, it's a really comfortable and usable controller. For the rest of the games that don't use the D-pad, if you can configure an emulator to do so and use a real N64 controller with it, it still feels pretty darn nice. I wish they didn't enforce stick usage for every single game. It wasn't necessary.
There are a couple of pluses (if they weren't to go for dual analog sticks):
1. You can use the stick with your left or right hand (no additional expense for a second stick). I would play Goldeneye with my right thumb on the stick, most other games you play with the left thumb on the stick.
2. There was also a dual controller mode where you hold one controller in each hand to give you two analogue sticks, again in Goldeneye.
I guess that's one game/reason for the design. I never really had any complaints apart from yes, the stick would always suffer after a lot of use.
It's supposed to be used with two hands, with one hand on each side, or one of the sides and the middle. Obviosuly the Modern approach of having the stick and the dpad in one side instead of having a middle handle is better, but the "three arms" joke is dumb as hell, specially because most of times, games that use stick don't use dpad and L.
And good way to out yourself as foot fetishist xD
@@Mari_Izu Foot fetishist? You’re really stretching with that one. Does walking mean you have a kink? You don’t have to defend Nintendo; they messed up with this one.