Analogue's modern reimagining of Nintendo's N64 home console has hit another pre-release obstacle. Their Analogue 3D model was first revealed in 2023, with a projected 2024 launch on the cards. The system has experienced a series of setbacks—prior to the latest official announcement, customers were expecting to receive finalized hardware by now (first quarter of 2025). Once again, the company has revised release timeframes for its $249.99 FPGA-powered console—according to an official "3D Preorder FAQ": "Analogue 3D was originally available for pre-order at the end of 2024, (and) scheduled to ship Q1 2025. Shipping is delayed (as of March 18th, 2025) and is now shipping by July 2025. We are working hard to get your 3D order in hands ASAP, and appreciate your patience. If you have an open pre-order no action is needed. As always, if you'd like to cancel your pre-order at any time, Analogue has always had a no questions asked, 100% refund policy for pre-orders."

Analogue's promotional materials showcase a very slick-looking premium reinterpretation (in black or white) of the classic N64 system. The R&D team spent: "nearly four years engineering it in FPGA. No more incompatibilities found in software emulation like input lag, graphic/audio inaccuracies, timing/frame rate issues and more. For the first time, you can re-experience the N64 exactly as it was meant to be, without compromise." According to product pages, a controller is not bundled in with the Analogue 3D package. Authentic front panel connectors indicate customers having to reuse original "trident-shaped" N64 (NUS-005) controllers, or third-party equivalents. Certain promo shots show off 8BitDo's recently introduced 64 Bluetooth Controller. Given Analogue's revised schedule, this wireless gamepad is expected to arrive weeks ahead of its natural partner piece.

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller revives the iconic N64 layout, but wrapped in an ergonomic, updated body. A precision hall-effect joystick with the original gate and signature concave rubber joystick cap. Say goodbye to the infamous loose joysticks. We're bringing back the signature C-buttons, A/B and Start—with the button sizes, positioning and feel just like the original.

Multiplayer on the N64 defined an era, and now with Analogue 3D and the 8BitDo 64 Controllers, that era is redefined. The 8BitDo 64 Controller, designed hand-in-hand with Analogue, creates an experience like no other when paired with Analogue 3D. It's a celebration of the N64, the greatest multiplayer system ever. It's Bluetooth-ready, with vibration support and platform compatibility with the new Analogue 3D, Switch, (including N64 Online) and more. Play N64 games like never before—with the best of both worlds in your hands. Available to pre-order at Amazon—MSRP $39.99.

Game controller brands are engaged in a race to update their devices with the latest internal technologies—recent market entries have sported "cutting-edge" TMR analogue joysticks, and more are seemingly in the development pipeline. GuliKit has listed a new "Reloaded" KingKong 2 (KK2) offering that features TMR electromagnetic modules; its model name is (simply) abbreviated to "KK2T." On inspection, the upgraded variant is a visual match for the original black KK2 Pro multi-platform controller (2022). In comparison, the lower-end KK2 model does not sport fancy silver accents. The two mature models utilize Hall Effect sticks—this is another electromagnetic standard; now considered "old hat" by hardcore gaming controller enthusiasts.

TMR and Hall Effect modules are often advertised as "problem free" solutions, when lined up against traditional ALPS encoders. The even older standard has tendency to develop "stick drift"—most notably, the bane of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con owners. The likes of GameSir, 8BitDo, and GuliKit claim that their various modern gamepads are provisioned with "anti-stick drift" and "anti-drift performance" tech. Discerning audience members reckon that Hall Effect modules are not completely immune to developing faults; hence the emergence of TMR alternatives. Curiously, GuliKit's KingKong 3 (KK3) controller series has also received the TMR upgrade treatment. The basic model features "1000-level high precision" sticks, while fancier KK3 PRO and MAX packages make do with Hall Effect units.

8BitDo has released another variant of its popular Ultimate Wireless Controller; this time in "No. 2" sequel form. At first glance, this modernized variant looks very familiar. There are major changes—external and internal—present on this new iteration; according to 8BitDo's product page. The company has upgraded their flagship model with Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks; hardcore controller enthusiasts have deemed this emerging standard as the "superior" choice. Manufacturers and supporters have claimed that TMR sticks are "more precise" and less power hungry, when compared to Hall Effect equivalents. 8BitDo is catching up with its main competition; GameSir and GuliKit are notable rivals—with several TMR-based models already available at retail.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller ($59.99) borrows several modern features from a budget-friendly sibling: the Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller ($29.99). Customizable extra shoulder bumpers/buttons (R4 and L4) are welcome additions, as well as updated wireless (2.4 GHz) and wired connections with a maximum 1000 Hz polling rate. Early adopters reckon that the latest model sports 8BitDo's much-improved D-pad design. Rear toggles are advertised as offering: "easy switching between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios." The Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2C models are compatible with PC and Android platforms, but the more expensive option is decked out with rear paddles, RGB Fire Ring lighting effects, and is supplied with a slick-looking magnetic charging dock. Insiders believe that 8BitDo will be releasing Nintendo Switch and Xbox-oriented versions in the near future.

8BitDo is known for making retro gaming-themed peripherals, and it's now expanded that line-up with two more products in a transparent green color way reminiscent of the original Microsoft Xbox gaming console. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard has received a refresh in classic transparent Xbox colors, and 8BitDo has launched its first gaming mouse, the Retro R8 Mouse in the same color way. The new colorway incorporates the expected transparent green plastic enclosures for the mouse and keyboard and also features bright red, yellow, blue, and green accent colors that, following the traditional ABXY button colors. Both the new Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard ($199.99) and Retro R8 Mouse ($59.99) are available for pre-order on Amazon, although it looks like the initial batches on the mouse have sold out for now.

While 8BitDo has opted for Kailh Jellyfish X switches, likely for their transparent appearance, the hardware changes to the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard are mostly limited to the transparent green case, keycaps, and extra macro buttons. The mouse, on the other hand, bears further inspection, since it's a new product category for 8BitDo. On a surface level, the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse looks like a typical ambidextrous gaming mouse, with a claimed eight programmable buttons, USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and up to 26,000 DPI resolution. While it's not advertised as a lightweight mouse, it's certainly not heavy for a wireless mouse, coming in at 77 g. The Retro R8 Mouse also comes with a matching charging dock, which 8BitDo says will charge the mouse to 100% in 2.5 hours and acts as a signal extender. 8BitDo claims that the mouse can achieve between 26 and 105 hours of use from its 450 mAh Li-ion battery in wireless mode, depending on the polling rate and connectivity mode.

Peripheral and accessory manufacturer 8BitDo today announced pre-orders are open for their Nintendo themed 'Retro Mechanical Keyboard' and accompanying 'Dual Super Buttons'. The two themes available are the "N Edition" and "Fami Edition". The former features the red, gray, and white coloring of the classic NES, while the latter features the maroon, black, and white coloring of the Famicom. "Fami Edition" also features both English and Japanese characters on the keycaps. Both editions are the same base 87-key, or tenkeyless, layout with a power LED on the top right and two dials at the top left for controlling volume and the connectivity. On the topic of connectivity the keyboard features Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and USB wired options while up to four sets of Super Buttons can connect to the keyboard via the rear 3.5 mm jacks.

Beneath the themed PBT keycaps are Kailh BOX V2 White switches attached to a hot-swappable PCB, while the Super Buttons feature heavy Gateron Green switches for a more chunky tactile feel. The keyboard has n-key rollover support and the keys can be remapped using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2, with the Super Buttons being customizable on the fly without software. The software requires a minimum of Windows 10 1903 or Android 9.0. Inside the keyboard body is a 2,000mAh battery which 8BitDo advertises as offering 200 hours of usable life on a single charge.

Introducing 8BitDo NEOGEO Wireless Controller. A perfect recreation of the original SNK NEOGEO CD. Featuring the original classic click-style joystick. Compatible with Windows, Android, and NEOGEO mini. Officially licensed by SNK. We spent years of designing, perfecting, and manufacturing the original controller to ensure it feels just like the original. We've also created 4 limited editions in tribute to THE KING OF FIGHTERS '97. Choose among Kyo Kusanagi, Terry Bogard, Iori Yagami, or Mai Shiranui.

New features and compatibility
We added bumpers, Turbo function, and button layout swapping for a more flexible and compatible gaming experience.