8BitDo is one of the leading brands in 3rd party hardware, known for its high-quality products at lower prices. Many gamers swear by these, and we are fortunate to get our hands on the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, designed specifically to play Nintendo 64 games via the Nintendo Switch Online subscription for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 and is also compatible with PC, Analogue 3D and Android devices. 

There are two versions of the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, and the one we have is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Analogue 3D, and Android devices. The controller is designed specifically for playing Nintendo 64 games, and is available only to subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which grants access to some N64 classics. Nintendo does offer an official N64 controller for purchase on its website, a replica of the original N64 controller that debuted with the Nintendo 64 console in 1996. 

The Switch version of the N64 controller allowed players to get the same experience as playing on the actual console. The controller had a unique design, as did the GameCube, Wii, and Wii U, but the Nintendo 64 was an incredibly successful console and is still considered one of Nintendo’s best. Despite its odd design and button layout, it actually felt and worked great for games like Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Smash Bros, Star Fox 64, GoldenEye 007 and more. 

Many players today and even back then preferred a more traditional controller, which Nintendo’s competitors always stuck with. Many Switch and Switch 2 players stick with the Joy-Cons or the Switch Pro Controller to play N64 games, but the differences in button layouts can sometimes be confusing. 

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller brings the best of both worlds: a more traditional layout with all the same buttons as an N64 controller. The overall design is much like the Switch Pro Controller or 8BitDo’s other controllers for the Switch or Switch 2, so it feels comfortable in the hands.

The left side has the thumbstick and d-pad, while the right side has the same 6-button layout as an N64 controller with the A and B buttons and the four yellow analogue arrow buttons. The top has the L and R buttons and two Z buttons behind them instead of ZL and ZR. In the centre are the start button and the extra buttons from a Switch controller, including Select, Home, and Capture. 

There is no right thumbstick or X and Y buttons that modern Nintendo consoles have, but the four yellow analogue arrow buttons kind of fill those roles, especially for shooting games like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark. On a normal Switch Pro Controller, the right thumbstick acts as the analogue arrow buttons, which work well for the most part, but certain games require more precise movements.

This is most noticeable in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where you would normally use the analogue arrow buttons to play different notes on the ocarina. The thumbstick can make it difficult to be accurate with the inputs, so actually having buttons instead of a thumbstick helps prevent more mistakes. 

The controller can be used to play non-N64 games on Switch, but not having the right thumbstick or X and Y buttons can make it challenging and even amusing. Not having the X and Y buttons also removes some functions when navigating the Switch Home menu, so it’s best to keep a Joy-Con or a standard Pro Controller nearby. 

This design provides the same comfort and familiar feel of a traditional controller but also offers all the tools of the trade of an N64 controller, making it a fantastic alternative for playing N64 classics on modern Nintendo hardware. It’s also easy to connect via Bluetooth or the USB-C cable provided, or any USB-C cable you have at home.

Performance-wise, it works incredibly well, though there is some input latency between the controller and the console; this is a known issue with the N64 app itself and occurs with any controller used. Nintendo has made some improvements to the latency issue in the app and its other classic console apps on Switch, but there’s still some work to do. 

The controller we were provided is the grey controller with the blue A button, green B button, yellow analogue buttons and red Start button, a homage to the original N64 controller. There are also all-black and all-white versions available, and hopefully, more colours will be available since the N64 had a wide variety of coloured controllers. 

The controller is also compatible with PC and modern Android games, though its layout is, of course, best suited for N64 games. It’s fun to experiment with. It can also connect to an Analogue 3D, the third-party console released back in November, designed to play all N64 games, no matter the region, and is HDMI-enabled. 

While this controller isn’t compatible with an original N64 console, the other version, the 8BitDo 64 2.4G Wireless Controller, was designed for it. It comes with a dongle that plugs straight into an N64 console or even an Analogue 3D, and you’re ready to play. If we get our hands on that controller in the future, we’ll be sure to review it. 

The price of the official N64 controller for Switch is $69.95 AUD. The 8BitDo version can be a cheaper alternative, priced from $50 AUD to $80 AUD depending on the retailer. Whichever price you buy it for, you can guarantee the quality will be just as good as the official brand. 

Playing classic Nintendo 64 games on a Switch or Switch 2 is a great way to relive games from Nintendo’s huge library and for newcomers to discover some of the greatest games from before their time. The original N64 controller design still holds up well today despite its unusual style, but 8BitDo have done it again by creating a worthy alternative that brings the best of both worlds: the familiar button layout of an N64 controller and the overall design, feel, and comfort of a modern controller.

For those after a traditional, modern-style controller for Nintendo 64 classics on modern Nintendo hardware, to play at home or on the go, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is for you. 

Specifications 

• Color/Edition: Black, White, Grey 
• Special Features: Design for Analogue 3D console, Hall Effect Joysticks, Wear-resistant metal joystick ring, Turbo function, Vibration (Analogue 3D or Switch 1/2 64 Online only) 
• Compatibility: Analogue 3D, Switch (3.0.0 or above), Switch 2 (20.1.1 or above), Windows 10 (1903) or above, Android 9.0 or above 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® 5.0 (Support Bluetooth LE), Wired USB 
• Dimension/Weight: 140.8*104*60.5 mm/225g 
• Includes: 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, USB cable, Instruction manual 

Written by: Sammy Hanson