If you’re a 90s kid, you probably grew up with Nintendo. And chances are you still love to play these games.
Nintendo 64 is a video game console that is commonly known as n64. It was released in Japan in June 1996 and soon took over the world. In 2002, after the company released the game cube, they discontinued the n64 and its controllers. However, lots of third-party companies have released various similar controllers since then.
So, if you need a new controller for your n64 games, check out our list of the best options currently on the market.
Best n64 Controllers
With so many controllers to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options and find the right one. That is why, along with our quick reviews of the 7 best n64 controllers, we have also included a handy buying guide and some FAQs to make your experience easier. So, let’s jump right in.
1. Kiwitatá Retro Wired GamePad Controller
Released under the brand name of Kiwitatá, this retro wired controller is one of the best Nintendo 64 controllers. Its first appearance in the market was in November 2017. It is made up of high-quality materials, making it a very durable device.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is the common thermoplastic polymer used in its manufacturing. It is pretty easy to use. Simply plug the wire and start playing the games. It could remind you of the old days of n64 popularity. This controller is compatible with most n64 games, including perfect dark, Zelda, super smash, ocarina of time, and all-time favorite Super Mario 64.
Most of the old n64 games required an SD card or memory card to save the data. This controller also has a slot for portable storage devices, through which you can connect an SD card and keep saving your progress.
It provides you a 360-degree press and smooth and clear touch feelings. It has a total of 10 buttons that work very accurately. A d-pad and a joystick provide an eight-directional movement which is very important in many Nintendo games. These control buttons are tight and analog, with a sensitive touch that can take your gaming experience to the next level.
Indeed this is one of the best controllers for n64. Its shape is very comfortable to hold, and its weight is about 7.1 ounces, making it easy to handle and play with. The company offers a 45-day money-back return and one year of free warranty services to make your buying decision easy.
- Its lightweight makes it easy to hold and use without tiring your hands
- Environment-friendly material
- You can connect the storage devices with the controller
- This controller is a third-party alternative for n64. It is not the original one.
- The length of its wire is 6 feet only
2. iNNEXT Classic Wired N64 Controller
iNNEXT is a famous name in the world of n64 controllers, which has released many controllers. Under this brand, the iNNEXT Classic Wired N64 Controller was first released on 31st July 2019. Since then, it has earned the trust of many gamers and is ranking among some top controllers.
High-quality materials are used in its production. It is compatible with most of the n64 games. Some of these games are Mario cart, Donkey Kong for n64, Banjo Kazooie, shadows of the Empire, Star Wars, Paper Mario, and some fantastic pokemon games, including pokemon snap and pokemon stadium.
It is also compatible with Resident Evil 2, which could remind you of the legacy of a single human in a world full of zombies. The list never ends there; you can also enjoy many other n64 games using this controller.
It has ten buttons and a d-pad. All of them are well arranged on this M-shaped controller. The joystick is also present in it, which allows you a 360-degree motion of characters.
This controller’s frame is suitable for your hands and will not enable sweat on your hands. It also has room to attach the memory card and save your progress. It also has a rumble Pak feature, by using which you can experience force feedback in selected situations.
This controller comes in different colors, including red, grey, and black color. A six feet long cable comes with it to connect it with the n64 console. This cable is easy to connect from both sides and transmits data with a high level of accuracy.
The product is ranked at number 25 among all types of PC gamepads and controllers, making it easy for you to select it as your n64 controller.
- Lightweight, weighing about 7.2 ounces makes its grip easier
- Compatible with almost every Nintendo 64 game
- Easy and sensitive control buttons
- The company does not provide Rumble Pak with it. You have to order it separately
- Not compatible with any adopter other than n64
- Joystick gets stuck in some cases
3. SAFFUN N64 Wired USB PC Gamepad
A classic n64 controller with a simple USB plug wire can be your ideal choice for playing games. SAFFUN N64 Wired USB PC Gamepad is arguably one of the best Nintendo 64 controllers ever produced. It was first released under the brand name SAFFUN in July 2017. It has many users across the globe who trust it and recommend it.
The controller comes with a USB or data cable that you can connect with any USB portal. It is pretty simple to use. You only need to plug the wire into a USB port and start using it after customizing the controller’s settings. It is compatible with some old and new computer windows, including Windows 2000, 2003, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
You can also connect it with Android devices using a USB OTG cable. Furthermore, it supports many game emulators like n64, MAME, UltraHLE, Corn, Nemu64, etc.
Like other controllers, it also has a total of ten buttons along with a d-pad and joystick, which help in creating ease for the gamer and increasing his winning rate. With 7.2 ounces of weight and a 5.9 feet cable (the length can be increased by using an extension cable), it is a great choice to play n64 games.
In order to make your decision easy, the company provides you with a money-back and free replacement warranty for six months. You can also trust to buy it by knowing that it is one of the highly ranked controllers available in the market.
- Three support multiple operating systems
- It does not need any drivers or patches
- More pressure is required to press the L, R, and Z buttons
- It does not support steam games
4. Retro Fighters Brawler64 Next-Gen N64 Controller
Grace Market released this next-generation controller in March 2018, and it is one of the most advanced controllers of n64. This controller and an original n64 controller are very similar, but their appearance is slightly different. Its primary color is grey and is also available in a transparent theme.
It is a very lightweight controller weighing only 5.6 ounces. Its grip has a comfortable two-hand design, making it user-friendly. With this versatile controller, you can play almost every game. It will perform equally well in all games due to its high accuracy and precision.
This controller has two Z buttons that allow you to create a shield immediately to prevent attacks in many games. This controller is also compatible with a memory stick and provides you the rumble Pak feature that could enable you to use the force feedback process under certain gaming conditions.
The analogous next-generation stick and a classic d-pad take your gaming experience to a higher level. All the buttons are highly sensitive and responsive to add to your joy.
- Ultra-fast turbo function is available to use
- Z-trigger is present on both sides for your comfort
- Next-generation two-handle design
- The comfy grip allows gamers to play for longer times without tiring
- Sometimes, the joystick gets slippery, affecting your gameplay
- Not compatible with other consoles
5. Miadore Classic 64 Wired Controller
The Miadore Classic 64 Wired Controller is the best choice for you if you love playing Nintendo. It is a classic controller that will remind you of your childhood when you would spend hours playing video games.
It has got a vintage vibe to it, which makes it even more special. By using this controller, you can play almost all your childhood memorable games.
It is compatible with n64, so it can make the best gift for the youth who want to enjoy the classic Nintendo 64 gaming experience. Made with high-quality plastic material, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, it is highly durable and long-lasting.
It supports various games, including Legend of the Zelda, South Park, Resident Evil 2, pokemon snap, and some purely classic Mario games. As a wired controller, the cable used in it can only connect with the n64 apparatus.
The shape of this controller is very comfortable, as it provides multiple grip points, which provides a firm grip. It also supports a memory card for storing and transferring data of these classic games. It is pretty lightweight as it only weighs about 1.04 pounds.
There are ten buttons, including action buttons, shoulder buttons, a d-pad, and an analog liver. The liver is a type of thumb liver, which means you can control it with a single thumb to experience a 360-degree or eight-directional movement. A Z-Button is present at the bottom that helps to form a shield in n64 games.
It is available in different colors, and you can choose your favorite color. This controller could be your choice with a 6 feet cable that can be expanded further using an extension.
- Different grip points to hold, allowing different hand positions depending on the game
- The thick and strong cable is very durable and ensures impeccable transmission of signals
- The joystick is extra sensitive, causing difficulty in playing some games
- Heavyweight due to which many gamers try to avoid it
6. Retro Fighters Brawler64 Wireless Edition N64 Controller
Manufactured by retro fighters, this controller is a next-generation controller that provides flawless control over the game. It is a highly functional n64 controller that performs exceptionally well.
It can help you to play the classic Nintendo games with significant control. The controller supports various n64 games, including Dinosaurs hunter, pokemon stadium, and classic Mario games. This is arguably the best controller for classic three-dimensional games of Mario Bros, including Mario Kart, and super Mario64, etc.
The wireless technology is fantastic, and you do not have to deal with the irritating wire of the controller. It also prevents you from the headache of plugging wire, setting it according to your sitting position, and limiting it to a particular place in the room. It is also the first choice controller for those who have one or more toddlers in their homes.
As it is a wireless controller, it requires a battery for its functioning, and one Lithium-ion battery is enough for it. The battery comes along with the package by the company.
The button’s arrangement and shape are similar to the wired retro fighter n64 controller. Z buttons are also present on both right and left sides.
It is an excellent option if you are fond of n64, then this controller will suffice all your gaming needs.
- Wireless controller
- It is rechargeable, and the battery life is quite impressive
- It is a lightweight controller
- Its USB charger is only used for charging and cannot sync to PC
- It cannot support Rumble Pak for in-game vibrations
7. Hyperkin “Admiral” Premium BT Controller
The last in our list but first in performance is the Hyperkin admiral premium BT controller. Well-reputed company Hyperkin has released many controllers, but the Admiral is the best controller of this brand.
We can’t deny the importance of the original product in every field of life. The same is in the case of the Admiral, as it is the first wireless controller for Nintendo 64. It was released in November 2019, and since then, it is the best controller for n64.
It uses a 2.4 Gigahertz wireless technology that provides you a flawless wireless controlling experience. If you are looking for classic games controller with new technology, this might fit your needs. Its weight is about 12.8 ounces and has a comfortable holding frame.
The perfect arrangement of ten buttons, the D-pad, and the analog thumbstick provide you with an incredible gaming experience. Dual Z-triggers are present on the left and right sides of the controller, taking your gaming experience to the next level.
The controller comes with a lithium-ion battery. After a full charge, it survives for six continuous gaming hours, which is pretty good. It is rechargeable with a micro cable that comes in the package.
What makes this product even more convenient, there is a memory card slot on the controller that you can use to save your progress. This memory card slot is compatible with all types of in-game and third-party gaming memory cards. Other than all Nintendo 64, it is also compatible with PC, Mac, and android, connecting via Bluetooth.
- Impeccable wireless connectivity providing you an excellent ranged wireless connection with n64
- Along with n64, it is also compatible with some other operators
- Its D-pad functioning is not up to the mark
- Heavier than many other Nintendo 64 controllers
Buying Guide
When you decide to buy a controller for yourself, the sheer number of choices can sometimes be frustrating. You are not sure what to look for and start to worry if the one you choose will really fulfill your needs. We’ve been there.
So, to help you make sense of all these options, we have created this buying guide that includes all the essentials features of a good controller. Different products offer all kinds of unique and interesting features designed to cater to different needs.
Ultimately, the best one for you is the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the essential characteristics of a good controller.
Quality
The first thing before buying anything is to check the quality of the product. Choosing a Nintendo 64 controller is no exception. Of course, the best option would be to buy the original, but they are no longer being manufactured.
So, you might have a hard time finding one. In that case, we recommend buying a new third-party controller instead of a second-hand original. To know if the quality of the product is up to par, go through the customer reviews and see what previous buyers have said.
Durability
Durability is the next thing to keep in mind when buying a controller. The controller will be useless if it is not built to last because you would have to buy a new one every week. If you have already used some controllers, you might have an idea about the durability of the products from different brands. Again, customer reviews can help you in this regard.
Button Arrangements
The arrangement of the buttons is an important aspect to pay attention to when buying a new controller. The buttons should be arranged in a way that gives you easy access to all of them. Otherwise, you will not be comfortable while playing, and your performance might suffer. If possible, hold the controller before buying it to see how it feels in your hand.
Price
Price is another factor to consider when buying a controller. Ideally, you should stay within your budget. However, if you find a high-quality product that is a bit more expensive, it would be a good idea to select it over the cheaper model. A solid n64 controller is definitely worth the investment.
FAQs
1. Can I buy an original n64 controller?
You cannot buy a brand new original n64 controller as they have been discontinued. However, you can buy a second-hand controller. Your best choice is to buy a third-party controller.
2. Is there a difference between original and third-party n64 controllers?
No, there are no noticeable differences between an original and a third-party n64 controller. They work very similarly.
3. Can I fix the control settings?
Yes, you can adjust the control settings with the help of the mapping sheet that comes with the controller.
4. Is the wireless controller better than the wired controller?
Generally speaking, the accuracy of a wired controller is higher than the wireless controller. But many wireless controllers offer a solid transmission and give you the same accuracy as a wired one.
Conclusion
In today’s world, buying any gaming gadget is much easier because there are plenty of options to cater to different needs and requirements. You can also find lots of helpful customer reviews to see if the actual product matches the description.
But that same variety can also complicate the selection process because there is too much information to sift through. That is where we come in. We perform thorough research on every sort of gaming-related gadget and provide you with reliable reviews to help you narrow down choices.
After reading our list of the 7 best controllers for n64, you’re probably wondering which is the best one for you.
If you want to enjoy a classic wired controller, then SAFFUN N64 Wired USB PC Gamepad must be your first choice as it has very few drawbacks and is compatible with various other consoles as well.
But if you want to say goodbye to the wired controllers, then the latest Retro Fighters Brawler64 Wireless Edition N64 Controller is the ideal choice, as it has the longest battery life.
So, Nintendo lovers! What are you waiting for now? Pick the best n64 controller from our list and start playing your favorite Nintendo games today!
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- Tech Guides
- September 11, 2021
