Analogue 3D

[QualityChimp]

Not judging, but curious what's the primary attraction to this device?

I get why people would buy original hardware and collect the games.
I get why people would emulate to play the games.

This just feels like neither one or the other - you're paying for a console that will connect on HDMI etc, I get that, but won't it look ropey upscaled, especially most N64 games?
Why would you buy a console that runs original carts, then put an everdrive in it? Why wouldn't you just emulate?

Just confused at what retro itch this scratches that can't be done elsewhere, especially as it's sold out without any reviews/previews/screenshots.

[Brad]

Not judging, but curious what's the primary attraction to this device?

I get why people would buy original hardware and collect the games.
I get why people would emulate to play the games.

This just feels like neither one or the other - you're paying for a console that will connect on HDMI etc, I get that, but won't it look ropey upscaled, especially most N64 games?
Why would you buy a console that runs original carts, then put an everdrive in it? Why wouldn't you just emulate?

Just confused at what retro itch this scratches that can't be done elsewhere, especially as it's sold out without any reviews/previews/screenshots.

It's simulating original N64 hardware (via FPGA), so total accuracy/compatibility, whilst being cheaper than an acceptably kitted out MiSTeR (that will look like a PCB sandwich with wires all over the place)
It looks cool, a bit like a real N64
It can use real carts
It can use real controllers
It has an upscaler/other video gubbins built in to make it look really good on a modern telly

So, the itch it scratches is, I imagine, N64 lovers who're fed up having to use a CRT, or an external scaler but who like the thunk of plugging a cart in, want to use original controllers and want a simpler/cleaner solution than mister. IMO!!!

[Nu-Eclipse]

Not judging, but curious what's the primary attraction to this device?

I get why people would buy original hardware and collect the games.
I get why people would emulate to play the games.

This just feels like neither one or the other - you're paying for a console that will connect on HDMI etc, I get that, but won't it look ropey upscaled, especially most N64 games?
Why would you buy a console that runs original carts, then put an everdrive in it? Why wouldn't you just emulate?

Just confused at what retro itch this scratches that can't be done elsewhere, especially as it's sold out without any reviews/previews/screenshots.

Fair arguments, but then you could devolve that further and say why bother with MiSTer or any type of emulation? Why not just stick to OG hardware and software??

Essentially, it's consolized FPGA, for the hardcore enthusiasts of said console(s) who want a more modernized take on the hardware with pretty much perfect emulation and mod cons. If anything it's a niche between OG and emulation, imo.

Go find out more about Analogue's past products and you'll understand why they have such consumer goodwill. The recent success of the Pocket and the Super Nt/Mega Sg says it all.

Brad pretty much nails it.

[QualityChimp]

Cheers chaps.

As I say, it's not a dig, just wondered what it does that original hardware or emulation doesn't, so thanks.

I guess it just makes me chuckle when any of these modern consoles are released and people say "Finally, I can avoid the murky depths of emulation and get something that plays original cartridges! P.S. does it run an EverDrive?"


I look forward to hearing how they play.
I should probably sell my original N64 at some point as I never use it.

[wakka]

Not judging, but curious what's the primary attraction to this device?

I get why people would buy original hardware and collect the games.
I get why people would emulate to play the games.

This just feels like neither one or the other - you're paying for a console that will connect on HDMI etc, I get that, but won't it look ropey upscaled, especially most N64 games?
Why would you buy a console that runs original carts, then put an everdrive in it? Why wouldn't you just emulate?

Just confused at what retro itch this scratches that can't be done elsewhere, especially as it's sold out without any reviews/previews/screenshots.

It's sold out because Analogue have a great track record for these products. They've already made ones for NES, SNES, MD and GB/GBC/GBA that have been very well received.

I'll try and answer your questions.

won't it look ropey upscaled, especially most N64 games?

Yes and no. N64 games, to an extent, are what they are visually. But it has a built-in scaler which is designed to present the games as well as they can be on a modern TV. The scaler will include options to simulate the effects of a CRT, etc, to help make the games look as good as possible and as authentic as possible to how they were envisaged to look by the developers back in the day.

Why would you buy a console that runs original carts, then put an everdrive in it?

The ability to run original carts is a cool feature but it's far from the only reason to buy this. I would play ROMs off an SD card if I had this, because I have zero N64 carts and no desire to plunk down a load of money on them!

Why wouldn't you just emulate?

The Analogue 3D does use emulation - but it's hardware emulation, not software emulation. Software emulation is what you're doing when you're running an emulator on a computer, phone, Miyoo Mini, Xbox, etc etc. Hardware emulation requires specialised hardware (you can't do it with an app on a phone, etc) and is much more accurate to the experience of using the original machine.

Just confused at what retro itch this scratches that can't be done elsewhere

Your options for playing N64 on a modern TV, working on the basis you haven't got any hardware at present, are:

1) Use an original N64. If you want an actually decent nick one, that's £80 to £100, and you'll have to track it down and examine Ebay listings etc. You'll then need a scaler. For a decent one that's at least £100 to £150 (and one in that price range wouldn't include the nifty CRT filters the Analogue 3D offers). So you're already nearing Analogue 3D money once you've bought these two (and you haven't got any games yet).

2) Use software emulation. Working on the basis you already own computers/phones capable of it, it's completely free of charge. But you won't get to use your original carts, if that matters to you, and the experience won't be as accurate.

3) Use MiSTER. This is hardware emulation, like the Analogue 3D. It's a bit techier to setup, and a full setup has until very very recently run to about £350 to £400. A cheaper option around £150 for a complete setup is now out though, though hard to get hold of and out of stock. No ability to use carts but very accurate playback.

4) Use Analogue 3D. Hardware emulation like MiSTER, runs original carts like an original N64 as well as ROMs, has built in scaling and CRT style-filters, is designed to be very easy to operate, looks slick, will run about £275 to £300 total after shipping and tax.

So you can see it's kind of a 'best of both worlds' solution - accuracy, convenience, no futzing around with old hardware, plus the ability to play carts.

I guess it just makes me chuckle when any of these modern consoles are released and people say "Finally, I can avoid the murky depths of emulation and get something that plays original cartridges! P.S. does it run an EverDrive?"

The carts are just data storage though. They don't contribute to the experience of playing a game other than the nice tactile feel of them. The real difference is in software versus hardware emulation. Analogue show carts a lot in their marketing because they look cool but it's only really one part of what makes their products appeal.

[QualityChimp]

Brilliant answer, thanks wakka!

[wakka]

I'm glad it was useful!

It's just a toy at the end of the day, but it's a cool one!

[Nu-Eclipse]

It's quite damning that Analogue and MiSTer are pushing the boat out for N64 emulation via FPGA but Nintendo couldn't be bothered with the idea of an N64 Classic Mini, but it is what it is.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Brilliant answer, thanks wakka!

It's not that great - he forgot that Analogue's first-ever FPGA machines were for Neo•Geo and NES/Famicom.

(Only kidding - just trying to keep wakka humble! )

[wakka]

True! And I left out the PCE as well!

[Nu-Eclipse]

True! And I left out the PCE as well!

You'd be forgiven for that, tbh. If there was ever such a thing as an Analogue machine "bombing", it would surely be the Duo, and I say that somebody who wouldn't mind eventually owning one.

I can only imagine that PCE software has become that expensive or other emulation solutions for it are that cheaper/more convenient.

[wakka]

Think it's just way less popular than Nintendo and Sega gear. Cool that they made it though.

[fuse]

Some good breakdowns of the appeal already, but personally: I am expecting it to look about as good as an N64 can look, which is to say that the same kind of results on original hardware would require a bunch of modifications, even before then pumping the SCART to a high-end scaler. I am expecting it to look better than my existing N64 -> scaler setup.

I get Everdrives/ROMs will be a popular option, but I know I'm definitely going to be sticking original carts in the thing. Whenever Analogue do one of these systems I inevitably end up buying some more games to take advantage of them, and that's already been the case with this one. Having ROMs as an option is nice for fan translations and the like.

It's a tidy, elegant, dedicated solution, and I like that you take a nice looking little unit out of the box, plug in two cables, and you're away.

[Tetsuo]

I managed to get my pre-order in, and am looking forward to finding out how it performs. Even though I'm perfectly happy with my current N64 setup, the price-point was too good to pass up when you take into account how much a Ultra HDMI/PixelFx mods set you back–that's the current standard bearer, but extremely costly. The 8bitdo controllers look blasphemous to my mind, so I'll be using my original controllers.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Think it's just way less popular than Nintendo and Sega gear. Cool that they made it though.

Commercially, sure.

Enthusiast-wise...not so sure about that. PCE was pretty much the format that started the console import scene so there is still a lot of love for it, but OG hardware and software has risen in price and the emulation scene for it is pretty well-catered.