The Nintendo 64 is definitely having a moment right now. Just a few months after the Analogue 3D saga — which we covered here — it's now ModRetro stepping into the spotlight with its M64, announced for July 28, 2026, at a price of $199.

ModRetro is no stranger to the retrogaming scene. The company first made a name for itself with the Chromatic, a handheld console dedicated to Game Boy and Game Boy Color games released in 2024. With the M64, it is taking things to the next level and directly targeting the Nintendo 64 market. Like the Analogue 3D, the M64 is built around an FPGA solution — in this case, an AMD Artix 7 chip — that recreates the original Nintendo 64 hardware without relying on software emulation.

Video output is handled via 4K HDMI, and everything is housed in a passively cooled magnesium alloy chassis (no fan required). On the front, you'll find four controller ports, a microSD card slot, a USB-C port, and a choice of four translucent colors — red, gray, purple, and green — allowing users to admire the internal components.

Dedicated Physical Games Available at Launch

ModRetro isn't just selling hardware. Four games will launch simultaneously on N64 cartridges, including Xeno Crisis, Buck Bumble (making a return thanks to Argonaut Games), and Extreme-G: Turbo Fusion. A proprietary controller, the Trident, will also be available on day one.

Of course, and this is the whole point of an FPGA console, the M64 will be able to play original Nintendo 64 cartridges. However, be aware that after digging through the available information, we found nearly fifty games that may experience bugs of varying severity. You can find the full compatibility list here.

What Sets It Apart from the Analogue 3D

The early bird launch price is $199 ($229 at standard retail), making it $50 cheaper than the Analogue 3D. But the real difference lies in communication and execution. While Analogue faced multiple delays over a two-year period before finally shipping its console in late 2025, ModRetro is announcing a firm release date along with a detailed list of what will be available at launch and what features will arrive later through updates.

In the FPGA retrogaming world, that level of transparency is far from common. That said, this is not a criticism of the Analogue 3D, which has impressed many reviewers with its quality. Unfortunately, its repeated delays raised concerns within the community on several occasions, leading some to question whether the project would ultimately come to fruition.

Now, the real test will be in players' hands. It remains to be seen which system will stand out in this sibling rivalry between FPGA-powered Nintendo 64 consoles. Ultimately, what matters most is that everyone can find the solution that suits them best and enjoy their beloved N64 cartridges once again.

Sources: rom-game.fr, retrododo.com, cnx-software.com