A3D Manager: A Comprehensive Tool for Analogue 3D Customization

FPGA Gaming
Cartridge Explorer

A3D Manager is an unofficial, open-source companion application designed specifically for the Analogue 3D, a modern reimagining of the Nintendo 64. Developed by GitHub user TheLeggett, the project serves as a desktop utility that allows users to fine-tune their gaming experience by managing cartridge metadata, artwork, and hardware settings directly on their SD card. It is a web-based application that provides a modern, intuitive interface and can be saved as a web page for convenient offline use.

1. Cartridge Library Management

The core of the application is the Cartridge Explorer, which provides a centralized interface to view and organize a Nintendo 64 library.

  • Database Integration: It includes a pre-built database of over 340 Analogue 3D cartridge IDs, automatically mapping them to game names, regions (NTSC/PAL), and languages.
  • Organization: Users can search their collection in real-time, filter by region, and toggle between their entire library and games they specifically own.
  • Customization: It supports homebrew and flash carts, allowing users to assign custom names to unrecognized software.

2. Per-Game Display & Hardware Profiles

One of the most powerful features of A3D Manager is the ability to set unique configurations for every individual game, which are then synced to the Analogue 3D SD card.

  • Display Modes: Users can choose between classic filters like BVM, PVM, CRT, Scanlines, or Clean modes. It offers granular control over CRT settings such as beam convergence, edge hardness, and image fit.
  • Hardware Tweaks: The tool allows users to toggle the Virtual Expansion Pak, enable De-Blur and 32-bit Color enhancements, disable texture filtering or antialiasing, and manage Overclock settings (Enhanced, Enhanced+, or Unleashed).

3. Label Artwork Customization

For users who want a visual “digital shelf,” A3D Manager simplifies the process of adding custom label art to the Analogue 3D home screen.

  • Ease of Use: It features a drag-and-drop interface that supports PNG, JPG, and WebP formats.
  • Automatic Formatting: The app automatically resizes images to the required 74×86 pixel format, ensuring they display correctly on the console.

4. Game Pak (Save Data) Management

The utility provides robust tools for managing Controller Pak (memory card) saves:

  • Backup & Restore: Users can download saves from the SD card to their computer or upload local saves back to the card.
  • Save Inspection: It displays save data usage, showing how many pages are free and the total capacity used.
  • Export/Import: Supports the standard .img format for importing and exporting game pak files.

5. Seamless SD Card Integration

A3D Manager is built to work directly with the Analogue 3D ecosystem.

  • Auto-Detection: The application automatically detects connected Analogue 3D SD cards.
  • Syncing: It features a real-time sync status indicator and handles conflict detection when local data differs from what is on the SD card.
  • Import/Export Bundles: Users can export their entire configuration (labels, settings, and saves) into a single .a3d file for easy backup or sharing with the community.

Technical Availability

The project is hosted on GitHub under the MIT License, making it free and open-source. It is built using Node.js and can be run natively on a computer or via a Docker container. While it is an unofficial tool not affiliated with Analogue, it has become a popular utility for users looking to maximize the potential of their hardware.

Use/download the app here.

Projects GitHub.

Where we heard about this here.

Click here to display content from YouTube.
Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy.

3 thoughts on “A3D Manager: A Comprehensive Tool for Analogue 3D Customization

Leave a Reply