The ModRetro M64 represents a significant entry into the standalone FPGA gaming device market, serving as a direct competitor to the anticipated Analogue 3D. The device’s early bird pricing is indicated to be $199, with a waiting list currently available on the ModRetro website. A playable version of the M64 hardware has been demonstrated to the public at the Portland Retro Games Expo.
The system is confirmed to support a maximum output resolution of 4K at 60 FPS (4K60). This specification was verified by the core developer, Robert Peip (aka FPGAzumSpass), who communicated the information via the MiSTer FPGA Discord server.
The M64 utilizes a core initially developed by Robert Peip for the MiSTer FPGA platform. Robert has been granted the opportunity to work with a more powerful FPGA unit for the M64, enabling him to complete the core beyond the limitations of the DE10-nano hardware.
The device is powered via a USB Type-C connection and outputs video through HDMI.
Any future improvements made to the core during the M64’s development are intended to be backported to the MiSTer FPGA core to enhance that platform, provided they are compatible with the DE10-Nano.
The M64 is confirmed to run original Nintendo 64 game cartridges.
The system supports original N64 controllers and is expected to offer compatibility with other controller as well (Bluetooth/USB).
ModRetro has indicated plans to leave a portion of the system “open,” which may allow for the development and use of additional FPGA cores beyond the N64. We do not know much about this at the moment, but this could be interesting, stay tuned.
[special thanks to Jayro for the pictures]
I put myself on the ‘lock the price’ email list for this.
It looks quite nice thus far, but we’ve only seen a single game.
But no matter how someone feels about that, it was at least playable at that game convention.
Unlike the 3D, which has only had a few seconds lasting video showing its capability. That’s it…and so long ago almost nobody even remembers that tiny video haha. 8Bitdo discounted that controller already to save money on lost sales in my opinion.
I just want a modern N64. I’m EU based and my PAL unit just sucks and I won’t invest in any NTSC unit or an HDMI mod for either PAL/NTSC eventhough I did buy a crazy expensive PAL S-video cable for it yesterday to use with my scalers 🙂