ModRetro Confirms Direct Partnership on M64: Major MiSTer Contributions Planned for 2025

ModRetro, the retro hardware company founded by Palmer Luckey, is making waves once again in the gaming hardware landscape.

Following the success of its FPGA-based Nintendo Game Boy clone, the Chromatic, ModRetro is now developing the M64—a system built to faithfully reproduce Nintendo 64 gameplay using cutting-edge FPGA technology.

This new device positions itself within a burgeoning market for modern, high-quality recreation hardware aimed at enthusiasts and preservationists. On August 26, 2025, ModRetro confirmed its ongoing and direct collaboration with respected FPGA developer FPGAzumSpass, the creator behind the acclaimed N64 core used on the open-source MiSTer platform.

ModRetro explicitly stated that it is working hand-in-hand with FPGAzumSpass to further develop and optimize the N64 experience on the M64.

Looking forward, ModRetro has committed to making "large contributions to MiSTer in the coming year," signaling an active role in the broader FPGA retro gaming community and ecosystem. The M64 is slated to utilize FPGAzumSpass's well-regarded N64 core, which, as noted by community experts such as MisterAddons and Porkshop Express, is fully licensed for commercial use.

This partnership ensures the M64 will offer a high standard of performance mirroring original Nintendo 64 hardware, a benchmark that discerning retro gaming fans have come to expect.

Video demonstrations by Luckey have showcased remarkable compatibility and fidelity, raising anticipation for the product’s retail debut. Palmer Luckey, who has navigated both acclaim and controversy through previous ventures—including his founding role in Oculus VR and subsequent endeavors—has set the early adopter price point for the M64 at $199.

In his public communications, Luckey highlighted the M64’s value proposition, asserting that it will deliver the optimal Nintendo 64 experience at a competitive price, outperforming alternatives in both quality and affordability. This introduction arrives at a time when the FPGA retro hardware market is becoming increasingly competitive.

Analogue, another leading name in FPGA-based consoles, has achieved industry recognition with products like the Analogue Nt Mini, Super Nt, Mega Sg, Duo, and the Analogue Pocket.

Their own N64-inspired system, the Analogue 3D, is currently in development but has faced delays, granting ModRetro a potential market opportunity as it launches the M64. By pledging not only a commercial product but also open participation and support for the MiSTer project in 2025, ModRetro is positioning itself as a key contributor to the preservation and enhancement of classic gaming hardware.

Industry observers and retro gaming fans alike will be watching closely as ModRetro prepares to bring the M64 to market and makes good on its promise to enrich the MiSTer platform for the broader community.

Nintendo Nintendo 64 MiSTer FPGA ModRetro M64 FPGAzumSpass Palmer Luckey Analogue Chromatic MisterAddons Porkshop Express Analogue 3D