ModRetro M64 Aims to Be the Affordable, Open-Source FPGA Nintendo 64 Solution

ModRetro M64 Aims to Be the Affordable, Open-Source FPGA Nintendo 64 Solution The resurgence of Nintendo 64 emulation continues as two significant FPGA-based hardware clones—Analogue 3D and ModRetro M64—prepare to launch, promising fresh possibilities for retro gaming enthusiasts.

While software emulation has long struggled to deliver high fidelity for the N64's unique architecture, the advancements in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology are finally providing viable and authentic alternatives for playing classic Nintendo games.

The stage is now set for an intense competition, as ModRetro and Analogue pursue distinct philosophies in their approach to N64 FPGA replication. As first detailed in The Memory Core, a respected newsletter focused on retro gaming and emulation, both Analogue and ModRetro are leveraging well-known contributors from the FPGA community.

The ModRetro M64 is harnessing Robert Peip, also known as FPGAzumSpass, and his widely celebrated open-source MiSTer FPGA N64 core.

Meanwhile, Analogue's upcoming Analogue 3D console is confirmed to employ Murray Aickin (Mazamars312)'s UltraFP64—recognized as the world’s inaugural FPGA recreation of the Nintendo 64. A core difference emerges in each company's product philosophy.

Analogue is opting to keep the Analogue 3D platform closed-source, limiting users to preinstalled functionality and restricting additional core loading.

In sharp contrast, ModRetro, headed by entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, is pursuing a strategy oriented around open-source development and universal accessibility.

As explained by ModRetro’s Head of Marketing, Walter Lee, during a recent interview with The Memory Core, the team's clear goal is "to make the M64 platform the most affordable, versatile choice for open-source retro gaming endeavors." On the hardware side, ModRetro M64 will be utilizing an AMD FPGA, a significant upgrade over the MiSTer project’s common DE10-Nano board.

Robert Peip notes the improvement: "Our engineers have succeeded in designing hardware that comprehensively remedies the performance limitations of the MiSTer’s DE10-Nano—offering both a faster, larger FPGA and significantly reduced memory latency." Walter Lee further illustrates ModRetro's collaborative strengths, highlighting the synergy between the company's skilled electronics, firmware, and FPGA engineers, and Peip’s deep technical knowledge of legacy Nintendo consoles.

"It’s an engineering partnership that enables us to push boundaries and solve challenging problems together," Lee said. Ultimately, ModRetro aims to position the M64 as a replacement for earlier solutions like the MiSTer FPGA, specifically addressing the Nintendo 64's specialized requirements.

According to The Memory Core, the M64 is expected to launch at an early-bird price of $199, later aligning with the pricing of Analogue 3D.

With this strategy, ModRetro could play a pivotal role in making open-source, FPGA-powered N64 gaming more accessible than ever before, while encouraging a thriving, collaborative retro gaming community. As dedicated fans wait for the official launch dates and distribution on major hardware platforms like Nintendo Switch or eShop, the arrival of these two groundbreaking devices signals an exciting, competitive chapter for the retro gaming scene.

Verified sources and developer statements indicate both ModRetro and Analogue are poised to redefine how classic Nintendo 64 games are preserved and enjoyed on modern FPGA hardware.

Nintendo Nintendo 64 Analogue FPGA retro gaming ModRetro Analogue 3D M64 ModRetro M64 Robert Peip FPGAzumSpass MiSTer FPGA Murray Aickin Mazamars312 UltraFP64 Palmer Luckey Walter Lee AMD Cyclone 10GX DE10-Nano The Memory Core