Use Nintendo 64 Switch Online Controller on an Actual N64!

In this episode, we unbox and check out the Retro Time adapter dongle from 8BitMods for the Nintendo 64 which promises to allow you to use practically any Bluetooth controller on the N64.

People have a love-hate relationship with the controller for the N64. Some people love to hate it, and others hate to love it. The trident design is definitely controversial, but it makes some logical sense. Some. Compared to modern controller aesthetics, however, better options have been released since then. The team at 8BitMods has come out with a dongle that will allow you to use Bluetooth controllers with retro consoles, such as the GameCube and now the Nintendo 64. We picked up one of their Retro Time and 64 adapters from Castlemania games and put it through its paces.

The overall design is pretty simple. It's essentially just a Bluetooth dongle with a single button and an LED on it. You plug it into a controller port, and the LED starts to flash. After a few seconds, it goes into auto-pairing mode, and then you can pair your controller to it. It also has a browser interface or you can do things such as update firmware and customized button mappings if you so wish.

The fitment of the dongle into our Nintendo 64 was a little bit on the tight side, but not a death grip. I would call it secure. I was able to install and remove it from a few different N64s, both US and Japanese, and it worked perfectly with all of them.

I started out my testing with the Retro Fighters Duelist controller, designed for the Nintendo Switch to give you somewhat of a GameCube controller layout. It paired up beautifully and worked perfectly. I was able to fly my Arwing around Corneria City without any issues and blast the bad guys. Even Falcon appreciated what I was able to accomplish.

Next up, I paired a Sony DualShock 4 controller to it and decided to play some GoldenEye. Man, I wish we had modern controllers back during GoldenEye because it would have been so much better. I also wish we had more button mapping options! Once again, everything worked as it should, even though I could not get it to function like a traditional first-person shooter would on a modern platform. All the button presses registered exactly as they should, and the analog sticks worked as well. Two for two.

My next test was with a favorite game of Jay from Square Pegs, Yoshi's story. But this time I wanted to throw something at it that I was really curious to see if it would work, the Nintendo Switch N64 online controller. I did not know if this was compatible with all Bluetooth devices or if Nintendo locked it down to simply work with the Switch. I am pleased to say it paired up wonderfully and I was able to quickly and easily get playing. Just like the previous games, it worked exactly as intended, although I will say I still have no love for the Switch Online N64 controller. But this works perfectly, for those looking for a truly authentic 100% wireless solution for their m64, this is it!

Why it RoX:
- Only $30
- Pairs beautifully with Bluetooth controllers
- Rumble works with compatible controllers
- Upgradable firmware
- Did I mention it's only 30 bucks?

What could be improved?
- No memory card integrated
- More colors would be great

Should you buy one?
If you are looking for a plug-and-play wireless controller solution for your Nintendo 64, look no further. This is a practically perfect device, and I don't say that lightly. It just works and does exactly what you would want it to. I did not notice any lag or latency introduced while playing this, and I was able to pair it with every controller I tried. This is a truly terrific option and 8-bit mods have made it super easy for you to go wireless. I truly cannot recommend this highly enough.

#N64 #8BitMods #switchonline #castlemaniagames