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I already got one for you in January N64 controller with USB connection presented, which is intended for the Apple Mac as well as for Windows PCs. Furthermore, it should work on the Nintendo Switch. I found that interesting, so I ordered and tested the gaming accessories. It works very well in some areas and less so in others. In the following, I'll show you why it's my pick of the week.
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The miadore Retro 64 controller with USB connection (green, left) is based very well on the original N64 controller from Nintendo (blue, right). The feel of the game is also very close to the original.
Advantages of the miadore Retro 64 controller with USB port
The clear advantages of this controller are in the design. While some Nintendo fans use the GameCube controller (here with a USB connection) describe them as the best gamepad of all time, the USB-plugged N64 controller is also good for emulating various games or homebrew projects on PC and Mac. In my test, it worked just as well with Game Boy titles as it did with games and private projects for the Nintendo 64. The key assignment can either be implemented directly in the emulator (e.g. Project64) or via a mapping app. The analog stick can also be precisely calibrated in this way. I can recommend the controller especially for the gaming PC.
- Classic Retro N64 Bit USB Wired Gamepad Joystick Controller for Windows PC and Mac
- Compatible with all versions Windows and Mac OS X, with Windows 98/2000 / ME / XP / Vista / Win 7/8 / 8.1 / 10 or ...
- The cable length is approximately 1,7 meters (67 inches / 5,6 feet); USB port controller: plug and play, no need to ...
- miadore One Year Replacement or Refund Warranty Classic Retro N64 Bit USB Wired Gamepad Joystick Controller ...
- Tight and accurate design for N64 controller: 10 function keys (D-pad joystick, left / right buttons) and precise ...
- The cable length is approximately 1,7 meters (67 inches / 5,6 feet); USB port controller: plug and play, no need to ...
Use on the Nintendo Switch is severely restricted
First the good news: The gamepad is recognized on the Nintendo Switch as a plug-and-play input device as soon as it is plugged into one of the USB ports. The bad news is: You can only play the simplest games with it, as the N64 controller has far fewer buttons than the switch controller. These cannot be assigned and the gamepad can be re-mapped with them. It's not even possible to play the remake of Super Mario 64 because the old buttons don't match the new programming. An original feel can no longer be built up here. But that's not what I bought the controller for either.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has a lot more buttons, buttons and sticks. Games for the current console are designed accordingly and cannot be controlled with the N64 gamepad. Unless you are limited to a few input options.
Only something for retro fans? Probably yes…
You will probably not be able to lure younger players out from behind the stove with the retro controller. For this one is more suitable Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or the Beboncool controller for the Nintendo Switch. These can not only be used wirelessly on the Nintendo Switch, but can also be connected to Apple devices or the gaming PC via Bluetooth. Then different emulators and game clients can also be used. GameCube games and homebrew projects can then also be played. In addition, the Bluetooth controller can be paired with Steam in order to control games running on it. This is also possible with the N64 controller, but as with the Switch, a game may require more buttons than there are.
Most of the time I use the N64 controller with a USB port on the gaming PC to play homebrew projects for the Game Boy or N64, which would be disproportionately time-consuming and expensive to use on original hardware.
My conclusion on the miadore Retro 64 controller
The miadore Retro 64 controller that you buy here at amazon I like it very much. I use it on the PC for emulated projects that you would only get on the original N64 with great technical effort. The accessories can also be used on the Mac, but I haven't carried out any great tests. But there are also emulators and games for macOS that allow the use of different controllers and individual key assignment. I don't use the gamepad on the Switch because its use is simply massively restricted and is only sufficient for very few games. But that's not what I bought it for. I have a clear recommendation for Mac and PC.
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After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de