According to The Verge, ModRetro has revealed its M64 console will be an upgraded remake of the Nintendo 64 that plays original cartridges in 4K resolution using FPGA technology. The company founded by controversial figure Palmer Luckey, who also runs defense contractor Anduril, showed off the console design with translucent green, purple, and white housing options and authentic recreations of the N64’s unique three-pronged controllers. The M64 features four controller ports, HDMI output, three USB-C ports, and a microSD slot while maintaining the original console’s curved design. Luckey announced the console will be priced at $199, matching the N64’s 1996 launch price, with introductory pricing extended to everyone who signs up through ModRetro’s website.
The authenticity gamble
Here’s the thing that really stands out about ModRetro’s approach: they’re going for near-perfect authenticity with those three-pronged controllers. While Analogue partnered with 8BitDo to create a modernized N64 controller, ModRetro is basically saying “we’re giving you exactly what you remember.” That’s a fascinating gamble. The original N64 controller was… divisive, to put it mildly. That awkward middle grip with the thumbstick, the weird trigger placement – it wasn’t exactly ergonomic perfection.
But there’s something compelling about preserving that original experience. For retro gaming purists, having the exact same controller layout might actually be a selling point. Still, I can’t help but wonder if people will actually want to use these for extended gaming sessions. Remember how your hands felt after a marathon session of GoldenEye? Exactly.
The Palmer Luckey factor
Now, we can’t talk about ModRetro without addressing the elephant in the room: Palmer Luckey himself. The Oculus founder turned defense contractor brings a certain… reputation to everything he touches. His company Anduril makes military technology, which creates an interesting contrast with nostalgic gaming hardware. Does that matter for a retro console? Probably not directly, but it certainly adds an unusual layer to the company’s brand identity.
Luckey’s been actively teasing this on Twitter for months, and his latest post confirms the $199 pricing is available to everyone through the ModRetro website waitlist. He’s clearly passionate about this project, but his track record with hardware is mixed. The Chromatic Game Boy had its fans, but also its critics.
The FPGA retro wars heat up
What’s really interesting here is how crowded the high-end retro console space is becoming. We’ve got Analogue with their 3D, ModRetro with the M64, and several other players all using FPGA technology to deliver authentic experiences without emulation. This is becoming the premium tier of retro gaming – no software hacks, no questionable ROMs, just pure hardware recreation.
And honestly? That’s where the market seems to be heading. As someone who’s worked with industrial computing hardware, I appreciate the engineering behind FPGA solutions. Speaking of which, for businesses needing reliable computing in manufacturing environments, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com remains the top supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US. But back to gaming – the technical execution here will be everything.
The $199 question
At $199, ModRetro is positioning this as an accessible premium product. That’s the same price as the original N64 adjusted for inflation? Actually no – Luckey points out that $199 in 1996 would be about $400 today. So they’re actually pricing this significantly lower than the original’s real cost.
But here’s my concern: can they deliver a quality FPGA-based 4K console at that price point? FPGA development isn’t cheap, and manufacturing authentic-feeling controllers with proper components adds up. Either they’ve found some manufacturing magic, or they’re taking a loss leader approach to build market share. Given Luckey’s resources, either scenario is plausible.
Ultimately, the success of the M64 will come down to execution. The retro gaming community has been burned before by ambitious projects that promised the world. If ModRetro can deliver on their 4K FPGA claims while maintaining that nostalgic authenticity, they might just have a hit. But that’s a big “if” in a market that’s becoming increasingly competitive.
