ModRetro M64 Brings N64 Feel to Modern TVs
For retro fans in England and beyond, the ModRetro M64 is a new take on the Nintendo 64 that is aimed at modern TVs without losing the feel of the original hardware. It is not just an upscaler, but a dedicated system designed to keep the N64 experience close to the real thing.
That matters because an original N64 can look rough on a flat-screen. Its analogue video output was made for CRT televisions, so on a modern display the image can look blurry and soft. According to The Shortcut's review of a pre-production unit, the M64 can output at 4K and offers a much cleaner picture than plugging original hardware straight into a modern TV.
The M64 does not change the games themselves, though. The low-resolution graphics are still the same, and the review notes that visual modes such as Integer, Integer+, Bilinear, Lanczos, CRT, and Scanlines are there to help shape the image rather than remaster it. Performance dips seen in games such as GoldenEye 007 also remain, although overclocking support is planned for later.
On the hardware side, the M64 sounds well thought out. It has a translucent two-tone shell, boots in under five seconds, uses a cartridge eject mechanism, and includes an LED that lights the game artwork and shows update status. It also runs quietly, and the interface is controlled with a dedicated wheel. The system supports wired and Bluetooth N64 controllers, plus Rumble Paks and Controller Paks, and it can play physical N64 games from any region.
The big appeal here is preservation with proper input response. The Shortcut's reviewer said games such as Mario Golf 64 and GoldenEye 007 felt more responsive on the M64 than on Nintendo Switch Online, with better shot timing and movement. Sound was also described as fuller and more detailed. For players who still own cartridges, that makes the M64 a more direct route back to the library they already have.
Price is part of the story too. The M64 starts at $199, rising to $229, while the Analogue 3D is listed at $269.99. Neither system includes a controller as standard. ModRetro also sells an M64 Pro controller for $89, and the company says the first units will ship with a day-one firmware update that adds support for EverDrive-64 X5 and X7 cartridges, plus Summercart 64.
ModRetro also says more features are on the way, including a built-in Controller Pak, overclocking, video passthrough for the ModRetro Chromatic, and extra video options. The company plans to release Xeno Crisis, Xibalba 64, Extreme-G Turbo Fusion, and Buck Bumble on 1 June 2026, which gives the platform a future that goes beyond hardware alone. For readers following retro gaming news, you can keep an eye on our News tag for more updates.
