u/Eltrion

A 90$ controller isn't unprecedented, but it's pushing into premium price territory in a way that no N64 controller ever has before. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, as the M64 is confirmed to be compatible with a wide variety of N64 style and other bluetooth controllers, so there will be plenty of options, but to justify its price, it's going to need some very thorough testing.

First off, I'd like to see at least a partial teardown of the controller. Right now I don't think we even know if the buttons use membranes or micro switches.

If possible I'd like to see the results of Modretro's internal testing with degradation reports on the stick and buttons, especially if the switches are membrane. I know that additional/replacement parts will be available, but not for free obviously, so I'd like to know that the little things have been tested to confirm that they are as premium as the rest of the controller. The retrobit tribute was an otherwise excellent controller that was spoiled by a weak membrane that wore out quickly.

As for the joystick, I know a great deal has been made of the new TMR technology, and it has been confirmed that the outer boundaries can be calibrated, but I'd also like to confirm that additional testing has been done confirm that the stick sweeps smoothly through all possible angles, and that things like snapback/kinetic overshoot (releasing the stick from the edge causing it to move past neutral and log an input in the opposite direction) have been taken into consideration and mitigated.

Furthermore, I'd like to know more about the calibration process in general? Is it done exclusively via the M64's menu, or can it be done with an Everdrive running a specific rom on any N64? Is the calibration is saved to the controller itself, so it will carry over to any console? (I certainly hope so) How many data points are saved in the calibration process?

Ideally I'd like to see this controller in the hands of a top Super Mario 64 speed runner, or a top Super Smash Bros. player, or a top member of some other community known for being anal about the precision of their sticks.

Basically, I think think the price is probably justified, but it's high enough to push it into a different target market with higher standards, stricter requirements, and quantifiable metrics that the average player doesn't even think about.

I want someone with the background and credentials to come out and say, "Yes, I could definitely see myself using this controller to set a world record / win a major tournament." Or the even better "I am planning on using this controller for all my attempts / tournaments going forward."

It's priced in the same bracket as a controllers that offer these features and are tested in this manner, so I want confirmation that it actually holds up to this level of scrutiny. A general gaming outlet telling me "It feels pretty good" isn't enough to justify this price.

However, It seems like it should be able to meet these criteria, and I'll likely buy one regardless, I'd just feel a lot better about it if I had more confirmation.

Pig Golfing

Miss Trotter's Acrobatics Show

Buttons are Bugged

Barrels

Hoops

Belt Slippage

Spear Fishing

Magic Arrow 3

The controller might manage to live up to its price point, but it's set bar it needs to clear high.