Modern ‘Pro’ N64 controllers in 2026 Stick Test #1
I am comparing the top N64 ‘Pro’ controllers for 2026+. They are the Nintendo NSO N64 controller, the 8bitdo 64 controller (Bluetooth edition designed for the Analogue 3D (A3D)), the ModRetro M64 Pro controller (designed for the M64 using the stock gate (will try N64 gate later!)), and the Retrofighters Brawler 64 Pro (2.4GHz). This first test is exclusively about analogue stick values but I will be doing many more tests!
I did include some older options to show the differences, which are the older wireless Retrofighters Brawler 64 Ultra Edition and the Retro-bit Tribute 64 Ultra Edition (both use 2.4GHz). You can see their values are too high, making them feel too sensitive. While they were good wireless options back when new, I would advise NOT getting these versions as they are simply not as accurate as any of the newer options! Do they work? Yes, they do and casual users may not notice but once you play games like 007 Golden Eye, F Zero X and Super Smash, it’s very obvious!
The NSO N64 and 8bitdo 64 would not let me hit A on the mimi controller test ROM on my A3D (will test on the OG N64 and see if that makes a difference) so I used an older version as well but the values all show the same either way. Eventually I will compare to some OG corded N64 controllers but the first tests are to compare new options!
With all that being said, pictures attached show the results! I updated the M64 Pro and 8bitdo 64 before testing, the NSO N64 doesn’t update and the Brawler 64 Pro doesn’t have any yet. I will go more in depth on the software aspect in later tests but the short answer is the M64 Pro is nice because you can just use a browser to update it without downloading specific software, the 8bitdo 64 requires software (easy to use at least!) and the Brawler seems to be a drag/drop style update but will review if/when it has an update.
The stick on the NSO N64 is the only ‘traditional’ N64 stick that isn’t a GameCube style, but the M64 Pro controller has an extra N64 gate that I will swap to and test later, but the stock gate is the same shape as the 8bitdo 64/Brawler 64 pro gates and had the same values! All the values seem good on paper and none feel off. Hopefully I can swap the M64 pro gate before I start doing game tests but everything stick wise works out of the box with all of them and none required calibration.
Initial response when holding each controller are this…
NSO 64 controller feels almost 1:1 the OG, the stick feels firm and nice but doesn’t use the same technology so theoretically it can start drifting so you may need to buy more later on!
The 8bitdo 64 is a nice alternative if you don’t like the trident, nothing feels cheap and the metal ring around the stick was a nice touch. They are similar price so if choosing between these two, I would decide based on if you want a modern layout or a trident style!
The M64 Pro controller feels absolutely premium, with the coated metal backing and shoulder buttons that let your fingers rest comfortably in them. If you love the trident style, you’ll love this! The weight is substantial and heavier than both the NSO N64 and 8bitdo 64 controllers. It comes with a cord that allows you to use it on a OG N64/A3D wired, but the battery still needs to be charged… a bit silly but a very minor thing especially since ModRetro included an adapter that lets you use AA batteries! This is a very comfortable, modern trident that I could see myself holding for hours without any issues but the feel of the stick is GameCube style so it may be hard to change your ways after 30+ years of N64 gaming…
And finally last but definitely not least, the Retrofighters Brawler 64 Pro is like an upgraded 8bitdo 64 controller. It is heavier than all the controllers, even the M64 pro! The angles the grips are in comparison to the 8bitdo 64 make it even more comfortable, there is texture on said grips too, and the L+R+D pad have mechanical feeling switches, very clicky and satisfying! The only obvious issues are no metal ring around the stick like the 8bitdo 64 has, no N64 style gate like the M64 came with (requires installation and recalibration) but it does come with faceplates! I personally don’t see myself using them but it’s a feature it has! It also has programable back buttons like many modern controllers that let you customize your way of playing. They have switches that physically disable them if you don’t like them. I personally don’t see myself using them on N64 but it could be nice if using on PC!
So my feelings after test 1 are this…
The NSO N64 still feels the most classic, the 8bitdo 64 is the on my friends use because they hate the trident (they are wrong!) and for the price, it’s nice to have a controller that won’t have the same stick issues as the N64 has over time. The M64 Pro controller feels ultra premium so I could see myself using it when casually playing but I still need to test the stick/N64 gate on games… if it’s as good as it feels… this could potentially be my new main controller! The Brawler 64 Pro will be my choice when playing casual on games I’m not so familiar with (hard to unlearn trident controls after 30+ years) because it is so comfortable and the clicky buttons are very satisfying! So far, all are good options… once I do more testing, I will rank them and tell you which ones are worth buying and which are worth skipping! Honestly, so far they are all worth it for me and all feel like upgrades from any older third party options!
Tell me what you think, what other tests you want to see and which one you would use!