ModRetro M64 GBAtemp review
Hardware
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://modretro.com/products/m64
ModRetro is back with another retro gaming console remake! After taking on the Game Boy Colour with the excellent Chromatic in 2024, the company set its sights on another Nintendo console from yesteryear: the N64. Their take on Nintendo’s iconic home console is aptly called the M64, and we’ll take a look at it in this review.
However, before jumping into it, it is worth considering the controversy surrounding ModRetro. The company was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, formerly of Oculus fame and now of defence company Anduril. If this relationship was not obvious, ModRetro made sure to clear up any doubts by releasing an Anduril Edition Chromatic last year. Now, it is understandable that not everyone will be comfortable with their video game console purchase being related to an arms dealer in one way or another (however much retro consoles can contribute to Anduril’s finances compared to its defence contracts that amount to billions). This has even led some websites and retro gaming enthusiasts to boycott the company altogether. It will always be difficult to separate ModRetro’s ties to Anduril and, hence, equally challenging to review their products, especially if they release Anduril-themed ones.
This review will aim to provide an objective perspective of the hardware. However, if you are not comfortable with ModRetro’s background, you might be interested in alternative devices such as the Analogue 3D or emulation-focused handhelds (Anbernic is surely about to announce another one this week or next).
Contents and specs of the M64
ModRetro’s M64 is priced at 212 GBP/250.95 EUR/230 US on the official store page and comes with the following items:
- M64 Console
- 16GB SD Card (pre-installed)
- Multi-region power adapter
- Power cable
Note that the M64 does not come with a controller. ModRetro’s M64 Pro Controller comes as a separate $90 purchase.
Specs of the console are as follows:
Changing the system
No one will mistake the M64 for something other than an N64-inspired console. The form factor and nostalgic clear shell are easy giveaways. However, the new system introduces some welcome hardware upgrades. Notably, the M64 is smaller (8.5” x 6.5” x 2.2”) and lighter (1.6 lbs) than the original console (10.23” x 7.48” x 2.87”; 2.42 lb), making it less space-consuming and easier to manipulate and fit onto your gaming setup. While it is a more compact device, the M64 does not feel cheap or fragile by any means. There is no rattling or odd artefacts that might come with third-party hardware; ModRetro showcases its attention to making premium, faithful retro hardware remakes yet again.
There are some changes to the hardware buttons as well. Instead of a Power and a Reset button, the M64 has a Power button and a clickable Menu dial. The latter allows you to navigate the system’s built-in menu to configure settings and update the device. A new button that the M64 introduces is the cartridge eject button (bearing the ModRetro branding). It’s a welcome addition that makes swapping cartridges easier. Also new is an LED uplighting strip that illuminates cartridge artwork (with adjustable brightness).
As a device released in 2026, the M64 also features contemporary connectivity options. At the back of the M64, you will find a microSD slot, three USB-C ports (including one for power supply) and an HDMI port. I was somewhat surprised that it does not include an AV port to directly connect to CRT TVs to recreate the classic N64 experience that the company seems so keen to achieve. However, ModRetro does have a dedicated CRT adapter in the works that is available to pre-order for $90, and the console’s menu includes a range of customizable scanline and CRT filter effects.
There are also subtle hardware upgrades that the M64 introduces that aren’t as evident to the naked eye. It has built-in Expansion Pak and Controller Pak, and Transfer Pak support through the Chromatic will become available in a future firmware update. Interestingly, the M64’s circuit board features gold traces to resist corrosion and improve conductivity.
As noted earlier, the M64 ships without a controller. This Apple-like behaviour is uncommon for gaming consoles, but ModRetro notes that this deliberate choice stems from many customers already owning compatible N64 controllers and not needing an extra one. Omitting a controller from the base package also lowers its price, and the console is compatible with an array of controllers, including the M64 Pro Controllers, N64 controllers, Hyperkin Captain+ Controllers, Retro Fighters, Nintendo Switch NSO controllers (requires accessory), and 8BitDo 64 controllers.
ModRetro’s own $90 M64 Pro Controller follows the original N64’s design and questionable ergonomics. Just like the M64, the controller packs a premium build, with an aluminium body and TMR analogue thumbsticks. The modern twist it brings is the ability to use it with the M64 in both wired and wireless modes (via ultra-low-latency Bluetooth SCI). This enables it to be used with the original N64 in wired mode as well as with Android and PC wirelessly (for N64 emulation, for example).
On the hardware aspect, the M64 and M64 Pro Controller are built to last. They both boast a premium build quality, with durable components and modern features that are reflective of their price points. It is simply a shame that the console is not packaged with a controller, although I can see the company selling them as a bundle in the future.
ModRetro M64: a new fun machine
Setting up the M64 after unboxing it is easy, especially with its out-of-the-box support for HDMI monitors. Just plug it into a power source, connect to a monitor, slot in a cartridge, and you are ready to experience “the fun machine” in a new era. ModRetro’s N64 remake uses a 16nm AMD Artix UltraScale+ FPGA processor, ensuring hardware-level accuracy. This gives your old N64 library a new lease on life.
All games that I've thrown at the M64 ran flawlessly. Classic games such as Super Mario 64 and Perfect Dark are revitalised with the M64’s support for 720p, 1080p, 1440p and 4K resolutions (and filters for that extra retro look). Even unofficial carts are supported, such as the recently released Everdrive 64 Pro. The best thing regarding cartridge support is that the console is region-free. This lets you play NTSC, PAL and NTSC-J cartridges on the same system with no issues. This is a major step-up from the original N64, allowing you to experience some games that were tied to specific regions (I’m looking at you, Sin And Punishment).
That said, there are some known issues with some titles (20 at the time of writing). Some, such as Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, suffer from FPS drops, while others, like StarCraft 64, face occasional crashes. This is not ideal, but ModRetro is transparent about these issues and is working to resolve them via updates.
Some issues might even be fixed with overclocking, and the M64 comes with a standard overclocking mode. An advanced mode is being developed that leverages the M64's PSRAM memory architecture that supports higher overclocking. This will be made available via a future update.
It is recommended to update the M64 to make the most of the system. This can be performed in several ways, over WiFi, via an SD card or by plugging it into a computer. Like with the Chromatic, updating a retro system feels contrary to the purist ethos that the company aimed for, but this can address performance and compatibility issues that the original system faced.
Despite the reported issues on some titles, the vast majority of N64 games run well on the M64. The experience of these games is definitely enhanced, with support for modern monitors, filters and overclocking.
The future is retro
ModRetro’s latest retro console remake is an impressive one. The company remakes the N64 faithfully for modern times. It supports and enhances all of the original console’s features and offers new, welcome ones. Just like with the Chromatic, ModRetro is not stopping at releasing a console but is also publishing new games for the system. They have launched four new titles, priced at $50 each, that come in custom cartridges and manuals. They also plan additional game releases, which likely include re-releases of classic titles, just like they did with the Chromatic.
Despite a few persisting performance issues on some games, the M64 is recommended for N64 fans and those who want to experience Nintendo’s classic console with a modern spin. The lack of a bundled controller and CRT connectivity out of the box might be indicative of a challenging market with increasing prices of electronic components, but the hardware quality is reflective of the price tag. Then there are the Anduril ties that might limit its customer base, but considering the hardware alone, it is an excellent remake of the Nintendo 64.
Verdict
- Excellent hardware quality
- Support for original N64 and third-party cartridges
- Overclocking support, filter effects and HDMI compatibility with various resolutions
- Retro clear shell aesthetics
- Growing games library of ModRetro-published titles
- Controller sold separately
- No integrated AV port
- Some performance issues with a few games
