8BitDo N64 Bluetooth Controller Review

When you’re looking for the best way to play N64 games on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s own Nintendo 64 controller remains the most authentic option available; it’s also tied to all of the downsides of 1996 controller design. The three-pronged grip, awkward button placement and hand-cramping ergonomics are all part of the experience — for better and worse. And I mean mostly worse, as I never had an N64 as a kid and have never appreciated the controller’s design, no matter how many times I read about it or have friends tell me how great it is and how life-changing it was for them.

At first glance, the 8BitDo 64, especially in the black colour I received to review, looks like a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. But take a closer look: it’s complete with the signature face button layout, with some interesting tweaks to make it feel like a more modern controller while still keeping the core N64 elements.

Most importantly, unlike the original Nintendo 64 controller, the 8BitDo design is comfortable for extended play sessions. The grip feels natural, the controller is lighter than expected, and, most importantly, it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to destroy your hands after an hour of playing anything. Having the analogue stick moved up to the left, like you’d find it on the Pro Controller, helps, as does moving the ZR button from the centre-bottom of the original design to more natural positions where you’d find ZL/ZR buttons.

Diving into any of the games in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library of N64 titles, the controller adds a level of authenticity that’s missing when using Joy-Cons or the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. If you’re someone who is regularly exploring the Nintendo 64 library through Nintendo Switch Online, the 8BitDo 64 gives you more of the intended experience and the nostalgia hit you may be after, without having to deal with the downsides. But also, I understand some players may want the core N64 controller experience, flaws and all, which this controller isn’t going for, and that would mean it wouldn’t be for you.

The biggest issue I’ve encountered is connectivity. Most of the time, pairing works exactly as expected, but there have been occasions when reconnecting to the Nintendo Switch 2 has required multiple attempts. It’s never been a dealbreaker, but it happens often enough to be worth mentioning.

The other annoyance is that the controller can’t wake the Nintendo Switch 2 from sleep mode. This is a common issue among third-party controllers, not a fault unique to 8BitDo, but it’s still frustrating in day-to-day use. It means keeping another controller nearby or physically waking the console before jumping into a game. As much as it’s a first-world issue, sitting down on the couch with the controller and then having to stand up again is a little annoying, and I wish it could be fixed.

If you’ve been spending time with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack library, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is one of the best accessories you can buy because it’ll give you more of a natural experience when playing with Nintendo 64 games, while adding comfort to make longer play sessions not cause your hands to hurt afterwards.

(A review unit was supplied for the purposes of this article.)