If you are a fan of retro gaming, you might be interested in the new Nintendo N64 Switch Controller. This controller is designed to look and operate like the original controller for the Nintendo 64, which adds an authentic feel to playing Nintendo 64 games on the Switch. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this controller, including:

• Its features and benefits
• Its price and availability
• Its compatibility and limitations
• Its reviews and alternatives

Features and Benefits

The Nintendo N64 Switch Controller has the following features and benefits:

• Form Factor: The controller has the same shape, size, and button layout as the original Nintendo 64 controller. It even has the same color scheme and logo. You can play enhanced Nintendo 64 games the way they were meant to be played, using a full-size Nintendo 64-style controller.
• Rumble Functionality: The controller has built-in rumble functionality for compatible games, such as Star Fox 64. You don’t need a Rumble Pak accessory to feel the action.
• Rechargeable Battery: The controller has a rechargeable battery that can be charged using the included USB A-C cable. You don’t need to worry about replacing batteries or running out of power.
• Wireless Connection: The controller connects wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch console via Bluetooth. You don’t need a dongle or a cable to play your favorite games.

These features and benefits make the Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch a great accessory for retro gaming enthusiasts. You can enjoy the classic Nintendo 64 games with enhanced graphics, online features, and save states on your Switch with a more authentic experience.

Price and Availability

The Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch is available exclusively on Nintendo’s official websites. You can only purchase the controller if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The controller costs $49.99 in the US and £39.99 in the UK. The controller is limited to four per Nintendo account and ships to the US, Canada, and the UK only.

The controller was released on October 26, 2021, along with the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. This service allows you to access a library of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games on your Nintendo Switch, as well as other benefits such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC, cloud saves, and online multiplayer.

The controller is in high demand and low supply, so you might have to wait for a while before you can get your hands on one. You can check the availability of the controller on the following websites:

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Compatibility and Limitations

The Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch is compatible with the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online game library. This library includes games such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, and more. You can play these games with the Nintendo 64 controller for Switch without any issues.

However, the controller is not compatible with other Nintendo Switch games or other devices. It is only designed for the Nintendo 64 games on the Switch. This means that you cannot use the controller for games that require additional buttons or features that are not available on the original Nintendo 64 controller. For example, you cannot use the controller for:

• The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, which requires the ZL and ZR buttons to use the ocarina and the masks, respectively.
• Super Mario 64 in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, which does not support the rumble functionality of the controller.
• Mario Party Superstars, which requires the X and Y buttons for some minigames.
• Any other Switch game that does not support the Nintendo 64 controller layout or features.

You also cannot use the controller to access the home screen or the Capture button on the Switch. You will need another controller or the touchscreen to do that.

The controller is optional and not required to play the Nintendo 64 games on the Switch. You can also use other controllers, such as the Joy-Con or the Pro Controller, to play these games. However, some games may have different button mappings or require additional buttons that are not available on the original Nintendo 64 controller.

Reviews and Alternatives

The Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch has received mixed reviews from users and critics. Some people love the controller for its nostalgic feel and authentic gameplay, while others dislike the controller for its poor integration and limited compatibility. Here are some of the pros and cons of the controller based on the reviews:

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If you are looking for alternatives to the Nintendo 64 controller for Switch, you might want to consider some of the third-party controllers that are available on the market. These controllers may have different designs, features, or prices than the official controller, but they may also offer more compatibility or customization options. Here are some of the best third-party N64 controllers for Switch that you can check out:

• Retro Fighters Duelist Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch: This controller has a GameCube-style design, but it has the button layout and C-button input to allow you to play N64 games on Switch. It pairs via Bluetooth and has a design that feels great in your hands. You can get it in black or blue.
• Retro Fighters Brawler64 USB Wireless Edition: This controller works with the original N64 console, but it includes an adapter that lets you plug it into your Switch. It has a wireless design and feels good in your hands, while still giving you all the buttons you need. You will need to update its firmware to make it work with the Switch.
• SAFFUN Classic N64 Controller with USB: This controller has the same layout as the N64 controller, but it features a USB you can connect to your Switch dock for wired play. It does not have the ZR button or the Home screen button, so you will need another controller for those functions.
• HORI Nintendo Switch GameCube Style Controller: This controller has a GameCube-style design, but it has a layout more akin to the N64 controller, so it will be easier to use while playing N64 games. It comes in a red Mario theme or a black and gold Zelda one, and it works wirelessly on Switch.
• Nolansend Joy-Con Controller GameCube style: This controller has a Joy-Con-style design, but it has a D-Pad and a dedicated C-button joystick, which makes it more similar to an N64 controller than the normal Joy-Cons. It also has motion controls, and rumble, and can be charged using a USB to USB-C cable.
• Mayflash N64 Controller Adapter: This adapter lets you use your original N64 controller on your Switch. You just need to plug your controller into the adapter and then plug the adapter into your Switch dock. You will need to configure the buttons on your Switch settings to make it work properly.

Conclusion

The Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch is a nostalgic accessory that lets you enjoy the classic Nintendo 64 games on your Switch with a more authentic experience. The controller has the same form factor, rumble functionality, and wireless connection as the original Nintendo 64 controller. The controller is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and costs $49.99 or £39.99. The controller is compatible with the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online game library, but not with other Switch games or devices. If you are a fan of retro gaming, you might want to get your hands on this controller and relive the glory days of the Nintendo 64. However, if you are looking for more versatility or customization, you might want to consider some of the third-party alternatives that are available on the market.

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