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General discussionN64 Controller Help(18 posts)(18 posts)
(18 posts)
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This is my favourite topic
Posted August 11, 2017
I know this is predominantly a forum full of PC gamers, but I hope someone will be able to help me out. As the title suggests, I am desperately trying to find an N64 controller that works like it's supposed to.

Ideally I want an original N64 controller, although I'm starting to think that isn't gonna happen, but I will settle for a 3rd party controller that has the same layout (not interested in ones that don't have the same 3 'paddles' and z button etc).

Seems like everyone I see on FB etc (usually from the US) is just like 'yeh just dont go down to your local retro gaming store and pick one up'... yeah that just isn't a thing in the UK lol, so that's out.

I've ordered 2 so far off Amazon and have had to send them both back, I've had full refunds so that's not an issue but it's just a waste of time and I still don't have a controller. Both of those lacked sensitivity so much that when I moved the stick fully forward in Mario 64 or Goldeneye, instead of running I was literally walking at a crawl. It's also used to aim in Goldeneye so I was able to move the target in a circle of about 1 inch diameter (on the screen) from the centre point which is really useful lol.

Seems like there's a million different answers. I'm gonna be using it on my PC fwiw, some people say get a USB one, some say the sensitivity on them is horrific.

Has anyone get a definitive answer...
Post edited August 11, 2017 by ScouseMouse180
Posted August 11, 2017
Your main problem with getting an N64 controller as I see it is that the build quality on them was not great... the analog stick in particular wore out quite easily. So I imagine any second hand one is probably going to be in a pretty bad state at this point...

Which only really leaves third party ones (either clones meant for the N64 or a USB one meant for PC) and as you say they can be very hit and miss in quality...

I've heard good things about 8Bitdo, but they are a little pricey:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Bluetooth-Controller-Nintendo-Electronic/dp/B01M1KP9GT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502404725&sr=8-1&keywords=8bitdo+n64

Edit: though the reviews on that one aren't great, so who knows.
Post edited August 11, 2017 by adaliabooks
Posted August 11, 2017
The problem with official N64 controllers is that the analog sticks in them are totally unique, no modern controller uses anything like them. They are something in between an old school PC analog joystick and a modern gamepad analog stick. They unfortunately wear out after about 6 months of use and you can no longer buy the official replacement part or faithful copies. Modern analog stick replacements substitute a different type of stick which behaves differently and are totally unusable in some N64 games. Or at least that's how the situation was when I last looked into it about 4 years ago. Things may have changed.

I never found a 100% solution. :(

The good news though is that Nintendo seems to be planning an N64 mini and they will surely create new controllers for it with an appropriate N64 style analog stick. I'd be very interested in trying out one of those when the time comes.
Posted August 11, 2017
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Snickersnack: The good news though is that Nintendo seems to be planning an N64 mini and they will surely create new controllers for it with an appropriate N64 style analog stick. I'd be very interested in trying out one of those when the time comes.
Is that an actual definite thing or just speculation based on the NES and SNES mini releases?
I loved my N64 but I'd not be too bothered to get one, but if they do N64 they might to Gamecube and I'd buy the hell out of that.
Posted August 11, 2017
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Snickersnack: The good news though is that Nintendo seems to be planning an N64 mini and they will surely create new controllers for it with an appropriate N64 style analog stick. I'd be very interested in trying out one of those when the time comes.
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adaliabooks: Is that an actual definite thing or just speculation based on the NES and SNES mini releases?
I loved my N64 but I'd not be too bothered to get one, but if they do N64 they might to Gamecube and I'd buy the hell out of that.
I've seen news stories about it on non-gaming sites but now that you mention it, it appears to be a rumor. Sorry about that.
Posted August 11, 2017
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adaliabooks: Is that an actual definite thing or just speculation based on the NES and SNES mini releases?
I loved my N64 but I'd not be too bothered to get one, but if they do N64 they might to Gamecube and I'd buy the hell out of that.
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Snickersnack: I've seen news stories about it on non-gaming sites but now that you mention it, it appears to be a rumor. Sorry about that.
Don't worry :)
I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be true anyway, I just wondered if we were at a confirmed stage for it or not.
Posted August 11, 2017
Stumbled to this Next Gen N64 Nintendo 64 Controller (Kickstarter project by Retro Fighters).

-Making a functional modern take on the N64 Controller, no more 3 pronged controller! Comfortable & practical next gen design.
-If this Kickstarter is successful, we plan to release a 2nd USB version of this controller.
-Memory Cards & Rumble Pak Compatibility.

Does look like classic Xbox Controller S. I never had N64 so can't say nothing about button placements etc.

Edit: Reading comments, people are giving feedback that joystick should have octagonal gate and asking about dead zones & sensitivity of joystick.
Post edited August 11, 2017 by MiKiL
Posted August 11, 2017
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ScouseMouse180: I know this is predominantly a forum full of PC gamers, but I hope someone will be able to help me out. As the title suggests, I am desperately trying to find an N64 controller that works like it's supposed to.

Ideally I want an original N64 controller, although I'm starting to think that isn't gonna happen, but I will settle for a 3rd party controller that has the same layout (not interested in ones that don't have the same 3 'paddles' and z button etc).

Seems like everyone I see on FB etc (usually from the US) is just like 'yeh just dont go down to your local retro gaming store and pick one up'... yeah that just isn't a thing in the UK lol, so that's out.

I've ordered 2 so far off Amazon and have had to send them both back, I've had full refunds so that's not an issue but it's just a waste of time and I still don't have a controller. Both of those lacked sensitivity so much that when I moved the stick fully forward in Mario 64 or Goldeneye, instead of running I was literally walking at a crawl. It's also used to aim in Goldeneye so I was able to move the target in a circle of about 1 inch diameter (on the screen) from the centre point which is really useful lol.

Seems like there's a million different answers. I'm gonna be using it on my PC fwiw, some people say get a USB one, some say the sensitivity on them is horrific.

Has anyone get a definitive answer...
Perhaps Retro Fighters is making a brand new N64 controller. Luckily, you posted this the same day they started a kickstarter [url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1247448559/next-gen-n64-nintendo-64-controller/]HERE and guarantee yourself a new controller for $20. Retro Fighters Official Site also includes an NES version you can use on PC and Mac too.
Post edited August 11, 2017 by MajicMan
Posted August 12, 2017
I keep seeing people say stuff like 'the analogue sticks were rubbish, they'd all wear out within 6 months'... I had mine as a kid and absolutely hammered it, hours and hours of play every day for years and it was in perfect condition, I dunno what other people are doing with them.

Cheers for the replies anyway guys, although I'm not sure I'm any closer to a solution lol. I want one with the 3 'paddles' if possible MajicMan but cheers for the links. I already have a USB Xbox controller that I use on some other emulators so I could use that if I wanted a controller like that. The buttons just don't map that well to be able to play N64 stuff imo.
Post edited August 12, 2017 by ScouseMouse180
Posted August 12, 2017
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ScouseMouse180: I keep seeing people say stuff like 'the analogue sticks were rubbish, they'd all wear out within 6 months'... I had mine as a kid and absolutely hammered it, hours and hours of play every day for years and it was in perfect condition, I dunno what other people are doing with them.

Cheers for the replies anyway guys, although I'm not sure I'm any closer to a solution lol. I want one with the 3 'paddles' if possible MajicMan but cheers for the links. I already have a USB Xbox controller that I use on some other emulators so I could use that if I wanted a controller like that. The buttons just don't map that well to be able to play N64 stuff imo.
Playing Mario Party is what wrecked mine I believe... But it was a very common complaint that they would get loose.
Posted August 12, 2017
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ScouseMouse180: I keep seeing people say stuff like 'the analogue sticks were rubbish, they'd all wear out within 6 months'... I had mine as a kid and absolutely hammered it, hours and hours of play every day for years and it was in perfect condition, I dunno what other people are doing with them.

Cheers for the replies anyway guys, although I'm not sure I'm any closer to a solution lol. I want one with the 3 'paddles' if possible MajicMan but cheers for the links. I already have a USB Xbox controller that I use on some other emulators so I could use that if I wanted a controller like that. The buttons just don't map that well to be able to play N64 stuff imo.
I am confused by the button mapping comment. The button mapping on the Retro Fighters controller is the same setup as the N64 controller. Same A and B, same six face buttons, same 4 C buttons in Diamond form. The only differences are the C buttons are a little larger so they are easier to use and they added a second Z button on the other side of the joystick so you have the option on which to use and what feels more comfortable.

Also, if you read the comments section they specifically mention how the stick works smoothly with Goldeneye 64 and the games you mentioned you had problems with using other controllers.

Now you may want the three-pronged design (why? seriously why? it is f*cking awful IMO), but I can't help you with that as nobody I know is making that design anymore.

Good luck on the hunt.
Posted August 12, 2017
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ScouseMouse180: I keep seeing people say stuff like 'the analogue sticks were rubbish, they'd all wear out within 6 months'... I had mine as a kid and absolutely hammered it, hours and hours of play every day for years and it was in perfect condition, I dunno what other people are doing with them.

Cheers for the replies anyway guys, although I'm not sure I'm any closer to a solution lol. I want one with the 3 'paddles' if possible MajicMan but cheers for the links. I already have a USB Xbox controller that I use on some other emulators so I could use that if I wanted a controller like that. The buttons just don't map that well to be able to play N64 stuff imo.
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MajicMan: I am confused by the button mapping comment. The button mapping on the Retro Fighters controller is the same setup as the N64 controller. Same A and B, same six face buttons, same 4 C buttons in Diamond form. The only differences are the C buttons are a little larger so they are easier to use and they added a second Z button on the other side of the joystick so you have the option on which to use and what feels more comfortable.

Also, if you read the comments section they specifically mention how the stick works smoothly with Goldeneye 64 and the games you mentioned you had problems with using other controllers.

Now you may want the three-pronged design (why? seriously why? it is f*cking awful IMO), but I can't help you with that as nobody I know is making that design anymore.

Good luck on the hunt.
The button mapping comment was about my Xbox USB controller, it doesn't have as many buttons on and the layout is totally different.

Personally I loved the 3 pronged design, it's hard to see from the pic but it looks like that Retro Fighter doesn't have the classic trigger style Z button like N64 controllers, it seems to now just be like a standard L or R button. Suppose it's not the end of the world, I just would have liked to play it like it was when I was a kid.

Guess I'll have to settle for a different layout OR get vv lucky finding a working N64 controller.
Posted August 12, 2017
I suggest to repair by yourself your own joysticks buying all this replacement pieces (which are those black axis the stick and the bowl) (not the whole stick replacement that you can find at ebay, amazon, etc)

I can't import those yet but I was waiting for solutions like this for years.

If you wan't try gamecube analog replacements or similar I've watched somevideos where a guy change their transistors for others with bigger range of base current rise. I can't find that video right now but I'd still preferring the original joystick repairment.

Seems like the N64 analogic stick isn't analogic... its a digital with an incredible number of buttons/sensors
Post edited August 12, 2017 by nicohvc
Posted August 12, 2017
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nicohvc: I suggest to repair by yourself your own joysticks buying all this replacement pieces (which are those black axis the stick and the bowl) (not the whole stick replacement that you can find at ebay, amazon, etc)

I can't import those yet but I was waiting for solutions like this for years.
Excellent find sir! That looks very promising. I'm quite fond of the original 3 prong N64 controller but maintaining one with a good stick has long been a struggle.
Posted August 13, 2017
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adaliabooks: Your main problem with getting an N64 controller as I see it is that the build quality on them was not great... the analog stick in particular wore out quite easily.
I wouldn't say it was a quality issue so much as a design issue, i.e. "We have no idea what we're doing! This controller isn't like anything before it! Aaaaargh!". High quality, but unrefined.
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Community
General discussionN64 Controller Help(18 posts)(18 posts)
(18 posts)