{"id":136530,"date":"2026-03-20T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/#article-198906"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:00:00","slug":"review-8bitdo-64-controller-for-switch-1-2-a-worthy-alternative-to-nintendos-n64-pad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2026\/03\/20\/review-8bitdo-64-controller-for-switch-1-2-a-worthy-alternative-to-nintendos-n64-pad\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 8BitDo 64 Controller For Switch 1 &amp; 2 &#8211; A Worthy Alternative To Nintendo&#8217;s N64 Pad"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"media_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/cf11d864344f1\/large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/cf11d864344f1\/small.jpg\" class=\"media_thumbnail\"><\/a><\/div>\n<figure class=\"picture\" data-uuid=\"cf11d864344f1\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"8BitDo 64 1\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/cf11d864344f1\/8bitdo-64-1.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/cf11d864344f1\/8bitdo-64-1.900x.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 1\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\"><span class><\/span> Image: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been in the market for an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeextension.com\/reviews\/analogue-3d-the-ultimate-way-to-play-nintendo-64\" class=\"external\">Analogue 3D<\/a>, then chances are you\u2019ve already seen 8BitDo\u2019s accompanying 64 Bluetooth Controller. Although originally only available in black or white, 8BitDo now has a variant that pays homage to the original N64 grey colour scheme, so now seems the perfect time to check it out and see if it\u2019s worth your money.<\/p>\n<p>Coming in at <strong>\u00a334.99 \/ $44.99<\/strong>, the 8BitDo 64 is actually slightly more affordable than Nintendo\u2019s own N64 wireless controller for Switch Online (<strong>\u00a339.99 \/ $54.99<\/strong>). In terms of core functionality, however, the two are about as close as you can get. 8BitDo has essentially taken all of those inputs (including the new \u2018ZR\u2019) and rearranged them into a more modernised layout.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not the first to do this \u2014 no doubt you\u2019ve seen Retro Fighter\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/retrofighters.com\/our-collection\/brawler64-nextgen-n64-controller-colors-v2\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqr-5xuPYN-84K_zyLnuMJ9kRrXKPbf8aqRf46RCcLSz6-QbuxE\">Brawler64<\/a> knocking about too \u2014 but this is arguably the one that feels the most \u2018Nintendo\u2019 in its design.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gallery\"><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\"><span class><\/span> Images: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/aside>\n<p>Seriously, this really feels like something Nintendo itself could have put together as an alternative to the classic \u2018M-shaped\u2019 pad from the \u201890s, which is testament to 8BitDo&#8217;s care and attention. The weight (226g vs approx 233g for the official pad), the texture of the shell, the size of the buttons, the D-pad; it all comes together wonderfully to emulate the feel of a first-party accessory.<\/p>\n<p>The only major thing that\u2019s different here \u2014 besides the obvious change in shape and layout \u2014 is the analogue stick. The original N64 pad used a spindly, digital joystick, but naturally this just isn\u2019t the standard in 2026. Instead, 8BitDo has opted for a Hall Effect stick that retains the octagonal gate; functionally, it feels more in line with the left analogue stick on the GameCube pad, with the added peace of mind that it probably won\u2019t be drifting anytime soon. It also clicks in to simulate an \u2018L3\u2019 input, which feels a little weird, but you might well find some use for this outside of the N64 NSO catalogue.<\/p>\n<p>My biggest gripe with the analogue stick is that it\u2019s a tad sensitive compared to Nintendo\u2019s. Moving the aiming reticle around on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/n64\/goldeneye_007\">GoldenEye 007<\/a> is a little fiddly as a result; not egregiously so, but it\u2019ll certainly take a bit of getting used to.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"picture\" data-uuid=\"e52a7389a415c\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"8BitDo 64 8\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/e52a7389a415c\/8bitdo-64-8.large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/e52a7389a415c\/8bitdo-64-8.900x.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 8\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\"><span class><\/span> Image: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The D-pad is fantastic. Compared to the original, it doesn\u2019t \u2018wiggle\u2019 quite as much, and whether you prefer this or not will come down to personal preference. Inputs are responsive, however, with minimal accidental diagonals when testing it out in the settings.<\/p>\n<p>Going back to the shape, the 64 pad shares a lot in common with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/reviews\/8bitdo-ultimate-2c-bluetooth-controller-probably-the-best-budget-switch-pad\">8BitDo Ultimate 2C<\/a>, and this seems to be the standard for most of the company\u2019s pads. The D-pad now sits diagonally below the analogue stick to the right, allowing you to quickly swap between the two with your thumb. Meanwhile, the \u2018A\u2019, \u2018B\u2019, and \u2018C\u2019 inputs retain the same layout as the original. Up on top, \u2018L\u2019, \u2018R\u2019, and \u2018Z\u2019 are positioned in the standard shoulder button positions.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve also got the new \u2018ZR\u2019 input from the Switch&#8217;s N64 pad, which for the NSO catalogue at least, brings up the app menu in-game. Weirdly, it\u2019s just labelled \u2018Z\u2019 here, exactly the same as the left input, though its functionality is fundamentally different. It makes for a brief moment of confusion as you look at the buttons and labelling.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gallery\">\n<div class=\"cols cols-2\">\n<div class=\"col col-1 col-width-50\"><a title=\"8BitDo 64 5\" class=\"scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/608ea8dbfd5cf\/8bitdo-64-5.large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/608ea8dbfd5cf\/8bitdo-64-5.445x250.jpg\" width=\"445\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 5\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"col col-1 col-width-50\"><a title=\"8BitDo 64 6\" class=\"scanlines scanlines\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/d4b91e4802a4c\/8bitdo-64-6.large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/d4b91e4802a4c\/8bitdo-64-6.445x250.jpg\" width=\"445\" height=\"250\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 6\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\"><span class><\/span> Images: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/aside>\n<p>Once you\u2019re up and running, though, you really won\u2019t notice. Zooming along in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/games\/n64\/f-zero_x\">F-Zero X<\/a> feels just as natural as ever, utilising \u2018Z\u2019 and \u2018R\u2019 to slide sideways and attack your rivals. There\u2019s a part of me that wishes the two inputs on the right \u2014 that\u2019s \u2018R\u2019 and \u2018Z\u2019 (\u2018ZR\u2019) \u2014 were swapped around given how much more you\u2019re likely to press \u2018R\u2019 during gameplay, but this is ultimately a minor nitpick. You could always remap them in the NSO app. Overall, I\u2019d say 8BitDo has done a fantastic job in adapting the admittedly bizarre layout of the N64 pad into something more accommodating for newcomers and younger players.<\/p>\n<p>Connecting the 64 pad to the Switch 1 or 2 is painless. It\u2019s compatible with the latter right out of the box, but I\u2019d encourage you to regularly check for any available updates regardless. As far as I can tell, there\u2019s no wake-up functionality for Switch 2, so hopefully this is added at a later date.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also worth noting that the controller is recognised as an N64 pad when connected, so while you can remap inputs in the N64 NSO app, you can\u2019t do any system-level remapping. Finally, battery life is estimated at 36 hours on a single charge, and from my experience with it, I\u2019ve barely had to plug it in \u2013 it\u2019s a beast.<\/p>\n<p>The model I received is not only compatible with Switches, but also PC, Android, and of course, the Analogue 3D (and a small toggle on the back of the device can change its connectivity settings). There is, however, a <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.8bitdo.com\/products\/8bitdo-64-2-4g-wireless-controller\">2.4G model<\/a> at the same price that\u2019s primarily designed to work with your original N64 with an included dongle. You\u2019re sacrificing Switch compatibility for this, but it\u2019s an option if you\u2019re looking for a replacement.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"picture\" data-uuid=\"628ef1cde30f5\"><a class=\"scanlines\" title=\"8BitDo 64 9\" href=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/628ef1cde30f5\/8bitdo-64-9.large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/628ef1cde30f5\/8bitdo-64-9.900x.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 9\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption\"><em class=\"credit\"><span class><\/span> Image: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>The 8BitDo 64 is a great alternative to Nintendo\u2019s official N64 pad for the Switch. If pressed, I\u2019d probably still recommend the latter for a truly authentic experience, but given the higher price of that, you can\u2019t go wrong with this. It provides a more recognisable layout for newcomers, but somehow retains the \u2018feel\u2019 of the real deal.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not perfect. The duplicate \u2018Z\u2019 labelling is a bit odd, and the overly-sensitive analogue stick may take a bit of getting used to, but if you\u2019re after an affordable way to play the N64 app on Switch with \u2018proper\u2019 controls, look no further.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"positive-negative\">\n<ul class=\"positives\">\n<li>Excellent build quality<\/li>\n<li>Feels about as &#8216;Nintendo&#8217; as you can get<\/li>\n<li>Modernised layout without compromising authenticity<\/li>\n<li>Superb battery life<\/li>\n<li>Hall Effect stick should minimise drifting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"negatives\">\n<li>No wake-up support for Switch 2<\/li>\n<li>Analogue stick is just a tad oversensitive compared to the longer &#8216;wand&#8217; on the OG<\/li>\n<li>The two &#8216;Z&#8217; inputs are labelled the same, but function differently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"scoring rating\">\n<p class=\"score\"><span class=\"accent\">Great<\/span> <span class=\"value accent\">8<\/span>\/<span class=\"best\">10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p><em>The samples used in this review was provided by 8BitDo.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendolife.com\/advertising\">FTC Disclosure<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"article-products article-products-list\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item\" data-product-id=\"31334\">\n<div class=\"image\"><a class=\"external\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/nintendolife.com\/p\/31334\/198906\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.nintendolife.com\/products\/31334\/100x100.jpg\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller (Grey)\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><!-- cache: html:nintendolife.com\/ssl\/nintendo-switch\/related-articles:193856 @ 1774054749 --><\/p>\n<aside class=\"block object-related\"> <\/aside>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Image: Ollie Reynolds \/ Nintendo Life If you\u2019ve been in the market for an Analogue 3D, then chances are you\u2019ve already seen 8BitDo\u2019s accompanying 64 Bluetooth Controller. Although originally only available in black or white, 8BitDo now has a variant that pays homage to the original N64 grey colour scheme, so now seems the perfect [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-136530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nintendo-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136530\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}