Good news, my fellow N64 fans: Retro-Bit has just announced pre-orders for the wireless version of their Tribute 64 are set to begin on April 7th! I have eagerly been waiting for the release of the wireless Tribute 64 since I first saw the prototype of the device back at E3 2019. Back then the design resembled a Wii U Gamepad with its shoulder button layout. While this design would have been interesting to see make it into the retail release, I’m glad that Retro-Bit went back to a traditional layout! According to the official FAQ they have also been redesigned to be more reliable than the ones currently found on the wired versions.
The new design also includes a wider handle layout and repositioned D-pad, which is sure to delight many who took issue with the original Tribute 64. I have to admit I am a little bummed about the D-pad movement myself since the old layout let me easily do a lot of gimmicky things, like play Halo and Apex legends to the consternation of everyone who watched! New Home and Select buttons have also been added to make using the controller on modern platforms easier compared to the awkward C-Button placement they have on the original USB variant. This will also ensure there won’t be any accidental mode changes when using the controller on an N64 emulator with 1-to-1 mapping.
My most anticipated features of the new Wireless Tribute 64 though are the better tuned analog stick and built-in rumble support! Retro-Bit has included a snippet about the new sticks in their official FAQ that states they are “technically,... quite close to the original N64 throw range.” As many of you know, the stick ranges on the original Tribute 64 are quite high, resulting in some sensitivity issues with a few games and outright breaking a couple of others. Even with the extreme ranges, I found the stick of the Tribute to be my favorite to use in the modern third-party market as its large size made it easy to control. Having the ranges reigned in while maintaining its large design for added control is quite exciting to me!
As for rumble, none of the wireless options to date from companies like Hyperkin or Retro Fighters have included this feature, making the Wireless Tribute very appealing to rumble fiends like me. The wireless receiver for N64 will have a switch on it that will allow users to change between being able to use the rumble feature or access the port built into it for Memory Paks. Do note that the receiver won’t be compatible with Transfer Paks. It does look like there will be some limitations to this switch at release, as you can only use one mode or the other and have to have it set before powering on the system. Switching the modes during gameplay is said to cause errors, so hopefully we can see an update address this in the future. For USB-based systems, the rumble feature is said to work automatically if it is supported on the hardware.
Each Wireless Tribute 64 will come with a built-in rechargeable battery that is stated to last between 15-30 hours depending on the use of rumble. Charging is said to only take up to 2 hours from the USB-C port as well. As with prior Retro-Bit Wireless controllers, firmware for both the controller and receivers will be fully updatable as time goes on to address any bugs that get discovered post-launch or to add in new features.
Pre-orders for the Wireless Tributes will start at $39.99 at Castlemania Games, PNP Games, and Dragonbox Shop (for European buyers) and come in a Classic Grey or Atomic Purple color scheme. Retro-Bit has also announced that there will be a limited release of a special Ultra Edition based on the design of the prototype Nintendo Ultra 64 controller! This color variant will likely be a one-and-done run, so make sure to get it ordered from select online retailers like Castlemania Games while they are available. They look so sick! Pre-orders are expected to ship in May for the Ultra Edition, and July for the Classic Grey and Atomic Purple.
What do you all think of the Wireless Tribute 64?
