ModRetro M64 to Launch at $199.99, Challenging N64 Retro Gaming Market

ModRetro, the hardware company founded by Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey, has announced that its upcoming FPGA-based Nintendo 64 console, the ModRetro M64, will be available at an early bird price of $199.99. This pricing strategically matches the original Nintendo 64 launch price from 1997, with Luckey stating, "Inflation isn't nostalgic." The console is expected to launch around Holiday 2025, as hinted by a "no peeking until Christmas" teaser.

The M64 aims to address common challenges faced by enthusiasts attempting to play original N64 hardware on modern televisions. Palmer Luckey elaborated on social media, stating, "Setting aside the expense of original N64 hardware in good condition, they aren't compatible with most modern TVs. If your TV does have composite input, you typically have to deal with bad comb filters, lag from upscaling, and generally poor image quality." He further noted that existing HDMI modification kits for original N64s can cost hundreds of dollars and often introduce latency.

ModRetro's solution, the M64, is designed to replicate the Nintendo 64's performance at a hardware level using Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. This approach is intended to provide an authentic gaming experience, circumventing the issues of emulation and modern TV compatibility. Luckey asserts that the M64 "solves all of these problems," positioning it as "the best way to play at any price, yet happens to be more affordable than inferior options!"

The announcement places the M64 in direct competition with other high-end retro consoles, notably the Analogue 3D, another FPGA-based N64 system priced at $250, which has faced multiple delays. ModRetro's competitive pricing and focus on authenticity and modern compatibility are key differentiators. The company previously released the ModRetro Chromatic, an FPGA Game Boy/Color handheld, which garnered positive reception for its premium build quality and accurate hardware replication.