Analogue doesn’t usually move like this. The company is known for slow, curated, prestige-style drops — not sudden restocks and eight-colour nostalgia explosions. But with today’s announcement of the Analogue 3D Funtastic Editions, it’s hard not to see the writing on the wall:
Analogue is feeling the pressure from ModRetro’s M64, and they’re moving fast to keep hold of the N64-clone spotlight.
The timing. The colours. The “highly limited” push. This isn’t just a cute holiday restock — it’s a counter-move.
A full “Funtastic” rainbow? That’s not subtle, Analogue
The new range includes Fire (orange), Watermelon (red), Grape (purple), Jungle (green), Ice (cyan), Clear, Smoke, and an opaque Gold edition. You don’t release the entire classic N64 colour set unless you’re trying to remind the world, loudly, “Hey, remember who does premium FPGA first?”
Yes, it’s nostalgia. Yes, they look great. But the all-at-once rollout feels very much like Analogue trying to match ModRetro’s upcoming M64 vibe before it steals the show.
ModRetro led its marketing with colour and personality — Analogue is now matching that beat for beat. This isn’t coincidence. This is strategy.
These controllers didn’t materialise overnight either
Alongside the consoles are matching 8BitDo 64 wireless controllers, built with Hall-effect sticks and classic N64 shape. Again, the messaging is obvious: “You can get the whole candy-shell look right here. You don’t need to wait for ModRetro.”
Analogue never moves this quickly with accessories. The fact that controllers and console variants are dropping together — days after ModRetro’s biggest visibility spike — feels like a reaction.
Restock timing: this is not normal Analogue behaviour
Analogue 3D units were already scarce. Normally, the company lets scarcity work for them — it’s part of the brand. But the sudden full restock + limited-edition variants + colour hype is so unlike their usual glacial, curated sales rhythm that it practically screams:
“We cannot afford to let ModRetro define the narrative for N64 revival hardware.”
ModRetro has had huge social traction lately, and even non-retro-specialists have been talking about it. Analogue clearly doesn’t want to lose that mindshare.
So, is this good news for buyers?
Absolutely. Competition is great for retro hardware fans — and this move means:
- More Analogue 3D availability than we expected
- Colour options that people have been begging for since reveal
- Better controller availability
- A clear signal that Analogue intends to fight to remain king of “FPGA-done-properly”
Whether the reaction is strategic brilliance or mild panic, the result is the same: more choice.
But it also confirms one thing…
Analogue has ruled the FPGA scene for years. The 3D was supposed to be another untouchable win. But ModRetro clearly got under their skin, and the M64 and the Analogue 3D compare very well — in fact, in some important areas, the M64 might have the edge.
This drop doesn’t feel like long-term planning finally reaching the surface — it feels like a tactical pivot to avoid losing control of the N64 revival narrative…
If you need the Analogue 3D Funtastic Limited Editions, head to www.analogue.co/editions/3d-funtastic before your colour runs out…
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
