Does 8BitDo make a better N64 Controller than Nintendo?

With regards to the 8BitDo replacement thumbstick, if you're experiencing dead zones or inaccuracies, make sure to calibrate your stick after installation. Doing so on Switch should eliminate any issues experienced. Meanwhile, dead zones can be decreased manually via software (e.g., Steam Input) for use with PC. As with all Hall effect sticks, dead zones are not an immutable property of the stick but rather how the stick is being interpreted by software. Experiences may vary when using the stick with original hardware. The stick works well as a drop-in replacement even without the full mod kit (which is intended for use with Switch and PC). However, in the absence of additional fine tuning via software, folks sensitive to differences from the original stick may be left wanting. If you're a person looking to use original hardware and want an experience similar to the original sticks, Kitsch-Bent sticks are a better route (link: kitsch-bent.refr.cc/gamexdata).

If anyone is curious, there's been an update for the BlueRetro n64 controller adapter that now works with this 8bitdo mod. It gives you all the features of the adapter (VMUs) and controller (except for rumble, currently) and lets you use it natively on an original n64. I have one myself and it works great, can't recommend enough. I have a second adapter and kit on order even, no joke.

I had a few N64 controllers laying around so the 8bitdo option was a no brainer. The original guts I just put back in the 8bitdo box for safe keeping, so no worries there. My biggest complaint was the somewhat minimalist instructions that came with it that didn't fully illustrate how to do the installation. I had to supplement those with a YouTube video of someone doing it to make sure I was putting everything in right. Also I've somehow never worn out my original control sticks in 25 years so I didn't buy the hall effect GameCube stick. Without that the kit is significantly cheaper than the Nintendo official option.

I ended up buying a Repro Controller off Amazon since all you really need is a Shell and buttons , Worked out pretty well

Good video, man! I love your calm, relaxing presentation. Love finding channels like this!

Fantastic video man! Well edited and very informative! You've def earned my sub! Keep up the great work! 8BitDo FTW! :)

This video answered all of my questions and concerns. Thank you! Subscribed.

It's an excellent kit from 8BitDo. I picked up 2 of the them on pre-order, assembled one on an Atomic Purple controller over the weekend, and I've been having a blast running through the N64 offerings on the Switch. Took a little work to situate all components and get it registering correctly (one of my buttons membranes shifted during re-assembly), but once it was down pat it has worked without any issues. It's an absolute blast being able to play through these games with that new joystick and the freedom of wireless connectivity. I've since decided to pick up 2 more kits so that I can build out an entire 4P set-up and start hosting retro game nights featuring Mario Kart, Pokemon Stadium Mini Games, and other potential options down the line. Really a fantastic kit, 8BitDo has just consistently put out great products for a long time now. Having the freedom to customize with all the great controller colorways that the N64 released over the years is also very attractive compared to the NSO replica that only comes in base gray. I'm looking forward to hunting down some unique colors to really customize this set-up down the line. The fact that it's a reversible mod if I ever want to rock them like normal controllers is a major plus as well.

Great video with a lot of good information, thank you for the in-depth research and analysis. Subscribed, I look forward to future content!

Great video. It helped me a lot

great vid! just subbed bro!

congrats on the good video, pleasant to listen to. subscribed

this is also a good chance to fix up old controllers that might be to damaged for normal repairs

I have a feeling that the lower profile joystick, like the other 8bitdo more modern version of an N64 controller... has significant deadzones as well as being very hard to do more precise movements compared to the original joystick. These are two of the main issues all of the other joysticks have when playing N64 games.

I am sorta interested in a modkit, 8BitDo has been a breath of fresh air as a whole for gaming products, it's pretty crazy! I don't think I'll do it until my controllers actually wear out though, if I do!

When I did this mod on an SNES controller someone straight up messaged me on eBay saying they were going to use the PCB to make an arcade stick.

I’ve been hearing 8Bitdo pronounced incorrectly for so long that it’s a little jarring to hear you say it properly. Thanks for that

bought a N64 controller that unknown not working condition from used game store - going to install 8bitdo kit into it

It was great at the time. Some games let you play on whichever side you wanted. Had lefty mates who played different to me etc.

Retrotime N64 Bluetooth Controller Receiver with Memory Pak Makes the 8bitdo controller mod work with the original n64