ModRetro, a hardware company co-founded by Palmer Luckey, has revealed the M64, a new console that lets you play original Nintendo 64 cartridges on a modern TV. Detailed in the original announcement, the M64 uses FPGA technology to accurately replicate the N64 hardware and output video at up to 4K resolution.
Unlike software emulation, which often introduces timing inaccuracies and input lag, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) devices are configured at a hardware level to mimic the original console’s behavior. That means games run exactly as they did on a real Nintendo 64 but with the benefit of digital video output that looks sharp on 4K displays. The M64 includes a cartridge slot, so users can dust off their collection of physical N64 games.
FPGA-Based Hardware Emulation
FPGA consoles have gained a following among retro enthusiasts for their ability to provide cycle-accurate performance without the unpredictability of software emulators. The M64 joins other FPGA projects but specifically targets one of the most beloved home consoles of the late 1990s. While details on additional features like save states or controller support weren’t fully disclosed, the upscaling capabilities alone make it an attractive option for those who want to revisit classics on modern panels without modding original hardware.
Why Original Cartridges Still Matter
Plenty of digital compilations exist, but for many collectors, the tactile experience of inserting a cartridge and the authentic feel of the original game are impossible to replicate. Nintendo itself has released official compilations like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which included Super Mario 64, but those are limited-time releases that don’t support every N64 title. A hardware solution like the M64 removes software licensing hurdles—if you own the cart, you can play it.
ModRetro’s Evolution
ModRetro began as an online forum for retro gaming discussion before pivoting into hardware. Palmer Luckey’s involvement, best known for founding Oculus and kickstarting the modern VR wave, adds credibility to the project. The team’s shift from community chatter to building bespoke consoles reflects a growing market for premium retro hardware. As Nintendo focuses on current-generation systems, companies like ModRetro step in to service fans who want to play their original libraries on contemporary screens.
GamerHeadlines Takeaway
The M64 is not the first FPGA console, but it’s one of the few to tackle the Nintendo 64 directly. For retro collectors tired of fiddly adapters and software emulation, an out-of-the-box 4K solution for physical carts could be a dream come true. Full pricing and a launch date are yet to be confirmed, but the announcement alone is enough to prompt a search through storage boxes for copies of GoldenEye, Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64.
