ModRetro released their Chromatic handheld in December of 2024. Then a mass re-release in July of 2025. Now just over a year later, they have released the ModRetro M64.
While the Chromatic is an FPGA take on the GameBoy Color, the M64 is an FPGA take on the Nintendo 64. While both platforms attempt to modernize the systems of which they are a tribute to, I would go so far as to say the M64 is slightly better than their first product the Chromatic.
Lets dive into the ModRetro M64 and see what makes it such a unique product. Should this be a system that is a must own to play your Nintendo 64 library of carts? Ultimately after reading this, you can be the judge.
At the heart of the M64 is the 16nm AMD Artix UltraScale+ FPGA chip. This chip is one of the most powerful processors ever implemented in a retro console. This component handles hardware-level cycle recreation to mimic original system functions down to the microsecond. But aside from mimicking that of the original N64, this CPU is able to be overclocked and go beyond previous hardware limitations of the past.
There are four overclock modes which are Super, Ultra, Extreme, and Insane. Super will boost the CPU speed to 16% performance boost, Ultra gives a 33% performance boost, Extreme offers a 50% boost in performance and Insane gives you a whopping 67% boost in performance over the stock clock speed. These clock speeds help to improve performance, but not all games are supported or are able to take advantage of this feature.
The physical chassis is built around a dual texture transparent shell that exposes the internal components, which will either be very see-through or not so much depending on color choice. The console features gold-plated circuit board traces designed to maximize conductivity and resist long-term corrosion. It also includes a silent, fan-less thermal design driven by efficient power management. A part of me really wishes that they would have some sort of fan in the system as the console can produce quite a bit of heat. If you’re going to be playing for a long session or consider using the overclock feature, I would highly suggest playing with it on a shelf instead of on carpet.
You could also invest in some rubber feet to put on the bottom so that the console can get some clearance above the surface it’s resting on. I mean the console does have rubber feet, but there isn’t much in the way of clearance at all.
Beyond the internal components, the M64 offers an eject button to eject cartridges and works as a nice means to preserve the pin integrity of the slot and the cartridges as well.
The LED on the console can be adjusted which is a nice touch, though not really a major design component with regards to functionality. The console features additional LED lights to designate which of the front controller ports are being used as well as to indicate syncing of blue-tooth controllers which was a nice surprise.
One of the great things about the ModRetro M64 beyond just how capable the hardware is, are the vast number of games the system can play. Gone are the days of having to import or modify aging tech. Thanks to this new modern platform, you can play any N64 game from the Japanese, North American, or European regions! This system can play them all, which alone is worth this platform’s price point. While it can play all of the previously released carts across all regions, ModRetro are bringing back classic titles with new content and even brand new titles!
The greatest feature in my opinion of the M64 is the built in virtual expansion and controller paks. Back in the day in order to save, some games required a controller pak to be connected as the game didn’t have a way to save progress built into the cartridge. Additionally, there are games like Perfect Dark that require the expansion pak to play the single player campaign as without it, you can only play multiplayer. Then you have games like Donkey Kong 64 that won’t even run if the expansion pak isn’t installed.
The M64 leverages its hardware core to output 4K Ultra HD video at 60 frames per second over HDMI. This allows the system to provide unexpected visual clarity, crisp edges, and vibrant color depth into these retro games making them look better than they ever did running on original hardware.
For those that prefer a more traditional retro feel to the original platform, the M64 does offer filters like adding scanlines and a CRT effect. In addition to filters, the system also offers scaling options which can help accommodate modern displays and make the game still look good despite their age.
Audio is another aspect where the M64 really excels at. Sound is produced at uncompressed CD-quality 48 kHz 16-bit PCM sound. While not impressive on its own, what is impressive is the fact that audio production is directly tied to and synchronized with the FPGA core. This is done to maximize its capability and not having it rely on software emulation. By having the audio production synced with the FPGA Core architecture, this allows all of the sound like music, sound effects, and atmospheric effects to sound just as crisp as they did back in the 90’s if not more so.
The M64 offers a wide range of controller options. The system supports original N64 controllers natively and modern wireless alternative controller options like the M64 Pro controller
One such third party option is the wired Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller. This does a nice job to bridge the gap between classic ergonomics and modern durability.
Featuring translucent colors that you can match with the M64 console, a 10ft long braided cable, and support for original accessories, you really can’t go wrong with this controller.
The Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller is easily a wonderful controller for either the M64 or the original N64. One of the great benefits of this controller outside the rally long and rugged cable, is the addition of a modern analog joystick. This analog stick integrates the amazing hall effect technology.
Hall effect sticks use contactless magnetic sensors rather than friction based potentiometers, which effectively eliminates stick drift entirely while offering smooth and precise directional inputs.
Besides the hall effect stick, it also has a refined analog stick circularity profile with optimized snapback. This ensures a consistent diagonal responses and precise aiming arcs that are perfect for both casual and competitive gaming. Internally, The Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller layout is built around an upgraded dual layer PCB board and responsive silicone membranes to drastically improve button travel speed and long-term reliability.
After using this controller and then using an OEM controller, there really is no way that an OEM comes close to the Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller. Superior analog stick, a cord that is braided, rugged, and at a generous length, this really is the best wired controller you can get on the market when it comes to either the M64 or the original Nintendo 64.
The ModRetro M64 and the Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller are really a match made in heaven! The console has a lot of modern features while sticking to nostalgic design when it comes to the chassis. The Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller with its 10ft long cable and hall effect stick, along with its support of original accessories through the expansion port, really make this the perfect modern controller for those looking to get a good replacement N64 controller without breaking the bank.
After spending many hours going between the original N64 with its OEM controller and the M64 with the Hyperkin Captain+ Wired Controller, it really is no contest. If you’re going for the best experience to play with your old carts, you really can’t go wrong with the M64 and Hyperkin Captain+ combo! I most definitely recommend picking up both of these products!
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.