Hey Adam, great review! While we love and respect Hori, they had nothing to do with the development of the Tribute64 and we did not use their molds. The Tribute64 was developed from the ground up and has the notable distinction of being a bit larger on top of all the features you commented on.
The reason for the spike in demand for the controllers is due to competitive Smash Bros and speed running taking off during that time. N64 speedrunning was and still is immensely popular
very true and I think that is why there was a demand for a new controller after the system was "dead" and hori realized this. The smash community was strong on 64 even into the gamecube era.
Even speedrunners uses the Hori controller a lot. I bought the Retrobit one, and was really impressed how much i feels like and plays as good as the Hori one. I don't see the point why you would whant to buy the Hori one anymore, when you can get a retrobit one a lot cheaper and have the same experience.
I like to use the Gamecube controller with the Raphnet GC to N64 controller adapter. MLiG talks about it in one of their videos. With this you can map the GC buttons and use dual thumb sticks with any N64 first person shooter.
I had 4 of those years back, sold them and bought GameCube style replacements sticks for my regular N64 controllers instead. The HORI pads were WAY to small, and I have small hands.
It is unlicensed. Hori makes licensed and unlicensed controllers for many systems. The licensed Hori controllers looked similar to the original N64 controller.
As someone who actually owns a Hori Pad 64, I think that the HORI Pad 64 was officially licensed because the face buttons look like they use the exact same Nintendo molds, and the controller is plastered on the front and back with the official N64 Logo. As well as the box. I think that Nintendo would've gotten mad if a company was using their copyrighted logos on an unlicensed product.
Just screwed my Hori pad open to check if maybe it had a date stamp on the molding but sadly to no avail, definitely came out during the N64's prime though.
I'm glad this is more widely available now, but as someone who devotes an inordinate amount of my N64 gaming to the likes of WCW Revenge and WWF No Mercy, the d-pad placement isn't right for me personally. I've been playing the Brawler64 with those wrestling games, and I'll be sticking with it. Great review, as always!
There is an article in a 1999 issue of an old N64 magazine here in germany where the Hori Pad was reviewed. So you were absolutely right with your guess :)
I got my Hori controller in Japan back in 2012 for like $35. Phew, glad I picked it up while I had the chance. There are some slight differences between the Retro-bit and the Hori Pad Mini such as the shoulder and trigger buttons all being rectangular, the cable being shorter, and the molding being less rounded (such as under the d-pad), but overall still a great way to play.
I got this controller a bit back. Used it to beat paper mario. My only complaint with it was that (at least for mine) when holding right on the stick it doesn't actually sit in the indents on the octagon. Every other direction does though.
Neat. Looks good for FPS or adventure games. I play the THQ WWF and WCW games alot on 64 so that D-pad placement would be a dealbreaker for me. The Brawler seems more ideal for those games.
I don't really own an N64 but i played it at a convention and i must say the controller doesn't feel too bad, but these controllers are really cool regardless, great video as usual Adam
I personally was a massive fan of the original N64 and thought the ergonomics were bang on and way ahead of its time. Defo in my top 3 after the DC controller followed by the Switch Pro
I played the N64 to death back in the day and personally I never had an issue with the controller other than the well known one of the analogue stick wearing out eventually. I can hardly remember ever using the D Pad. I now use an Hori pad however and it's great.
Did Hori actually endorse these? That would be weird since they still make controllers. They are very similar to the ones designed by Hori but I don't think these were actually designed by Hori.
The og controller was 6 feet long so a improvment. Buying this and great review and video. Thanks for reviewing all these retro bit controllers. Value your opinion alot you speak the truth.
The original controllers would be ok if the stick didn't wear out. MakoPad 64 (aka SuperPad 64) was my favourite back in the day, though these look better. Remember hearing about the Hori pad in the early 2000s but not sure when it came out.
If only the brawler64 by retro fighters had the original N64 controller space between A & B buttons that would do it for me. I haven't tried the Retro-bit Hori clone yet so can't say much, but I'll probably get my hands on the ocean blue one. I think the ocean blue one is the most sold one by castlevania games maybe that's why you got the green and red one for review.
Great video, Adam. Have you tried the rumble pack or a memory stick with the Retro-bit controller and how much different is the dead zone of the thumbstick compared to the Brawler 64 and the original?
@@AdamKoralik I meant the sensitivity of the thumbstick and how much pressure is needed to move the character on screen from sneak to run, like in Mario 64.
This controller definitely wouldn't be great for a game like WWF No Mercy. Other than that, I think it's good for any other game and I could see myself using it more than the original N64 controller.
Hey Adam hows it going? I know you already covered the Wii to HDMI with the mClassic & MayFlash has design a Wii to HDMI that does "NOT" upscale your games so it's 480p! Here is there spec info... PRODUCT FEATURES Power consumption: Below 2WSupported Video input Mode: Includes all the display modes of the Wii console (NTSC 480i 480p, PAL 576i)Supported HDMI output Mode: Outputs pure digital HDMI video/audio signalsInput Connector: Wii AV Multi Out PlugOutput Connectors: HDMI Connector & 3.5mm Stereo Audio JackPlug and Play Mayflash also said that their new product, Mayflash Wii To HDMI Converter, is not an “upscaler”. They also explained that a Wii has a maximum native resolution is analog out 480i or 480p depending on the cable you use. It only means the adapter will not magically turn your games into 720p or 1080p. Instead, the converter will use the component analog 480p video signal and turn it into digital information to be sent through the HDMI cable so as to help will be functioned in a 720/1080p device with better viewing. Also, make sure your cable is an HDMI a male to male cable and the connected monitor has HDMI ports! (Such a friendly reminder!) It's already sold out on their Amazon site & PlayAsia I believe has them as well. I'm trying to get my hands on one now. Just letting you know because I know you hated those ones that upscaled Wii games but this one doesn't so the mClassic ECT should now work better with Wii now. MAYFLASH Wii to HDMI Converter 1080P for Full HD Device, Wii HDMI Adapter with 3,5mm Audio Jack&HDMI Output Compatible with Nintendo Wii, Wii U, HDTV, Monitor-Supports All Wii Display Modes 720P, NTS www.amazon.com/dp/B07XG6X4TC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gmFQDbVZSGR6B
Caleb_Bravo99 I bought the same 2 retrobits he has on the table (color and all). I can’t enthusiastically recommend. Check out Etsy and type in N64 controllers you’ll see there’s people out there who’ve brought the original ones to their prime condition and even installed 10ft braded cables into them. They cost like $50 which is double what these controllers cost, but I think that’s a fair price.
For me nothing beats the original N64 controller. If the Joy's stick is the problem, they have nice gamecube joystick replacement for it. Easy to do and work beautifully. I did it to all my N64 controllers. Just cause it was that easy to do
This is a case where it’s too little too late for this controller and it makes absolutely no sense anymore. The brawler 64 is by far and away the best controller for the console as it has the most modern layout that the vast majority of folks are comfortable with. 5-10 year ago this controller would have made sense but it’s just a collectors piece now.
All I want from these companies are for them to switch the R and Z buttons. Seems obvious that the two right triggers would adopt the GCN button placement, but apparently not
I had one of these. The construction is good, but it’s waaaaay too small and cramped, and I don’t have the biggest hands. I d like to see an XL version of it.
No it definitely came out after the Gamecube. It became very popular in America due to Smash Bros. Once Melee hit it big Smash64 also got some attention, and since ppl were used to the Gamecube controller system for melee, they wanted something similar for 64. It only got worse with Brawl, Sm4sh and Now Ultimate since they all use the gc controller for competitive play.
This controller is pretty good. But man, having the Z button where it is sucks and throws off the controller experience. Also the analog stick is a lil bit too sensitive. I too like the N64 original controller, I shoulda been buying restored N64 controllers instead.
It's super easy to just replace the joystick. There's one that feels like a gamecube joystick. And works awesome. For me nothing beats the original controller
i know things have changed since the N64 release but if your making a N64 controller for N64 users then for the love of god have the trigger in the correct position.
Please stop giving these people free advertising. The market needs wireless controllers. It's 2019. Dude I love your videos but this is getting frustrating. I'll get off my soapbox but this is plainly milking money out of people who are going to buy these while we wait for a wireless controller that has been shown at trade shows to exist.
I have one of the HORI PAD MINI 64 controllers for my N64, and i think its the best N64 option that i have tried. The only games i dont like to play with it are FPSs(Goldeneye and Perfect Dark) because i think the analoge stick is a little bit too sensitive. Here you can see my review that i did 2 years ago: th-cam.com/video/D0B7czrQQYw/w-d-xo.html (i also compared it to the GC and original N64 controller.) 😀😉
The tribute 64 is shit! I can't even believe you played GoldenEye and had no problems the sensitivity is way way off from the original when you put it threw a sensitivity program
Hey Adam, great review! While we love and respect Hori, they had nothing to do with the development of the Tribute64 and we did not use their molds. The Tribute64 was developed from the ground up and has the notable distinction of being a bit larger on top of all the features you commented on.
Thanks for the feedback!
So his entire video is invalid and useless then. Thanks for saving my time. Btw, your wireless tribute 64 is FANTASTIC. I’m loving mine.
This is not the greatest Nintendo 64 controller in the world
No, this is just a tribute
Waiting for the inevitable wireless Dreamcast controller.
Technically they already exist. But it's modders adding wireless functionality to the original controller. Adam has done a video on one of those.
And fun fact, apparently retro fighters kickstarted a wireless dreamcast controller scheduled to start production in November.
@@NickyShadow99 the retrofighters dreamcast pad is wired
@@NickyShadow99 I was part of that kickstarter. They are wired. As where there N64 controllers
Ah, you're all right. I was thinking of retro bit. But there's isn't a Kickstarter.
Finally after 20 years, the 64 is now playable!
The reason for the spike in demand for the controllers is due to competitive Smash Bros and speed running taking off during that time. N64 speedrunning was and still is immensely popular
The demand for these hori controllers might be because of the smash scene, this controller is the most loved controller for playong smash 64
very true and I think that is why there was a demand for a new controller after the system was "dead" and hori realized this. The smash community was strong on 64 even into the gamecube era.
Even speedrunners uses the Hori controller a lot. I bought the Retrobit one, and was really impressed how much i feels like and plays as good as the Hori one. I don't see the point why you would whant to buy the Hori one anymore, when you can get a retrobit one a lot cheaper and have the same experience.
I like to use the Gamecube controller with the Raphnet GC to N64 controller adapter. MLiG talks about it in one of their videos. With this you can map the GC buttons and use dual thumb sticks with any N64 first person shooter.
This is what the Dreamcast controller should have been.
Thanks for this video, I needed this info. Good luck my dude!
I had 4 of those years back, sold them and bought GameCube style replacements sticks for my regular N64 controllers instead. The HORI pads were WAY to small, and I have small hands.
theimporter agreed. They’re tiny.
You and your crazy controllers, Adam!
Thanks for another great review, Adam!
It is unlicensed. Hori makes licensed and unlicensed controllers for many systems. The licensed Hori controllers looked similar to the original N64 controller.
As someone who actually owns a Hori Pad 64, I think that the HORI Pad 64 was officially licensed because the face buttons look like they use the exact same Nintendo molds, and the controller is plastered on the front and back with the official N64 Logo. As well as the box. I think that Nintendo would've gotten mad if a company was using their copyrighted logos on an unlicensed product.
The horipad mini 64 is definitely officially licensed by Nintendo.
Just screwed my Hori pad open to check if maybe it had a date stamp on the molding but sadly to no avail, definitely came out during the N64's prime though.
Nice! Thanks again, Adam :)
so.. when's that gamerade drink coming out..?
Ha.
I'm glad this is more widely available now, but as someone who devotes an inordinate amount of my N64 gaming to the likes of WCW Revenge and WWF No Mercy, the d-pad placement isn't right for me personally.
I've been playing the Brawler64 with those wrestling games, and I'll be sticking with it. Great review, as always!
It would be cool if Retrobit gets the mold for the Game Boy Player controller one day!
I know one reason for the sudden demand for these controllers is speedrunners often prefer them.
Big Adam getting his Mario on
For me (I own both)
Brawler
There is an article in a 1999 issue of an old N64 magazine here in germany where the Hori Pad was reviewed. So you were absolutely right with your guess :)
I got my Hori controller in Japan back in 2012 for like $35. Phew, glad I picked it up while I had the chance. There are some slight differences between the Retro-bit and the Hori Pad Mini such as the shoulder and trigger buttons all being rectangular, the cable being shorter, and the molding being less rounded (such as under the d-pad), but overall still a great way to play.
Damn your hori lasted you this long? My stick wore out on 1 of mine and just recently my cat ruined my 2nd one so now I’ll have to get a 3rd
I got this controller a bit back. Used it to beat paper mario. My only complaint with it was that (at least for mine) when holding right on the stick it doesn't actually sit in the indents on the octagon. Every other direction does though.
Love the channel but its definitely time for a upgrade in the camera department
Neat. Looks good for FPS or adventure games. I play the THQ WWF and WCW games alot on 64 so that D-pad placement would be a dealbreaker for me. The Brawler seems more ideal for those games.
I'll be getting one or two of the RetroBit n64 controllers some time this month. hopefully
The silhouette of this Hori/ Retro-bit kinda reminds me of a Dreamcast controller then I noticed the D-Pad is placed where the Start button belongs.
I don't really own an N64 but i played it at a convention and i must say the controller doesn't feel too bad, but these controllers are really cool regardless, great video as usual Adam
I got the Hori one for about $100AU.
I also learned about it from PeteDorr, so I'm not sure you're wrong on him opening the doors on it!
The smash community is what drove prices up to absurd levels 👀
I personally was a massive fan of the original N64 and thought the ergonomics were bang on and way ahead of its time. Defo in my top 3 after the DC controller followed by the Switch Pro
I played the N64 to death back in the day and personally I never had an issue with the controller other than the well known one of the analogue stick wearing out eventually. I can hardly remember ever using the D Pad. I now use an Hori pad however and it's great.
Did Hori actually endorse these? That would be weird since they still make controllers. They are very similar to the ones designed by Hori but I don't think these were actually designed by Hori.
Apparently they didn't.
Super Mario 64 with the GameCube controller is great.
The og controller was 6 feet long so a improvment. Buying this and great review and video. Thanks for reviewing all these retro bit controllers. Value your opinion alot you speak the truth.
This controller is awesome and well priced. I much rather get a brand new one than a used Hori controller.
I bought the USB one for my Nvidia Shield TV console and it works just perfect with the mupen emulator. 🤩
The original controllers would be ok if the stick didn't wear out. MakoPad 64 (aka SuperPad 64) was my favourite back in the day, though these look better. Remember hearing about the Hori pad in the early 2000s but not sure when it came out.
Sweet dreamcast controller bro!
This is not the greatest controller in the world, this is just a tribute
Heyoooooo.
My old Japan hori controller has a year date on the board inside. I opened it up once years ago.
If only the brawler64 by retro fighters had the original N64 controller space between A & B buttons that would do it for me. I haven't tried the Retro-bit Hori clone yet so can't say much, but I'll probably get my hands on the ocean blue one. I think the ocean blue one is the most sold one by castlevania games maybe that's why you got the green and red one for review.
Great video, Adam. Have you tried the rumble pack or a memory stick with the Retro-bit controller and how much different is the dead zone of the thumbstick compared to the Brawler 64 and the original?
Yes I did.
Not sure what you mean by dead zone.
@@AdamKoralik I meant the sensitivity of the thumbstick and how much pressure is needed to move the character on screen from sneak to run, like in Mario 64.
So cool.
cool video tech talk adam
I can see all controllers working for different games.
N64 originals for fps and 3d platformers
Retro fighter looks good for a modern feel
This controller definitely wouldn't be great for a game like WWF No Mercy. Other than that, I think it's good for any other game and I could see myself using it more than the original N64 controller.
Hey Adam hows it going? I know you already covered the Wii to HDMI with the mClassic & MayFlash has design a Wii to HDMI that does "NOT" upscale your games so it's 480p!
Here is there spec info...
PRODUCT FEATURES
Power consumption: Below 2WSupported Video input Mode: Includes all the display modes of the Wii console (NTSC 480i 480p, PAL 576i)Supported HDMI output Mode: Outputs pure digital HDMI video/audio signalsInput Connector: Wii AV Multi Out PlugOutput Connectors: HDMI Connector & 3.5mm Stereo Audio JackPlug and Play
Mayflash also said that their new product, Mayflash Wii To HDMI Converter, is not an “upscaler”. They also explained that a Wii has a maximum native resolution is analog out 480i or 480p depending on the cable you use. It only means the adapter will not magically turn your games into 720p or 1080p. Instead, the converter will use the component analog 480p video signal and turn it into digital information to be sent through the HDMI cable so as to help will be functioned in a 720/1080p device with better viewing. Also, make sure your cable is an HDMI a male to male cable and the connected monitor has HDMI ports! (Such a friendly reminder!)
It's already sold out on their Amazon site & PlayAsia I believe has them as well. I'm trying to get my hands on one now. Just letting you know because I know you hated those ones that upscaled Wii games but this one doesn't so the mClassic ECT should now work better with Wii now.
MAYFLASH Wii to HDMI Converter 1080P for Full HD Device, Wii HDMI Adapter with 3,5mm Audio Jack&HDMI Output Compatible with Nintendo Wii, Wii U, HDTV, Monitor-Supports All Wii Display Modes 720P, NTS www.amazon.com/dp/B07XG6X4TC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gmFQDbVZSGR6B
Is there any reason why the d pad is in the middle? Who puts it there?
To essentially make it possible to use in all game scenarios.
I wonder if you could just take apart both controllers and swap the thumb sticks?
Have one. Never want to go back to the original controller
Dude i can't find the answer anywhere. Is this retrobit tribute Or the brawler from retro fighters better??????
Simply based on the design, I like the Brawler 64 more. I'm not sure if I'll get the Retrobit.
Caleb_Bravo99 I bought the same 2 retrobits he has on the table (color and all). I can’t enthusiastically recommend. Check out Etsy and type in N64 controllers you’ll see there’s people out there who’ve brought the original ones to their prime condition and even installed 10ft braded cables into them. They cost like $50 which is double what these controllers cost, but I think that’s a fair price.
The retro bit controller sucks
For me nothing beats the original N64 controller. If the Joy's stick is the problem, they have nice gamecube joystick replacement for it. Easy to do and work beautifully. I did it to all my N64 controllers. Just cause it was that easy to do
The tribute 64 controller for the N64 is a good controller in my opinion, the joy stick has smoother action over the original.
This is a case where it’s too little too late for this controller and it makes absolutely no sense anymore. The brawler 64 is by far and away the best controller for the console as it has the most modern layout that the vast majority of folks are comfortable with. 5-10 year ago this controller would have made sense but it’s just a collectors piece now.
I low-key might get one sometime. I absolutely love Doom 64, but it still feels a little awkward with the normal N64 controller
Don't its terrible Adam just wants to keep getting free shit from castlevania
Your comment is moronic John.
john savino bro what, he gets it for review purposes. Have you not seen that with anyone else???
didn't know the story behind that gamepad. wholly agree Hardoff originally sold them for 543 yen before collectors got hardons for them.
All I want from these companies are for them to switch the R and Z buttons. Seems obvious that the two right triggers would adopt the GCN button placement, but apparently not
You should bug retro fighters about the stick before they recycle it on the Dreamcast controller they are making.
Love the video adam but im team retro fighter
I had one of these. The construction is good, but it’s waaaaay too small and cramped, and I don’t have the biggest hands. I d like to see an XL version of it.
I wish they would reprint the original N64 with updated joystick. Or sell updated proper joystick replacements at least.
I bought one off castlemania and quite like it.
How come no one in this tribute64 controllers reviews mentioned how tight and difficult is to put the controllers in the controller port of the 64
Because I didn't have the problem?
There's a few reviews where they mention this and remedy the issue by taking an x-acto knife and shaving the sides of the plug-in part off
No it definitely came out after the Gamecube. It became very popular in America due to Smash Bros. Once Melee hit it big Smash64 also got some attention, and since ppl were used to the Gamecube controller system for melee, they wanted something similar for 64.
It only got worse with Brawl, Sm4sh and Now Ultimate since they all use the gc controller for competitive play.
People below were showing that it was released in 1999.
I like the brawler 64 better than the tribute but I think the analog stick on the tribute is slightly better.
I get why there popular the N64 controller really put me off the console
Did You try to replace the analog hat on Retro Fighter with a new one? Maybe the mold is similar enough (or needs just a little cut) to work.
Can't say I did. Interesting idea.
This controller is pretty good. But man, having the Z button where it is sucks and throws off the controller experience. Also the analog stick is a lil bit too sensitive. I too like the N64 original controller, I shoulda been buying restored N64 controllers instead.
It's super easy to just replace the joystick. There's one that feels like a gamecube joystick. And works awesome. For me nothing beats the original controller
Did you say you're using it for the Switch? How? Is there an adapter readily available for N64 controllers?
USB port, plug it in, boom. Done.
man did you get the Tribute64 wireless controller?
Uh, maybe? If I did, I would have done a video on it.
Been meaning to get one for a while now. Does it make gameplay easier compared to the original?
Compared to the original Hori controller or the original N64 controller?
@@AdamKoralik original n64
@@mrswolls Personally I'd say yes, but it's a matter of opinion. Though I think the Brawler is the better controller. I did videos on it.
I wish I could plug a playstation dual shock on the n64.
i know things have changed since the N64 release but if your making a N64 controller for N64 users then for the love of god have the trigger in the correct position.
Yeah I can imagine Z targeting would be abit awkward with L2 and R2 design that replaces it
Awesome make more videos buddy I love the N 64 controller the new generation gamers give em a iphone or an android!!!!
the horipad sucks for wrestling games though. fair warning to fans of the AKI made AJPW/WCW/WWF games.
Please stop giving these people free advertising. The market needs wireless controllers. It's 2019. Dude I love your videos but this is getting frustrating. I'll get off my soapbox but this is plainly milking money out of people who are going to buy these while we wait for a wireless controller that has been shown at trade shows to exist.
I believe hyperkin is making a wireless controller for the n64.
@@CAPCOM784 this is what I'm referring to
Mmkay.
im fine with wired controllers. they are reliable and you never have to worry about keeping them charged.
I'm clearly not the market because wireless controllers suck. Now get off my lawn.
I still like the Brawler64 better
Have you tried both?
This is not MadCatz garbage...
Good luck playing any of the wrestling games with that thing. They all use the D--Pad instead of the stick.
The "Z" went to the right hand?? =[ don't want it anymore hahaahah .. cool video
It's on both.
Adam Koralik ahhh, ok desire returned.. hehehe thx!
When you hold a Hori....you're holding a Hori....Retro-Bit....just isn't a Hori, but its a nice substitute....but that's all.
I have one of the HORI PAD MINI 64 controllers for my N64, and i think its the best N64 option that i have tried. The only games i dont like to play with it are FPSs(Goldeneye and Perfect Dark) because i think the analoge stick is a little bit too sensitive. Here you can see my review that i did 2 years ago: th-cam.com/video/D0B7czrQQYw/w-d-xo.html (i also compared it to the GC and original N64 controller.) 😀😉
Castlemania is turning you into the Sham Wow guy, always shilling the stuff they sell.
Man, I would talk about cool game tech regardless.
The tribute 64 is shit! I can't even believe you played GoldenEye and had no problems the sensitivity is way way off from the original when you put it threw a sensitivity program
Well, I don't expect modern FPS precision on GoldenEye. It's as playable as it always was.
Nobody except elite game collectors care about controllers that you can't connect to your PC with a USB cord for use with emulators.
Mmkay.
uhhh what? how about normal people who still have their original system and thus don't play pirated games on pc. elite has nothing to do with it.
WRONG