Pick up your own Tribute 64 from Amazon or CastleMania games through my following affiliate links! CastleMania Games shoppers can save an additional 10% off most store items by using the discount code ARCHADES at checkout! CastleMania Games Tribute 64 Links Classic Grey: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-grey?ref=Archades Atomic Purple: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-atomic-purple?ref=Archades Sea Salt Ice Cream: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-salt-ice-cream?ref=Archades Red: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-red?ref=Archades Ocean Blue: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-ocean-blue?ref=Archades Forest Green: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-forest-green?ref=Archades Amazon Tribute 64 Links Classic Grey: amzn.to/2UyCZY2 Atomic Purple: amzn.to/37mwgpd Sea Salt Ice Cream: amzn.to/3dVZhKS Red: amzn.to/2UAb4XM Ocean Blue: amzn.to/3fm3HLH Forest Green: amzn.to/3cTWuRh The Retro-Bit Tribute 64 is one of a number of recent N64 replacement controllers to come out over the last year. In my original review, I found it to be my favorite replacement option to date. Does that still hold up a year later? Well, yes it does but check out the video to see why!
Mine arrived a few days ago, it's just awesome. I had that problem with the connector, I'll try to cut it a little on the sides, thanks for that tip! And awesome review ~
5:50 wow I didn't know the new colors were new versions that also had better sensitivity. That's actually pretty close to a hori pad mini so I think I might buy one of these instead of trying to find a hori at a low price. Also I love how you abuse the controllers you review to test their durability. That's a strange and interesting way of doing it.
I'm fairly certain that the reason for the Transfer Pak not working with 3rd party controllers is not black magic, but something regarding the cable length of the controller. I know, because I once read a post that someone bought some cheap off-brand controller as a replacement because their Nintendo brand N64 controller broke, and they couldn't use their Transfer Pak anymore, and according to that person, the cheap controller they bought worked with it. The detail is that they mentioned the cable to be of the same length as the original N64 controller, that is 6 feet. I have this theory, because I remember RetroBit mentioned during development that their controller was fully compatible with the Transfer Pak, but after releasing the final version of the controller with its 10-foot cable, they made an official statement clarifying that the released controller was incompatible in the end. It's interesting to think about this, because even the first party N64 controller ceases to be compatible with the Transfer Pak if you use a cable extender. I'm pretty confident the Transfer Pak has a way of detecting the cable length of the controller, and if it's different than 6 feet, it stops working, probably to make it incompatible with 3rd party controllers, given most of them use a longer cable than the original controller.
@@ArchadesGames The Brawler 64 has a 10ft cord as well. I checked it out, and there ARE 3rd party controllers that work with the Transfer Pak, such as one named the TTX N64, which happens to have a 6ft cord. The downside on that one is that it's pretty bad quality lol.
Been on an N64 kick lately, one of my local stores had a good amount of Atomic Purple ones, and with the positive reception I heard about them. And yeah I'd very much agree, it's currently been my favorite N64 controller, although I still haven't tried out the Brawler 64 yet. Currently I have both the Atomic Purple and classic grey, I wanna get the Jungle Green one whenever I get a matching Funtastic system for it. In the meantime I was gonna get the Sea Salt Ice Cream one, but from my experience those seem to be hard to come by.
It'd be nice if there was a third party controller that had joystick range calibration. Like maybe hold a button combination to trigger it then you would move the joystick to each notch and press A. For Wii virtual console, I specifically use the ESS adapter v2 by ElectroModder, which is an N64+GC to GC adapter meant to fix joystick ranges with Zelda speedrunners in mind (Since ESS refers to a specific joystick range position to do a good number of tricks), but it has a range calibration feature that will perfectly tune the stick range, so even a stick that exceeds the 100s at max range like my Hori Mini will get pulled back to the average 70 to 80 range just like a stock N64 stick
If I was better at electronics I would attempt to mod it myself sort of like this. So far the only third party stick I found that offered a close to N64 range was the Hyperkin Admiral but the rest of the controller is crap.
My dog ate my blue tribute 64 cord 2 weeks ago just ordered me one of the new colors the sea salt ice cream color and a a game to go along with it San Francisco Rush been wanting that game for awhile saw a cheap priced listed one so had to order it Ebay
This is an excellent review and has persuaded me to pick one up. The idea of a re-review is something i might keep in mind for my own reviews too when applicable. I had been considering a used Hori, but i think i will get one of these first just to test the waters with this form factor. Thank you!
It's a fun concept in case you find things later you missed in the original review! One thing to keep in mind with the Tributes over the Hori is that they are a touch larger in case you end up getting a Hori down the line. Thanks for watching!
I have the USB variant and I highly recommend it. It's a quality controller and it only costs $20. The thumbstick is excellent but two things worth mentioning. I feel like it's a little weird to "snapback." Like in Mario 64, you may have difficulty to stop running and turn on a dime. It's very minor but might be worth noting. On the flip side, you can DOMINATE the stick rotating games on Mario Party 😂 the stick can handle it and rotates very effectively!
I'm not sure why companies still fail to simulate the proper range values of an original n64 analog stick. This is not a technology difference issue either, this is an attention to detail issue that even the hori controller failed to pick up on. Just add a slightly thicker gate that gets the joystick's intended range in between 80-90% of the full movement range of the stick analog stick, like an original n64 controller and that will fix the issue more or less. Hell a slightly thicker shaft on the thumbstick might even address the issue also but that might look wonky at in the corners .
Your videos are top notch and provide such good information. Thanks for putting them out, I'm subbed now to see new ones. Do you have any recommendations for a 64 and GameCube USB controller?
Happy to hear it! For USB N64 controllers, Retro-Bit and Retro Fighters offer USB versions of the Tribute and Brawler that I am pretty satisfied with. Both have an odd macro for changing input modes that I am not fond of but they work. for GameCube, I just use the Wii U Gamecube controller port adapter for Wii U/Switch.
@@ArchadesGames I recently purchased a retrolink, not retrobit 64 controller the one that is the original shape. However i cant get the thing to work with retroarch, do you have any experience with these or could you do a video showing how to map it?
I never threw my original N64 controller around, but I did my share of slamming the stick around. Used the same blue controller from beginning to end and never had any issues. This and my gamecube controllers are the most resilient I've ever owned. I hope the Tribute 64 controller somehow lives up to that reputation even at $20.
it's the placement of the shoulder-buttons, and feel of them, that breaks the deal for me. I have one of these, and I'm somewhat happy with the stick, except for those problems you mentioned (Why can't manufacturers replicate the original range and functionality of the control-stick already?) Those shoulder-buttons though... They need to be pressed in the centre to actuate, and they're placed too far down so that I need to bend my fingers quite aggressively. If they had placed them further up it would have been much better, at least for me. As it is now, it's almost unuseable for me, at least in games where those buttons are important.
I can see where you're coming from with the shoulder buttons. Ask for the analog stick the N64 didn't actually use an analog stick like we have today. The only way to get performance that matches the original is to build a stick like the original which would be prone to all the same problems of the original. Ranges can be dialed down for sure but the feel will never be identical to the original with modern sticks. Be sure to check out the Wireless Tributes when they finally get a release announcement though, it fixes the shoulder buttons from what they have now!
I just picked up the Golden GC controller for like 38$ and I kinda wanted this one but they didin't have usb for Atomic purple or the Cool green color. I already bought the Brawler so.
the a button on this controller broke after 2 weeks of use, no review on youtube covered this so best asking around speedrunning discords about controllers n stuff
Have you noticed any sort of issue with buttons sticking? My A button, after about a month of use (practicing Mario 64 speedrun techniques, not too frequently but mashing a lot) sticks in the controller now, and it's not even dirty
I got the first like lol. Also I just had to grab the retrobit blue genesis controller since I had the Asia Saturn smoke controller. For some reason I'm a controller whore lol.
Pleaaaaase respond, can you play this controller on project 64, and if so can you make a video on how to setup controllers for project 64, because I want to play the game for soooo long, and I don’t want to play it with a keyboard
Depends on your setup. Any standalone release of Mupen 64 Plus is solid for lower spec machines. If you want the best experience you need Retroarch with Mupen 64 Plus Next using the Parallel RDP and RSP. It will require a stronger machine.
Tbf, I haven't used PJ64 in years so I have no idea how it stacks up today for general use. If it treats you well and you like it no reason to change. Unless you want the near console perfect emulation Retroarch has to offer that is lol
The hori pad is mich better than this. I had one of these and the stick got really fucked up somehow and wouldn't work after owning it for less than a year and barely playing it.
Unfortunate. I still have all of mine and they still work but I would never choose to use them now with the wireless versions offering much better results. Perhaps if they redo them again to give better stick reults I would revisit it.
![โฮ่ง! (SUGOI) - LYKN [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nFp4zjAARFs/mqdefault.jpg)
Pick up your own Tribute 64 from Amazon or CastleMania games through my following affiliate links! CastleMania Games shoppers can save an additional 10% off most store items by using the discount code ARCHADES at checkout!
CastleMania Games Tribute 64 Links
Classic Grey: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-grey?ref=Archades
Atomic Purple: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-atomic-purple?ref=Archades
Sea Salt Ice Cream: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-salt-ice-cream?ref=Archades
Red: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-red?ref=Archades
Ocean Blue: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-ocean-blue?ref=Archades
Forest Green: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/retro-bit-tribute64-controller-for-the-n64-forest-green?ref=Archades
Amazon Tribute 64 Links
Classic Grey: amzn.to/2UyCZY2
Atomic Purple: amzn.to/37mwgpd
Sea Salt Ice Cream: amzn.to/3dVZhKS
Red: amzn.to/2UAb4XM
Ocean Blue: amzn.to/3fm3HLH
Forest Green: amzn.to/3cTWuRh
The Retro-Bit Tribute 64 is one of a number of recent N64 replacement controllers to come out over the last year. In my original review, I found it to be my favorite replacement option to date. Does that still hold up a year later? Well, yes it does but check out the video to see why!
Mine arrived a few days ago, it's just awesome. I had that problem with the connector, I'll try to cut it a little on the sides, thanks for that tip! And awesome review ~
Glad I can help out!
5:50 wow I didn't know the new colors were new versions that also had better sensitivity. That's actually pretty close to a hori pad mini so I think I might buy one of these instead of trying to find a hori at a low price. Also I love how you abuse the controllers you review to test their durability. That's a strange and interesting way of doing it.
I really like the Tributes. It takes a minute to get use to but they have treated me the best up to this point.
How can I tell which is the new version with the upright issue fixed? The places to buy the controller don’t seem to list that info
Only the new version is sold but to make sure you can grab one of the newer colors.
@@ArchadesGames Which ones are the newer colours? Green? or Red?
Get the wireless versions now the improvements are so significant I can't recommend the wired versions anymore even for wired lovers
I'm fairly certain that the reason for the Transfer Pak not working with 3rd party controllers is not black magic, but something regarding the cable length of the controller. I know, because I once read a post that someone bought some cheap off-brand controller as a replacement because their Nintendo brand N64 controller broke, and they couldn't use their Transfer Pak anymore, and according to that person, the cheap controller they bought worked with it. The detail is that they mentioned the cable to be of the same length as the original N64 controller, that is 6 feet.
I have this theory, because I remember RetroBit mentioned during development that their controller was fully compatible with the Transfer Pak, but after releasing the final version of the controller with its 10-foot cable, they made an official statement clarifying that the released controller was incompatible in the end. It's interesting to think about this, because even the first party N64 controller ceases to be compatible with the Transfer Pak if you use a cable extender.
I'm pretty confident the Transfer Pak has a way of detecting the cable length of the controller, and if it's different than 6 feet, it stops working, probably to make it incompatible with 3rd party controllers, given most of them use a longer cable than the original controller.
It's an interesting theory, but even with 6ft cords on controllers like the original Brawler 64 and the old Shark Pads it still doesn't work.
@@ArchadesGames The Brawler 64 has a 10ft cord as well. I checked it out, and there ARE 3rd party controllers that work with the Transfer Pak, such as one named the TTX N64, which happens to have a 6ft cord. The downside on that one is that it's pretty bad quality lol.
Been on an N64 kick lately, one of my local stores had a good amount of Atomic Purple ones, and with the positive reception I heard about them. And yeah I'd very much agree, it's currently been my favorite N64 controller, although I still haven't tried out the Brawler 64 yet. Currently I have both the Atomic Purple and classic grey, I wanna get the Jungle Green one whenever I get a matching Funtastic system for it. In the meantime I was gonna get the Sea Salt Ice Cream one, but from my experience those seem to be hard to come by.
It'd be nice if there was a third party controller that had joystick range calibration. Like maybe hold a button combination to trigger it then you would move the joystick to each notch and press A. For Wii virtual console, I specifically use the ESS adapter v2 by ElectroModder, which is an N64+GC to GC adapter meant to fix joystick ranges with Zelda speedrunners in mind (Since ESS refers to a specific joystick range position to do a good number of tricks), but it has a range calibration feature that will perfectly tune the stick range, so even a stick that exceeds the 100s at max range like my Hori Mini will get pulled back to the average 70 to 80 range just like a stock N64 stick
If I was better at electronics I would attempt to mod it myself sort of like this. So far the only third party stick I found that offered a close to N64 range was the Hyperkin Admiral but the rest of the controller is crap.
My dog ate my blue tribute 64 cord 2 weeks ago just ordered me one of the new colors the sea salt ice cream color and a a game to go along with it San Francisco Rush been wanting that game for awhile saw a cheap priced listed one so had to order it Ebay
Rush is such a good game! Sorry about the demise of the blue tribute, we will honor it.
This is an excellent review and has persuaded me to pick one up. The idea of a re-review is something i might keep in mind for my own reviews too when applicable. I had been considering a used Hori, but i think i will get one of these first just to test the waters with this form factor. Thank you!
It's a fun concept in case you find things later you missed in the original review! One thing to keep in mind with the Tributes over the Hori is that they are a touch larger in case you end up getting a Hori down the line. Thanks for watching!
I have the USB variant and I highly recommend it. It's a quality controller and it only costs $20.
The thumbstick is excellent but two things worth mentioning. I feel like it's a little weird to "snapback." Like in Mario 64, you may have difficulty to stop running and turn on a dime. It's very minor but might be worth noting.
On the flip side, you can DOMINATE the stick rotating games on Mario Party 😂 the stick can handle it and rotates very effectively!
I'm not sure why companies still fail to simulate the proper range values of an original n64 analog stick. This is not a technology difference issue either, this is an attention to detail issue that even the hori controller failed to pick up on. Just add a slightly thicker gate that gets the joystick's intended range in between 80-90% of the full movement range of the stick analog stick, like an original n64 controller and that will fix the issue more or less. Hell a slightly thicker shaft on the thumbstick might even address the issue also but that might look wonky at in the corners .
Your videos are top notch and provide such good information. Thanks for putting them out, I'm subbed now to see new ones. Do you have any recommendations for a 64 and GameCube USB controller?
Happy to hear it! For USB N64 controllers, Retro-Bit and Retro Fighters offer USB versions of the Tribute and Brawler that I am pretty satisfied with. Both have an odd macro for changing input modes that I am not fond of but they work. for GameCube, I just use the Wii U Gamecube controller port adapter for Wii U/Switch.
@@ArchadesGames I recently purchased a retrolink, not retrobit 64 controller the one that is the original shape. However i cant get the thing to work with retroarch, do you have any experience with these or could you do a video showing how to map it?
I haven't used any retrolink controllers sorry.
I never threw my original N64 controller around, but I did my share of slamming the stick around. Used the same blue controller from beginning to end and never had any issues. This and my gamecube controllers are the most resilient I've ever owned. I hope the Tribute 64 controller somehow lives up to that reputation even at $20.
it's the placement of the shoulder-buttons, and feel of them, that breaks the deal for me. I have one of these, and I'm somewhat happy with the stick, except for those problems you mentioned (Why can't manufacturers replicate the original range and functionality of the control-stick already?)
Those shoulder-buttons though... They need to be pressed in the centre to actuate, and they're placed too far down so that I need to bend my fingers quite aggressively. If they had placed them further up it would have been much better, at least for me. As it is now, it's almost unuseable for me, at least in games where those buttons are important.
I can see where you're coming from with the shoulder buttons. Ask for the analog stick the N64 didn't actually use an analog stick like we have today. The only way to get performance that matches the original is to build a stick like the original which would be prone to all the same problems of the original. Ranges can be dialed down for sure but the feel will never be identical to the original with modern sticks.
Be sure to check out the Wireless Tributes when they finally get a release announcement though, it fixes the shoulder buttons from what they have now!
I just picked up the Golden GC controller for like 38$ and I kinda wanted this one but they didin't have usb for Atomic purple or the Cool green color. I already bought the Brawler so.
Use what works for you!
5:50 I didn't know that. Amazing job in this review!
Which are the new colors?
The mint Green, Grey, and Atomic Purple are the new colors!
Thank you!!
For sure!
Best review on this controller I've seen, all the other reviews dont compare it to other controllers, which is all that matters to me
Glad it could work for your needs!
Thanks for this review, have just oredered one :)
Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
I just love it still has the C-Buttons.
Why wouldn't an N64 controller have C buttons?
Hell yea! More Retro Bit !
They make great stuff!
the a button on this controller broke after 2 weeks of use, no review on youtube covered this so best asking around speedrunning discords about controllers n stuff
Been using mine for over a year without issue. Contact Retro-Bit and they will take care of you.
Have you noticed any sort of issue with buttons sticking? My A button, after about a month of use (practicing Mario 64 speedrun techniques, not too frequently but mashing a lot) sticks in the controller now, and it's not even dirty
Not something I have encountered personally, sorry.
@@ArchadesGames Thanks for your response, wonder what I did to it lol
Is there a way to remap the buttons for the switch? I just got one but the button layout make OOT very difficult to play.
Not on the wired version
The D pad is still in an awkward place. I prefer the Brawler overall.
Hey Archades parralel n64 for retroarch updated it has its HD upscaling added might want to check it out and do a video on it
I saw that was added!
good games to test are smash sm64 and doing quick spin/hess on zelda
I got the first like lol. Also I just had to grab the retrobit blue genesis controller since I had the Asia Saturn smoke controller. For some reason I'm a controller whore lol.
Lol same, I love controllers and Retro-Bit has been making some awesome ones lately!
8bitdo and retro-bit are the best
I like what both these companies are doing!
Pleaaaaase respond, can you play this controller on project 64, and if so can you make a video on how to setup controllers for project 64, because I want to play the game for soooo long, and I don’t want to play it with a keyboard
They have USB versions available for that purpose! I haven't used Project 64 in years since every other emulator surpassed it long ago.
Archades Games what emulators do u recommend?
Depends on your setup. Any standalone release of Mupen 64 Plus is solid for lower spec machines.
If you want the best experience you need Retroarch with Mupen 64 Plus Next using the Parallel RDP and RSP. It will require a stronger machine.
Archades Games ok thanks!
Tbf, I haven't used PJ64 in years so I have no idea how it stacks up today for general use. If it treats you well and you like it no reason to change. Unless you want the near console perfect emulation Retroarch has to offer that is lol
I don't know why the d pad and analogue stick have switched places. I thought the original design worked just fine
Because that design doesn't work well on this modern take.
The hori pad is mich better than this. I had one of these and the stick got really fucked up somehow and wouldn't work after owning it for less than a year and barely playing it.
Unfortunate. I still have all of mine and they still work but I would never choose to use them now with the wireless versions offering much better results. Perhaps if they redo them again to give better stick reults I would revisit it.