Hey guys! Just a quick reminder - if you want to pick up the Brawler64, you can get 10% off at Castlemania Games with promo code "nintendrew". I'm not being sponsored for this vid - just wanted to throw it out there for those who want a discount. :) Cheers! castlemaniagames.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fpre-orders-go-live-saturday-122-9ampst-retro-fighters-brawler64-gamepad
Nintendrew Hey Drew! I'm working on a SMB ROM Hack for you called "Super Drew Bros." and it has custom levels and you can play as Nintendrew or Playstasean! Do you think you would be interested in playing it for a video? :)
@@jonathanhenry9987 It basically means that someone or something is going to show up something else. An example would be someone doing a backflip followed by you telling them to hold your drink so you can one-up them like for this example it would be you telling the person who did the backflips to hold your drink so you can do a triple backflip.
My problem with the analog gate of the Retro Fighters controller is that it felt way too harsh, like I was grinding the thumbstick with every rotation. I understand that this is the same analog gate as the GameCube controller, but it still doesn't feel right, ESPECIALLY when the controller is capable of 360 degrees of movement. All that said, I still love my Retro Fighters controller.
Damn. You still ever so slightly relevant? Be controversial just for the sake of being controversial elsewhere. I havent even been recommended a video of yours in so long I assumed youtube shut that dumpster fire channel down.
I was a backer for the Brawler 64 so I was able to get my hands on one about a year ago. I've loved it from Day 1. I recently bought 3 more with translucent colors (they just recently started offering them). I recommend them! Also - these guys are currently working on one for the Sega Dreamcast. At this point they are hoping to ship at the beginning of the year. We'll see. :-)
If I were in the market for an N64 controller, I'd definitely go for the Brawler64. It's easy to find, not horrendously overpriced on the secondhand market, and it's shaped like a modern controller. (I never liked the three-prong.)
I have the Brawler64 controller, and it's worth every penny, and the company is even working to send out fix kits, or replacement controllers due to a manufacturing flaw that causes the analog stick to grind against the left shoulder button when it's pressed in, but not a lot of games use it in combo with the analog stick, so it's not really been an issue for me.
Alex Noa yeah sorry man, I’m not paying $100 for an incredibly small, 20 year old controller, that may be in horrible condition depending on if the previous owner was gentle with it.
Bitzel Sorry dude, if you have eyes, you could, you know, look at the pictures of the controller. Or maybe if you have fingers, you can ask the person selling details about it.
My favorite N64 Controllers (NO Color Variants Included) Here we go! *Wakko plays violin* Uhhh... I've only used the original. Crud. I need a HoriPad Mini.
Thanks, I lent my N64 to my younger bro and he played a ton of Mario Party. It was the clear orange controller that came with pre-ordering Majora's Mask :(
This song is the beta song of New Super Mario Bros in 8 bit (at the beginning), just to let you all know. Also, the sticks on my 1st party controllers are so loose, I have to use an uncomfortable 3rd party controller to play Mario 64.
I've gotta go with the 1st party. The solitaire setup works fantastic for GoldenEye and Perfect Dark. I can't see how that'd work on the 2 pronged ones..
Retro Play Never had issues with n64 controller shape either. The common excuse I hear why people dislike the original controller is I can't hit all buttons at the same time or you need to three hands to use it.
@@waterheart95 No game ever required that, as they were designed for that controller in mind; clicking 3 buttons would never be necessary. The N64 controller's design is heavily underrated considering their ambitious intentions: Games were slowly transitioning to analog sticks, thus not every game would predictably utilize the analog stick. Therefore, you can play in 2 different ways with 1 controller: Hold the outer grips for d-pad or hold the mid and outer right grip for analog stick action.
@@rap6439 I'm fine with the controller, too. I just do not like that analog stick. It is way to flimsy for my liking and wears down so easily. Other than that, it is a decent controller. I still prefer the RetroBit 64 Mini Controller tho.
I dont see how not making all buttons available with two hands is a good idea, just in general. Would it have been THAT hard for them to think like Sony and put a joystick on the SNES controller...? Surely that should be the obvious solution, not a 3 pronged thing. And the fact that no games ever used all the inputs is not a point in its favor, that's a huge limitation.
Cool idea for a video and always appreciate your professional perspective. Thanks for making this, Drew! I haven't tried the RetroFighters Brawler64 yet, so was interested in how you felt about it. For me, I just stick to the classic original after watching this video. That Hori is tempting though...
The Brawler64 is awesome. I did like the Hori Pad and used it for a couple of years, but it was always too small, and the Brawler fits perfectly in my hands. And it's not expensive at all. I've been using mine for almost 2 months now and i love it. And RetroFighters is even coming out with funtastic colors later this year. Highly recommended.
I do have small hands so the N64 Hori Pad Mini looks like a great option. Thanks for the info Nintendrew! love your channel. I'm about halfway through my n64 collection.
Backed the initial Brawler controller Kickstarter and then backed their second one for them wanting to release transparent colored ones too for two controllers. I'm personally gonna go for an Atomic Purple and a Blue one when they send out the things for picking colors. The controllers are incresinkt comfortable and I cannot recommend them enough.
I have both the brawler and the hori mini and I think the mini is better, but not enough to justify the price (unless you are a collector (like me), care about sticking to the era (I know people who will not use controllers that were made well after the console's lifespan), or have extra money. It's just a better controller... granted I have small hands, so that may be a factor as well.
I just realized... The deafult N64 Controller is like the regular SNES controler, but just with the analog stick on its own prong kinda like if you hot-glued a Wii Nunchuck into a SNES controller (and also added the green/blue buttons)
Well done, you are correct. The Wii Nunchuck was actually a mold from the middle handle of the N64 controller. And the N64 controller was supposed to be an adaptation of the SNES controller with those additions.
Great review, except for one thing-- should have included the CameCube Controller to N64 Adapter from RaphNet Technologies. It lets you use a GC controller on your N64, and program up to 4 mappings for customized button layouts, including mapping the N64's C-buttons to the GameCube's C-stick, which is perfect for FPSs. It's an amazing product, And the latest version even includes a built-in memory card! I really can't recommend it enough.
The Mario noises in the background of your brief second run-through of the controllers kind of threw me off, thought a bird was outside or something, but a very nice and "professional" video eitehr way. Good stuff.
Great video! I’ve been told the Brawler64 wouldn’t work for Competitive Smash because of the turbo buttons. But since I don’t do any competitive playing I might pick one up
Brawler64 all the way, I've had mine for about a year and I've actually ended up getting some extras, I love it and can't recommend it enough for a replacement N64 controller.
I like it the most. Modern gaming today is all about controllers with that kind of shape and layout. Small diffs of course... But that cow utter looking thing is old school lol.
Hey good shit man. About a year ago I was researching n64 controllers and was disappointed to find out there was still no modern design variant. So I picked up the Hori pad for 80$ on ebay. It was good even if it was small for a grown man. However when a friend wanted to play me in Rush, I realized that I would need more of these and they were going to be expensive. In comes Retro brawlers and I was saved. Backed them on kickstarter and the controller seems to be the best option for me currently. They were modern design, big enough for my hands, and super cheap (20$ for kickstarter backers). I sold my hori and haven't looked back.
Don’t worry, if you still have a Nintendo 64, you can buy the Jungle Green controller for your replacement controller on Amazon (NO SPAM): www.amazon.com/Classic-Controller-Joystick-Nintendo-64-System/dp/B01JM24HZ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541353701&sr=8-3&keywords=nintendo+64+jungle+green+controller
Dude I was really thinking about paying for a Hori controller on ebay and Im so glad I watched this video and went with the brawler for way less $. Thank you and I appreciate the time you put into your videos.
Interesting. But you missed the aftermarket ones that nintendo actually made. They were almost identical to the original ones, but they had no extra handles. So instead of a 3 prong design, it was a 1 prong design, with smoothed out edges where the other two were. So the center prong stays, the other two go. And that's about the only difference between those and the original.
THAAAAANK YOU!!! I bought 2 N64 controllers about 9 months apart and have noticed upon using them (emulator/own the games given my TV doesnt support my N64 outputs) the diagnol was NOT up to par! In SM64 and OOT, while running north/sout, east/west, it was great -- however, diagnol was horrible. I am yet to find a good one but your brawler recommendation sounds good so far. TY.
Got my HORI Pad Mini 64 Controller and despite my big hands, I find the controller to be super comfortable and the analog stick nearly perfect. I can't go back to my older controller that I used before. Some O.G. N64 controller purists say that the stick is too sensitive and makes shooters like Goldeneye unplayable, but I would highly disagree. My only real nitpicks (not complaints) would be that the shoulder buttons and D-Pad are a tad mushy, but I have had no issues with hard games like F-Zero X and Sin & Punishment, who use the shoulder buttons extensively. Having every button on the controller available to me without having to move my hands also kinda makes up for it. I already have 4 Controllers for my N64, including my HORI Pad, but the Brawler 64 Pad doesn't seem too bad to try out. I know about its L Button Analog Stick grinding issue though, so I'm gonna wait until they make more that fix that problem.
I actually love the design of the N64 controller, using the analog stick with one hand is very fun. The problem is the analog stick is not durable, they become loose quickly and might break eventually. I'm looking into the third party metal stick and I hope they release it
Nice explanation on the difference between N64 controllers bro. Thank you, some people just don’t pay attention , but I always thought it is important to care about details like you, this was very informative.
awesome reviews, i actually really liked the original controller for n64, because it gave me multiple and secure ways toi hold it,... but yes atte same time i can see how it wasent so great for some folks, but as a disabled person it gave me multi ways to hold the controller with a comfortable and stable grip depedding on what game iwas playing and how i was using the controller
Hey Nintendrew! This is a great video, and I love how you delve into the joystick readings. Any chance you will do a new one with the Retrobit Tribute 64? It would be great to see how this new one compares (kinda wished you got an early one)
I was a day one kickstarter for the Retro Fighters pad, and I love it minus the left trigger problem, but I have to give a shoutout to the InterAct aka Performance Super Pad 64 Plus that has the analog stick on the left side under the dpad, and a unit in good shape has a much tighter better built stick then the original N64 pad, and they can be found on eBay at regular intervals for under $30 ($20 is the max I would pay for one).
What I really want is an exact copy of the original controller, down the smallest bits of hardware, especially the stick, in its original case shape. Or at least I want some decent spare parts for the original which are exact copies of the original hardware, and perfectly mimic the behaviour of the original, especially the stick.
My favorite one and I still have it is a Mad Katz controller. It's similar to the today's modern layout on controllers and so far hasn't had issues with the joystick
Nice video man. I ordered my retrofighters brawler back in January and haven't received it yet. I want to get my hands on a hori pad, but $100 is just crazy for a controller. Anyhow, Keep it up with the N64-related videos. I love that thing! Long live the n64
Hey Drew! I'm working on a SMB ROM Hack for you called "Super Drew Bros." and it has custom levels and you can play as Nintendrew or Playstasean! Do you think you would be interested in playing it for a video? :)
The n64 LodgeNet controller is my personal favorite n64 controller. these were the controllers that were used in hotels and allowed you to rent games by the hour in your room. Whats great about them is that they have a control stick similar to the hori (it actually is made by hori) and game cube controller, but it is still the same shape as the original controller. There are many other competitive smash 64 players that also like the controller for this reason. I also really love the aesthetic of it. the hotel buttons remind me of being in hotels when I was younger. The issue is that they are not too common (there are no eBay listings as of right now but they pop up occasionally), but they do occasionally pop up and when they do the price isn't too bad. I got mine on eBay for ~$20. You do have to modify the controller to work with the home console, but it is not as difficult as it sounds and there is a great youtube tutorial on how to do this.
This is a GREAT video that all n64 fans should see! I would like to add that there are some other good aftermarket controllers like 1 I found. Superpad 64 colors from Performance. Terrible dpad, but excellent springy analog stick and bigger c-buttons. Worth getting. Best option is to refurb the original analog, but oem can be expensive now, even with a worn analog.
Thank you for making this video. I loved the N64 as a kid, but upon getting one recently I was disappointed with how it played (specifically Mario 64, which I've played on emulator and loved the feel of) I'll be getting a brawler controller for the short term convenience, but I do want working original controllers, I'm no stranger to trying to fix things up, but I don't want to have to do continuous maintenance. Basically, I was wandering if anyone here had an idea on how long a fresh N64 joystick lasts so I'm not wasting time or money fixing a bunch up just for them to break again real easily.
You can just grease the innards of the joystick to make the joystick feel more fluid and last much longer. i have done this with most of my controllers after rebuilding the plastic inside the joysticks after it had worn out.
There was a Madcatz controller which had the high speed cheat buttons and had the same exact joystick issue and there was another brand which the z button would get stuck there is also an arcade controller for the n64 but they are rare.
1:34 just noticed the light switch in the background after all the time this video has been out I literally just bought that same arcade light switch and put it up 4 days ago lol
I though that was Scoot the Woz video for a second because i looked at tumbnail first and i didn't looked at title, but when i clicked the video it was you, nintendrew.
The problem with the more "standard" controller options is that you can't play Goldeneye/Perfect Dark with the preferred layout. I always use 1.2, and hold the left and center prongs, reaching a pseudo dual axis control.
And that wear-n-tear issue is exactly why Shane and Adam had trouble getting over that gap in the Hercules game by Titus, yet when they swapped to a 3rd party controller, they did it first try.
A while back I purchased a "GameCube-like" aftermarket joystick that installs into the Nintendo brand controller. It keeps all the best parts of the first party controller while updating only the thumbstick to work like that Brawler64 controller. I also ordered the Brawler a couple months ago but still haven't received it yet.
My biggest complaint is that the Z triggers are physically analog, not digital, and don't register a press until you have it about halfway pressed. They also don't click when fully pressed like a gamecube controller, so you have zero tactile feedback for when Z is pressed or not. Also, while they are physically analog, they don't actually read how far you pressed; it's literally just a digital pad underneath, so they are using an analog trigger to press a digital pad... The d-pad is mushy, the A and B buttons are a few millimeters shorter than the C-buttons, the shoulder buttons are mushy, the port is incredibly tight and needs a lot of force to plug in or remove it. If you play Starfox, you barrel roll right with the right shoulder button, but barrel roll left with the left trigger. They fixed the L button issue from the first batch by literally cutting off a piece of the button. You can clearly see the cut marks if you open it up. They still haven't gotten the transfer pack working. The only redeeming quality of this controller is the stick, which has decent sensitivity. I personally give it a 4/10. It will work, but it is far from being the end all of replacement N64 controllers.
Hey guys! Just a quick reminder - if you want to pick up the Brawler64, you can get 10% off at Castlemania Games with promo code "nintendrew". I'm not being sponsored for this vid - just wanted to throw it out there for those who want a discount. :) Cheers!
castlemaniagames.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fpre-orders-go-live-saturday-122-9ampst-retro-fighters-brawler64-gamepad
Nintendrew Hey Drew! I'm working on a SMB ROM Hack for you called "Super Drew Bros." and it has custom levels and you can play as Nintendrew or Playstasean! Do you think you would be interested in playing it for a video? :)
Nintendrew can you put those controllers from your favorite to your least favorite
I just ordered to support your channel. Thanks for the 10% off coupon!
FishBee Productions
June is so far off, but yes bought 2 thanks for 10% off drew.
I can't wait to play with this baby.
Just ordered one! Thanks Nintendrew!
Nintendrew: N64 has the most 3rd party controllers
Wii: Hold my beer
Hold my plastic you mean
@Dazza 2412 No it’s “Hold my motion controls”
PineappleLizardPlanet what the hell does Hold my beer even mean
Jonathan Henry It’s a metaphor
@@jonathanhenry9987 It basically means that someone or something is going to show up something else. An example would be someone doing a backflip followed by you telling them to hold your drink so you can one-up them like for this example it would be you telling the person who did the backflips to hold your drink so you can do a triple backflip.
A "gauntlet of challenges"... I hope a Mario Party challenge is one of them.
So Correct
Palm on fishing game
R.I.P. palms
ikr oh that's a good one
oh good, no "OMG I LOVE YOUR VIDS" comments
My problem with the analog gate of the Retro Fighters controller is that it felt way too harsh, like I was grinding the thumbstick with every rotation. I understand that this is the same analog gate as the GameCube controller, but it still doesn't feel right, ESPECIALLY when the controller is capable of 360 degrees of movement. All that said, I still love my Retro Fighters controller.
The Wulff Den hello
Hey
I did not expect you here.
But some oil in the thumbstick
Damn. You still ever so slightly relevant? Be controversial just for the sake of being controversial elsewhere. I havent even been recommended a video of yours in so long I assumed youtube shut that dumpster fire channel down.
Wait where’s my fav the N64 Fishing Rod. Come on man, you can’t make a video like this without it. Totally...
@Dylan's blog yea, his right
He's very biased
Yeah. Worst channel ever. 0/10
7:07 *GASP* You got the wireless Gamesphere Battlepad!
I'm glad I wasn't the only one thinking about the Drake & Josh episode 'The Bet' when I saw that wireless controller.
ive seen this lol!
GAMESPHERRRREE
Playcircle
How did he get that?! I've been looking for like,forever!
Dude you've got to be possibly my favourite retro game channel, you and Metal Jesus off top of my head
Thanks a lot! Means a ton to be put alongside that company. :)
Nintendrew
You're welcome! Keep up the good work
WRONG!!!!!! go check out
CINNEMASSACRE
aka james rolophe and mike, hands down the GOAT
@@goteem9118 cinnemassacure sucks now lol the angry video game nerd sold out...
@@kryptonitejn nahh he just took a break. hes still making his old school videos. go check out his latest videos. the best on youtube retro game wise.
I was a backer for the Brawler 64 so I was able to get my hands on one about a year ago. I've loved it from Day 1. I recently bought 3 more with translucent colors (they just recently started offering them). I recommend them! Also - these guys are currently working on one for the Sega Dreamcast. At this point they are hoping to ship at the beginning of the year. We'll see. :-)
N64 controllers are awesome! This is fact
Random reply
N64 is awesome
P L A N T B O I
Horipad is the best!!!!!
Sure if it isn't the original one.
That music is from New Super Mario Bros Ds!! I remember it so well.. in Mario vs Luigi mode, I killed my brother lol.
HudBudU * Omg yaaaas
Thank you couldn't figure out what the music was from
Lol
I just ordered that and Super Mario Advance 2 😁😁😁 hoping it comes in time for Christmas.
69 likes holup
If I were in the market for an N64 controller, I'd definitely go for the Brawler64. It's easy to find, not horrendously overpriced on the secondhand market, and it's shaped like a modern controller. (I never liked the three-prong.)
I have the Brawler64 controller, and it's worth every penny, and the company is even working to send out fix kits, or replacement controllers due to a manufacturing flaw that causes the analog stick to grind against the left shoulder button when it's pressed in, but not a lot of games use it in combo with the analog stick, so it's not really been an issue for me.
Good thing I'm a 2000's kid also wouldn't like three prong
Sold both my hori 64 controllers to buy a retro fighter brawler controller and invest in 3. I did not regret this at all!!
Did you preorder any of the color variations?
BASSINVADER The Hori 64 controller is better.
Vinny V
Ya, way better and they will appreciate, whereas the retro Fighters probably won't.
Alex Noa yeah sorry man, I’m not paying $100 for an incredibly small, 20 year old controller, that may be in horrible condition depending on if the previous owner was gentle with it.
Bitzel Sorry dude, if you have eyes, you could, you know, look at the pictures of the controller. Or maybe if you have fingers, you can ask the person selling details about it.
The Hori Pad Mini is so expensive nowadays!
Retro-Bit Tribute 64: Hold my soda.
My favorite N64 Controllers (NO Color Variants Included)
Here we go!
*Wakko plays violin*
Uhhh... I've only used the original. Crud. I need a HoriPad Mini.
Thanks, I lent my N64 to my younger bro and he played a ton of Mario Party. It was the clear orange controller that came with pre-ordering Majora's Mask :(
FierceDeityRick Oh my god, I am so sorry for your loss.
Yeah I want to use the cord to strangle him lol I need to fix it but I'm lazy.
I've learned never lend anything without taking something in return. People are douchebags.
Replacing the joystick is simple
You could also get a steel stick for your controller. Though there's a waitlist and they aren't accepting any more orders until later
This song is the beta song of New Super Mario Bros in 8 bit (at the beginning), just to let you all know.
Also, the sticks on my 1st party controllers are so loose, I have to use an uncomfortable 3rd party controller to play Mario 64.
try get a better controller or a new joystick for ur n64 1st party one
I've gotta go with the 1st party. The solitaire setup works fantastic for GoldenEye and Perfect Dark. I can't see how that'd work on the 2 pronged ones..
Never really had any issues with the shape of the original N64 controller.
Retro Play Never had issues with n64 controller shape either. The common excuse I hear why people dislike the original controller is I can't hit all buttons at the same time or you need to three hands to use it.
@@waterheart95 No game ever required that, as they were designed for that controller in mind; clicking 3 buttons would never be necessary.
The N64 controller's design is heavily underrated considering their ambitious intentions: Games were slowly transitioning to analog sticks, thus not every game would predictably utilize the analog stick. Therefore, you can play in 2 different ways with 1 controller: Hold the outer grips for d-pad or hold the mid and outer right grip for analog stick action.
@@rap6439 I'm fine with the controller, too. I just do not like that analog stick. It is way to flimsy for my liking and wears down so easily. Other than that, it is a decent controller. I still prefer the RetroBit 64 Mini Controller tho.
@@rap6439 Yeah, I do like the controller. I just prefer third party ones like the HoriPad Mini/RetroBit Tribute64 or the Brawler64.
I dont see how not making all buttons available with two hands is a good idea, just in general. Would it have been THAT hard for them to think like Sony and put a joystick on the SNES controller...? Surely that should be the obvious solution, not a 3 pronged thing. And the fact that no games ever used all the inputs is not a point in its favor, that's a huge limitation.
Ah, this music is so nostalgic... great video my dude, so interesting!
Cool idea for a video and always appreciate your professional perspective. Thanks for making this, Drew! I haven't tried the RetroFighters Brawler64 yet, so was interested in how you felt about it. For me, I just stick to the classic original after watching this video.
That Hori is tempting though...
The Brawler64 is awesome. I did like the Hori Pad and used it for a couple of years, but it was always too small, and the Brawler fits perfectly in my hands. And it's not expensive at all. I've been using mine for almost 2 months now and i love it. And RetroFighters is even coming out with funtastic colors later this year. Highly recommended.
I have issues with normal style xbox/ps4 and or any controller really. Are there any good arcade fightsticks for around 70 USD?
I do have small hands so the N64 Hori Pad Mini looks like a great option. Thanks for the info Nintendrew! love your channel. I'm about halfway through my n64 collection.
Robin Dobson iiiii
castlemaniagames.com/shop?olsPage=products&page=2
TH-cam gave me a bug I wrote something but it the same you wrote but when I open up it fixed :P
I have large hands and still use small ones like this easy. Not sure why people complain lol
Backed the initial Brawler controller Kickstarter and then backed their second one for them wanting to release transparent colored ones too for two controllers. I'm personally gonna go for an Atomic Purple and a Blue one when they send out the things for picking colors. The controllers are incresinkt comfortable and I cannot recommend them enough.
I have both the brawler and the hori mini and I think the mini is better, but not enough to justify the price (unless you are a collector (like me), care about sticking to the era (I know people who will not use controllers that were made well after the console's lifespan), or have extra money. It's just a better controller... granted I have small hands, so that may be a factor as well.
“Gauntlet of challenges”
Just moves control stick lol
This video seems perfect for me, considering the fact that I just got my own N64.
I wish you also tested the raphnet GameCube controller to N64 adapter.
1st reply
That sounds cool! Could you give me a link?
That would be great. I am thinking about to buy one of these adapters.
I just realized...
The deafult N64 Controller is like the regular SNES controler, but just with the analog stick on its own prong
kinda like if you hot-glued a Wii Nunchuck into a SNES controller (and also added the green/blue buttons)
Well done, you are correct. The Wii Nunchuck was actually a mold from the middle handle of the N64 controller. And the N64 controller was supposed to be an adaptation of the SNES controller with those additions.
5 years later and you saved me some grief. Ill sleep better knowing my Brawler64 will make a great replacement
Great review, except for one thing-- should have included the CameCube Controller to N64 Adapter from RaphNet Technologies. It lets you use a GC controller on your N64, and program up to 4 mappings for customized button layouts, including mapping the N64's C-buttons to the GameCube's C-stick, which is perfect for FPSs. It's an amazing product, And the latest version even includes a built-in memory card! I really can't recommend it enough.
Yes your absolutely right I have that and use the wave bird I refuse to play the n64 any other way anymore. 1 best option.
Playing golden eye like this is life changing.
The Mario noises in the background of your brief second run-through of the controllers kind of threw me off, thought a bird was outside or something, but a very nice and "professional" video eitehr way. Good stuff.
You're really making me want that retro brawler controller
What are the songs in the background?
Great video! I’ve been told the Brawler64 wouldn’t work for Competitive Smash because of the turbo buttons. But since I don’t do any competitive playing I might pick one up
Brawler64 all the way, I've had mine for about a year and I've actually ended up getting some extras, I love it and can't recommend it enough for a replacement N64 controller.
That brawler controller looks legit! I must obtain one😎
Same here with the USB one, it is compatible with PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch.
Its super cool
I like it the most. Modern gaming today is all about controllers with that kind of shape and layout. Small diffs of course... But that cow utter looking thing is old school lol.
Hey good shit man. About a year ago I was researching n64 controllers and was disappointed to find out there was still no modern design variant. So I picked up the Hori pad for 80$ on ebay. It was good even if it was small for a grown man. However when a friend wanted to play me in Rush, I realized that I would need more of these and they were going to be expensive. In comes Retro brawlers and I was saved. Backed them on kickstarter and the controller seems to be the best option for me currently. They were modern design, big enough for my hands, and super cheap (20$ for kickstarter backers). I sold my hori and haven't looked back.
More N64 related videos please!! Your channel kicks ass!
I've ordered Brawler64 2.5 months ago in Castlemania Games... and I'm still waiting. Thanks, Nintendrew
Nintendo: How do we get them to buy more controller?
Mario Party: Hello
Great video Nintendrew. I've just ordered a Brawler 64 from Castlevania Games.
Great video Nintendrew! My Classic Jungle Green N64 Controller was damaged recently. I need a replacement controller and this really helped.
Don’t worry, if you still have a Nintendo 64, you can buy the Jungle Green controller for your replacement controller on Amazon (NO SPAM): www.amazon.com/Classic-Controller-Joystick-Nintendo-64-System/dp/B01JM24HZ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541353701&sr=8-3&keywords=nintendo+64+jungle+green+controller
Dude I was really thinking about paying for a Hori controller on ebay and Im so glad I watched this video and went with the brawler for way less $. Thank you and I appreciate the time you put into your videos.
Interesting. But you missed the aftermarket ones that nintendo actually made. They were almost identical to the original ones, but they had no extra handles. So instead of a 3 prong design, it was a 1 prong design, with smoothed out edges where the other two were. So the center prong stays, the other two go. And that's about the only difference between those and the original.
So the Batman-shaped ones are Nintendo-approved?
I've always wanted to add one of the Hori pads to my collection but as you said the price is what keeps a lot of people away from it. One day though!!
what about the n64 controller with a gamecube stick?
THAAAAANK YOU!!! I bought 2 N64 controllers about 9 months apart and have noticed upon using them (emulator/own the games given my TV doesnt support my N64 outputs) the diagnol was NOT up to par! In SM64 and OOT, while running north/sout, east/west, it was great -- however, diagnol was horrible. I am yet to find a good one but your brawler recommendation sounds good so far. TY.
Got my HORI Pad Mini 64 Controller and despite my big hands, I find the controller to be super comfortable and the analog stick nearly perfect. I can't go back to my older controller that I used before. Some O.G. N64 controller purists say that the stick is too sensitive and makes shooters like Goldeneye unplayable, but I would highly disagree. My only real nitpicks (not complaints) would be that the shoulder buttons and D-Pad are a tad mushy, but I have had no issues with hard games like F-Zero X and Sin & Punishment, who use the shoulder buttons extensively. Having every button on the controller available to me without having to move my hands also kinda makes up for it. I already have 4 Controllers for my N64, including my HORI Pad, but the Brawler 64 Pad doesn't seem too bad to try out. I know about its L Button Analog Stick grinding issue though, so I'm gonna wait until they make more that fix that problem.
They've fixed it already! Only reason I didn't mention the issue.
Nintendrew Oh! Well then I don't have to wait. Thanks for the info.
I plan on getting the Brawler64 when the N64 mini comes out. I just need to find a controller port converter
I actually love the design of the N64 controller, using the analog stick with one hand is very fun. The problem is the analog stick is not durable, they become loose quickly and might break eventually. I'm looking into the third party metal stick and I hope they release it
“Before or after it”
Me: *pulls out long scroll of Sega Genesis controllers* You were saying?
Genesis does what Nintendon't?
Nice explanation on the difference between N64 controllers bro. Thank you, some people just don’t pay attention , but I always thought it is important to care about details like you, this was very informative.
Wish there was a readily available N64 wireless controller. Has the Brawler 64 team ever considered doing one?
They have one. Lots of local game shops have them for around 44$ usd
That double dash music always gets me pumped!
Gotta love them Loeder tunes. So good.
Like the Onionchan pfp.
2:55
That isn't automatically a good thing. I prefer stiffer sticks so that I can actually push it halfway somewhat consistently and comfortably.
Randomly searched your name just now and saw this.
awesome reviews, i actually really liked the original controller for n64, because it gave me multiple and secure ways toi hold it,... but yes atte same time i can see how it wasent so great for some folks, but as a disabled person it gave me multi ways to hold the controller with a comfortable and stable grip depedding on what game iwas playing and how i was using the controller
Hey Nintendrew! This is a great video, and I love how you delve into the joystick readings. Any chance you will do a new one with the Retrobit Tribute 64? It would be great to see how this new one compares (kinda wished you got an early one)
I have the tribute 64... its basically the hori pad mini but not as pricey.
I was a day one kickstarter for the Retro Fighters pad, and I love it minus the left trigger problem, but I have to give a shoutout to the InterAct aka Performance Super Pad 64 Plus that has the analog stick on the left side under the dpad, and a unit in good shape has a much tighter better built stick then the original N64 pad, and they can be found on eBay at regular intervals for under $30 ($20 is the max I would pay for one).
I’m feeling Deja vu. I feel like I’ve seen this video before
I think everyone will agree with me when I say this, but you have the coolest looking room I’ve ever seen hands down
I see Nintendrew and I click!!
The Retro World and you press like.
Just picked up a Hori Pad Mini from my local retro store (very lucky they had one and in such good condition) and i love this thing
Lovin it!
What I really want is an exact copy of the original controller, down the smallest bits of hardware, especially the stick, in its original case shape. Or at least I want some decent spare parts for the original which are exact copies of the original hardware, and perfectly mimic the behaviour of the original, especially the stick.
Hi
Hey there Kevin
KevintenDrew*
No
Nintendrew can u plz put those from your favorite to least favorite
There was a guy at this convetion I was at that had at least 10+ of those retrobit controllers for equivalent of under 20$
The best N64 controller is the 64 Controller pack.
My favorite one and I still have it is a Mad Katz controller. It's similar to the today's modern layout on controllers and so far hasn't had issues with the joystick
The analog stick was the worst part of the original controller it even hurts your hand when you play Mario Party mini games.
Idk Why The Analog Stick When You Can Just Use The D-Pad
Nice video man. I ordered my retrofighters brawler back in January and haven't received it yet. I want to get my hands on a hori pad, but $100 is just crazy for a controller. Anyhow, Keep it up with the N64-related videos. I love that thing! Long live the n64
Hey Drew! I'm working on a SMB ROM Hack for you called "Super Drew Bros." and it has custom levels and you can play as Nintendrew or Playstasean! Do you think you would be interested in playing it for a video? :)
Fun fact: the middle prong on the N64 controller with the joystick inspired the design of the Nunchuk
The original n64 controller was made for people with 3 hands
For aliens?
The n64 LodgeNet controller is my personal favorite n64 controller. these were the controllers that were used in hotels and allowed you to rent games by the hour in your room. Whats great about them is that they have a control stick similar to the hori (it actually is made by hori) and game cube controller, but it is still the same shape as the original controller. There are many other competitive smash 64 players that also like the controller for this reason. I also really love the aesthetic of it. the hotel buttons remind me of being in hotels when I was younger. The issue is that they are not too common (there are no eBay listings as of right now but they pop up occasionally), but they do occasionally pop up and when they do the price isn't too bad. I got mine on eBay for ~$20. You do have to modify the controller to work with the home console, but it is not as difficult as it sounds and there is a great youtube tutorial on how to do this.
I love the original just because of how classic it is
This is a GREAT video that all n64 fans should see! I would like to add that there are some other good aftermarket controllers like 1 I found. Superpad 64 colors from Performance. Terrible dpad, but excellent springy analog stick and bigger c-buttons. Worth getting. Best option is to refurb the original analog, but oem can be expensive now, even with a worn analog.
You are bae
My favorite part... 8-bit Waluigi stadium. It sounds great. :)
You spelt sensitivity wrong. Although I enjoyed your video it's great.
Glad you reviewed the brawler 64 controller too, i love this controller! I cannot hold the claw controller like nintendo wants you to.
Hello :)
Great job Drew! Now I have more options for N64 Controllers!
i was really hoping you'd talk about the super pad 64 plus. do you have plans to do another video on more obscure n64 controllers?
Thank you for making this video. I loved the N64 as a kid, but upon getting one recently I was disappointed with how it played (specifically Mario 64, which I've played on emulator and loved the feel of)
I'll be getting a brawler controller for the short term convenience, but I do want working original controllers, I'm no stranger to trying to fix things up, but I don't want to have to do continuous maintenance. Basically, I was wandering if anyone here had an idea on how long a fresh N64 joystick lasts so I'm not wasting time or money fixing a bunch up just for them to break again real easily.
the N64 controller looks like a spaceship from a futuristic TV show. The middle being the cockpit.
You can just grease the innards of the joystick to make the joystick feel more fluid and last much longer.
i have done this with most of my controllers after rebuilding the plastic inside the joysticks after it had worn out.
There was a Madcatz controller which had the high speed cheat buttons and had the same exact joystick issue and there was another brand which the z button would get stuck there is also an arcade controller for the n64 but they are rare.
Hey Drew, thanks for the very useful information. Can you make a video on how to replace the analog sticks? If you're comfortable of course!
1:34 just noticed the light switch in the background after all the time this video has been out I literally just bought that same arcade light switch and put it up 4 days ago lol
Could someone tell me / give me the link to the song that plays at the beginning 0:00? It doesn't seem to be linked in the description.
I though that was Scoot the Woz video for a second because i looked at tumbnail first and i didn't looked at title, but when i clicked the video it was you, nintendrew.
The problem with the more "standard" controller options is that you can't play Goldeneye/Perfect Dark with the preferred layout. I always use 1.2, and hold the left and center prongs, reaching a pseudo dual axis control.
Love this channel and im super envious of that awesome game room. Great info. Subscribed.
And that wear-n-tear issue is exactly why Shane and Adam had trouble getting over that gap in the Hercules game by Titus, yet when they swapped to a 3rd party controller, they did it first try.
You have the most magically expressive eyebrows. They dance like a mating ceremonial call of a bird. It just sucks you in and mesmerizes you.
I’m actually getting my 3rd party controller from INNEXT in the mail today so hype
I remember using a Gamester LMP back in they day with all 3 prongs being made stubby, I vaguely remember it being quite comfortable to use.
A while back I purchased a "GameCube-like" aftermarket joystick that installs into the Nintendo brand controller. It keeps all the best parts of the first party controller while updating only the thumbstick to work like that Brawler64 controller.
I also ordered the Brawler a couple months ago but still haven't received it yet.
My biggest complaint is that the Z triggers are physically analog, not digital, and don't register a press until you have it about halfway pressed. They also don't click when fully pressed like a gamecube controller, so you have zero tactile feedback for when Z is pressed or not. Also, while they are physically analog, they don't actually read how far you pressed; it's literally just a digital pad underneath, so they are using an analog trigger to press a digital pad...
The d-pad is mushy, the A and B buttons are a few millimeters shorter than the C-buttons, the shoulder buttons are mushy, the port is incredibly tight and needs a lot of force to plug in or remove it.
If you play Starfox, you barrel roll right with the right shoulder button, but barrel roll left with the left trigger.
They fixed the L button issue from the first batch by literally cutting off a piece of the button. You can clearly see the cut marks if you open it up.
They still haven't gotten the transfer pack working.
The only redeeming quality of this controller is the stick, which has decent sensitivity.
I personally give it a 4/10. It will work, but it is far from being the end all of replacement N64 controllers.
I've got an old Everdrive but I didn't realize there was a controller test program. Cool.