Tribute 64 is a brilliant N64 pad

The Tribute 64 by RetroBit is maybe not a recognisable form factor for the classic Nintendo 64 controller that everyone knows. It’s actually taking inspiration from the Japanese only released Mini 64 by Hori.

It offers some improvements over the traditional controller and a massive one to start with, a better analogue stick.

• GameCube style thumbs stick. The GameCube still thumbstick foxes everything wrong with the N64 one. Shorter, wider and didn’t wear out so quickly to create that loose wobble that plagued the originals so much.
• Compact traditional gamepad design – As iconic as the trident design is and had logical reason, it ended up being next to pointless as very few games were D-Pad only. This traditional layout is more fitting for Mario 64 sessions, although the actual compact design may put off others with larger mitts.
• Bigger face buttons – definitely makes the experience less fiddly and natural to play on. Also helps those already mentioned with larger hands.
• Better shoulder buttons – technically the shoulder buttons would normally be L & R, but where do you put that Z trigger button? Well, you have both sets of shoulder buttons at the top (like a DualShock pad). One set is L&R, the other Z&R. Sorted!
• Still compatible with mem cards and rumble pack. Fully compatible with the original memory cards and rumble packs. Albeit, with a working rumble pack in the back, the balance is way off, but it always was on the originals too.

The Tribute 64 is at a very affordable price tag too of only about £20 or $25. If, the build quality lives up to the original Hori, then this is an absolute bargain. Highly recommended grabbing some for Smash Bros or Mario Kart sessions, especially after some beers.

There’s even more colours on the way soon too. Retro Bit who make the Tribute 64, ran an online poll to see what additional colours customers would like to see. Surprisingly, number one was the traditional grey pad. These are set to launch in Spring 2020.

I’m actually really disappointed not to see the Smoke Grey coming myself, but at least I can grab an Ocean Blue one now to match my Funtastic N64 console.

Tribute 64 controllers are available online at Amazon for only £18. Bargain.

Source- http://retro-bit.com/tribute64
Amazon – Retro-Bit Tribute 64 for Nintendo 64 – Ocean Blue https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N7RYX7L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Kl6rEbCRQBMRY