Pokemon Champions, GTA 6, Monster Hunter Wilds, they’re all great to discuss, but how about a Nintendo 64 update instead to gain a sense of what is going on with games from one of the most iconic eras of the gaming company? While the Nintendo 64 console has become a relic of the past, Analogue’s 4K Nintendo 64 is in production right now, set for a release in Q1 2025 in order to bring gamers to the early years of gaming with updated modern-era capabilities.
The Analogue 3D is expected to be fully compatible with the 1996 N64’s cartridge library, giving users the experience of playing on the original consoles in 2025. Unfortunately, despite promising an early release, the company has yet to provide an update on when it will begin shipping the consoles.
For Nintendo Switch gamers who aren’t looking to purchase a console unless it’s a Switch 2 release, they can still reminisce over the past with some Super Mario 64 icons for free as long as they have a subscription and have played the game recently. This may not be the Nintendo 64 update you’re looking for, but we may as well tell you how to redeem the NSO icons while you wait to learn more about the Analogue 3D console.
(Image: Nintendo) Super Mario 64 is available to purchase with the Nintendo Switch Online subscription and expansion pack, to satiate any urgent desires for N64 games.
Nintendo 64 Update: Games, Free Icons, and a New Console from Analogue?
The original Nintendo 64 is hard to find and use as they are no longer mass-produced and sold the way an Xbox or a PlayStation is. Some collectors have managed to get their hands on the originals in peak conditions and there are, of course, online listings for them on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, but the console is still a thing of the past.
Fortunately, a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription allows you access to many of the classic games from the company’s past releases, making it that much more exciting to own one of the modern Switch consoles. Before March 31, those with the expansion pack subscription can also redeem free NSO icons from the original Super Mario 64 title.
How to Redeem NSO Icons from Super Mario 64?
As part of our Nintendo 64 update, let’s go over how to redeem the free icons for the Nintendo Switch with your Platinum coin currency. These Platinum points are used to acquire free icons or physical items.
The current set includes icons from Super Mario Brother 3 and Super Mario 64. Unfortunately, the games are not free so you will have to purchase the subscription and expansion pack as well first. Fans will have to ensure they play the games for 3 or more sessions at least 24 hours apart in the last month in order to be able to redeem them. Now is a good time to find these titles and then go find the icons.
- Ensure you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription
- Go to the ‘Nintendo Switch Online’ section
- Find the ‘Missions & Rewards’ section
- Choose the icons you want to acquire. They will cost up to 10 Platinum coins per icon
- Borders and backgrounds can cost 5 Platinum points
Play & Redeem: New and returning Super Mario 64 #NintendoSwitchOnline icons are here! They´ll be available until March 31st. #NintendoSwitch
* A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription is required to claim them. pic.twitter.com/jg24MW6ccW
— ឵឵NSO Icon Alerts (@IconsNSO) March 4, 2025
The Nintendo 64 free icons add a nice touch of customizability and a burst of joy to your day so there’s no reason not to go get them if you’re already paying for the subscription. They will only be available to acquire until March 31, so get Nintendo 64’s free icons now.
Compared to the Nintendo 64 update on the NSO icons, however, we’re more focused on the Analogue 3D console emulator for Nintendo 64.
Image: We’re excited for the Analogue 4K N64 console release but there are no updates on when it will be out.
What is the Analogue 4K N64 Console?
As part of our Nintendo 64 update, we must also talk about the Analogue 4K N64 console and its offerings. The Analogue 3D was expected to launch early in Q1 2025, but there appear to be delays in its release. The console costs $249.99 and has been available to pre-order since October 11, 2024. To reserve your spot on the list for its release, click here.
Introducing Analogue 3D. A reimagining of the N64.
In 4K resolution. Perhaps the greatest multiplayer system of all time. Analogue 3D is the worlds first 100% compatible with every original N64 game ever made. Region Free. Bluetooth LE. Dual-band Wifi. Four original-style… pic.twitter.com/7WM3ByIU6C
— Analogue (@analogue) October 16, 2024
The gadget will upscale all the classic Nintendo 64 games to 4K to allow it to look good on your modern screens through its 3D OS and will be 100 percent compatible with the original N64 cartridge library. The controllers are not part of the deal but those can be purchased online. Analogue recommends the 8BitDo 64 controllers they worked with the company to design, or you can put your old Nintendo 64 controllers back into use.
What’s the Update on the Analogue 3D?
We’re hoping for another update from Analogue on when the 4K N64 console will be out, but there is no word yet from the company. A Twitter/X user noted that the 8BitDo 64 controllers’ Amazon listing has been delayed for release to June 30, which likely means the 4K N64 console won’t be out until then either.
Since @analogue hasn’t officially updated its customers on the release of the Analogue 3D, it’s safe to say it has been delayed, since @8BitDo @amazon have delayed the controller for the Analogue 3D, now showing June 30, 2025. I just did Analogue’s job of updating its fanbase.… pic.twitter.com/Fxjnu7EMmh
— Victor Gonzalez (@r3ddevil07) March 5, 2025
Fans were initially looking at a 2024 release but Analoge’s announcement on release of Q1 2025 had led them to adjust their expectations accordingly. Now that we’re in 2025, the lack of updates from the company is particularly frustrating, especially for those who have already preordered it.
Hey @analogue, are you still on track to deliver the Analogue 3D that was promised for Q1 2025? I had seen no updates on your site, https://t.co/0A1jxhMkV4 account and did not get an email update after the purchase either.
Can I count on getting the device by the end of March?
— Attila Györffy 🦜 (@attilagyorffy) March 5, 2025
Hey @analogue is the 3D going to be delayed or is it on time? Lots of orders/dates have been moved of the @8BitDo 64 controller to the end of June. Finding out this way without an official announcement or something is a bit unprofessional imho. Especially when a console is $250…
— Silverlink (@itsSilverlink) March 5, 2025
Analogue’s work on the console is a big step forward for video game preservation, but the wait for a release date and lack of any evidence of how the games will look with the console has rubbed gamers the wrong way. If this doesn’t float your boat, you can just get a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription to access the Nintendo 64 catalog of games.
What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a game subscription service that gives members access to a library of games playable on their consoles. Much like the PlayStation Plus and its roster of a few free monthly games, Nintendo Switch Online gives users access to Game Boy, Super NES, and NES games, some of which are occasionally free.
With the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, users also gain access to a library of Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis games. In January, one of the first free N64 games on the Switch consoles was Ridge Racer 64. As long as the NSO subscription with the expansion pack remains active, the game will remain accessible to users.
How Much Does the Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Cost?
If you’re interested in the Nintendo 64 games and want to invest in the online subscription for your Switch consoles, you will also need to purchase the expansion pack to access them. This does come at a price.
- Nintendo Switch Online Individual Pass: $3.99 for 1 month, $7.99 for 3 months, $19.99 for 1 year
- Nintendo Switch Online Family Pass: 8 accounts at $34.99 for 1 year
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual Pass: $49.99 for 1 year
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family Pass: 8 accounts at $79.99 for 1 year
Image: The catalog of games available with the expansion pack of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription is delightful.
What Games Are Available As Part of the Nintendo 64 Subscription?
If you do purchase the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion, you can then access some of these games from the original Nintendo 64 as well as the original Nintendo 64 controller:
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No New Nintendo 64 Updates On The Analogue 3D for Now
If you want to play the Nintendo 64 games, then your best bet currently is to get a Nintendo Online subscription with the expansion pack so you can continue to play available titles on your Switch consoles. The Nintendo 64 free icons may help you find some peace on the delays with the Analogue 3D.
im so close to cancelling my @analogue 3D pre order. what did i pay for exactly? it seems like a put a fown payment on nothing
— Overshield (@OvershieId) February 25, 2025
As of now, fans have been taking to Twitter/X to express their frustration over the lack of communication from the company. We’ll update this space as soon as we learn more but for now, you may as well redeem your NSO icons from Super Mario 64 before March 31.
As Nintendo 64 updates go, this was a small one, but we’ll keep our eyes out for more news. Subscribe to Technowize for more updates on the world of gaming and technology.