For a system that's no longer in active production, the Nintendo 64 has sure seen a lot of new controllers recently. We reviewed the Tribute64 pad not so long ago, and now it's the turn of the Retro Fighters Brawler64 – a pad that was crowdfunded on Kickstarter as a "next generation" offering for Nintendo's much-loved 64-bit system.
We're actually coming to the Brawler64 a little late, as the pad has already been a huge success at retail to the point where its creator, Retro Fighters, has produced a revised variant which fixes a pretty major problem (more on that in a second) as well as versions that have different coloured plastic casing.
The most notable thing about the Brawler64 is that, like the Hori Mini Pad and Tribute64 controller, it drops the iconic three-prong design seen on the original N64 pad and instead opts for a more traditional two-prong approach, adding a second Z trigger to ensure everything works as planned. The analogue stick and D-Pad also swap positions, but otherwise, it's business as usual.
The analogue stick is worth mulling over a little more, because it simultaneously fixes one of the big failings of the original pad while introducing a new flaw. On the plus side, this is a modern-style stick which boasts a textured top for increased grip but retains the hexagonal 'gate' design of the original N64 pad. That means its easier to 'locate' directions when compared to, say, the stick on the Switch Joy-Con.
It really makes you appreciate how accurate the analogue wand on the original N64 controller is
There's a lot more travel on this stick than on the original N64 pad's 'wand', and that can be both a blessing and a curse. Because you've got more room to throw the stick around it feels great during games where precision isn't really a consideration; however, the moment you need to make finely-tuned adjustments, it feels awkward. Aiming a weapon, for example, can be quite a frustrating affair as the stick isn't as precise as it needs to be. It really makes you appreciate how accurate the analogue wand on the original N64 controller is, despite its flawed and easily-broken design.
The D-Pad is another story entirely and is no doubt why the pad has the word 'Brawler' in its name. It's located lower down on the controller and is easy to use; while we wouldn't say it was necessarily better than the one on the original N64 controller, it's certainly an excellent pad and makes playing certain games a real joy. While the N64 is light on fighting games, those that do exist play like a dream with this pad. In fact, any game that favours digital input over analogue feels great.
Retro Fighters has made a big deal out of the fact that the Brawler64's C-Buttons are larger than those on the original pad, and while we're not sure this is a game-changing design difference, the buttons do feel easier to locate and press. In fact, all of the buttons on the controller feel nice and responsive without feeling too soft or spongy – with the exception of the two Z triggers, which feel like analogue inputs even though they're not. There's a lot of travel on both and this means that your 'press' doesn't get registered by the pad until the trigger is about halfway down, which can lead to an annoying delay between your input and the subsequent on-screen reaction. Why Retro Fighters decided to use this faux-analogue design is a mystery, as the original N64 pad's Z trigger wasn't analogue.
All of the buttons on the controller feel nice and responsive without feeling too soft or spongy
What else? Well, there's a 'Turbo' button which – as you might expect – allows you to add rapid-fire functionality to any of the controller's buttons. All you need do to enable this is hold down said button, tap the face button you want to add turbo to and release. There's a 'Clear' button on the controller to remove the function when you're done. It's not something we can say we've ever really needed on a pad – even though 'Rapid Fire Units' were all the rage back in the '80s and '90s – but hey, it's there.
It's also worth mentioning how light the Brawler64 feels; it's almost so light that it gives off the impression of being cheaply made, but build quality is very decent. On the back, you'll find the all-important expansion slot, into which you can insert memory devices and Rumble Paks. However, the pad doesn't support the N64 Transfer Pak, so if you're a keen fan of Pokémon Stadium, this isn't the controller for you.
Wrapping up, it's nice to see that Retro Fighters has included a super-long cable on this pad – this is something we really liked about the Tribute64 controller, too. Oh, and we mentioned a design revision at the start of the review which relates to the first batch of these pads. Apparently (and we haven't tested this ourselves) pressing down the L button would impact the analogue stick's movement – quite a serious flaw, as you can appreciate. To its credit, Retro Fighters mailed out replacement internal parts to remedy this problem to those who had backed the project on Kickstarter, but it's worth mentioning as second-hand Brawler64 pads could potentially suffer from this problem, so try to buy brand new, just to be on the safe side.
It's nice to see that Retro Fighters has included a super-long cable on this pad
While it's billed as a next-generation replacement for your humble (and most likely failing) N64 controller, the Brawler64 doesn't quite take the crown as the ultimate interface for Nintendo's 64-bit console. The analogue stick feels great in practice and will certainly last longer than the wand seen on the original pad, but it's not precise enough for our liking; the one on the Tribute64 controller is arguably better. Furthermore, the Z triggers use a pointless analogue-style input and you can't attach the N64 Transfer Pak, which means this isn't a 'complete' pad that will totally replace your original controller.
Despite these faults, the Brawler64 is comfortable to use, while the longer cable and bigger C-buttons are welcome, too. It's great for games which rely heavily on the D-Pad for input, as well – even though they are few and far between. Ultimately, Retro Fighters' controller is undone by the fact that the Tribute64 has also released recently, and while that's not perfect either, it just about overshadows the Brawler64 – and it's cheaper to boot.
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Thanks to Games Connection for supplying the Brawler64 used in this review.
Comments 45
It doesn't look that comfortable to me.
I don't like how 3rd party controllers are starting to call them "gamepads" shudder
Looks great. If it's only supported on PC I would get it in heartbeat
Errrr so rubbish analogue stick (which 99% of n64 games primarily use) but great d-pad (which 1% of n64 games primarily use). Doesn’t sound like a good option to me....
I bought the revised version of the Brawler64 a few months ago and absolutely love it. Very surprised by the criticism of the analogue stick – it's literally my favorite part of the controller. The d-pad is where my criticism lies. It feels mushy to me. Overall though, I love the controller and I haven't used my original N64 controllers since I bought a Brawler64.
I still use my original n64 controllers I've had since I was a kid, but something like this looks really interesting
Tempting to pick one up myself, though reading the article makes it sound like it does have some flaws
I've played with my Brawler64 and the analogue stick works great for me. I've been playing SM64 with it and haven't noticed any issues.
I’d be happy with an N64 controller with a durable Analogue, and built in Rumble, over this
This looks way better than the OG N64 controller, that controller is probably the worst one I've ever had the displeasure of using and it breaks so easily too.
I could never understand what games people needed this kind of design for... let me guess, all those N64 games that utilized both the analog stick and d-pad (of which none exist).
I mean I get how it might appeal to people who REALLY want to play their old N64 with a more conventional controller design, but personally I could never understand the complaints about the standard N64 controller. It is actually one of my favorite controllers. The Z button was always uniquely satisfying to use and it was very comfortable to hold.
@Expa0 It's actually really nice to use! Played OoT with it recently and it was fantastic! Comfort wise it is somewhere between an Xbox 360 controller and a Switch Pro Controller. It is also much lighter than both because it is wired, but has a nice weight to it and does not feel cheap.
I highly recommend it over the standard N64 controller and the overpriced Hori Pad.
So it's mainly for fighting games, but the N64 wasn't exactly known for its fighting games. A thing I never understood, because the 6 button layout would have been perfect for Capcom fighters.
Only controller I'd want different would be to replace the C buttons and replace it with a C stick.
Too used to modern shooters to comfortably use 1.1 or 1.2. Even holding left and center with 1.2 doesn't feel right.
I am really curious about this controller. I may give it a try.
@JayJ we don't hate the original controllers, we just destroyed them all with Mario Party.
@Erchitu I really enjoyed it! It felt light in the hands, but nice to use in general. I'd say it is cross, between an Xbox 360 controller and the Switch Pro Controller. I like it a lot, but it is a bit frustrating for the the target mini-games in OoT and MM, but fine for Perfect Dark and Golden Eye that use aim assist. The only issue I had in GE and PD, was with sniper rifles, but that is a minor issue as I got used to the extra travel quickly.
Anything is better than the original N64, but I already mutated my hands to be used to it. I can appretiate the box design tho
The trick with Zelda is to first try to get Link facing the way you want to go. Then press Z to centre the camera, and then push the analog stick as hard as you can straight north, s t r e t c h i n g those ligaments to get it to register 100%. With practice you can often run around at full speed, even in dungeons!
@N64-ROX Lol I hear ya there, that is why I always kept a couple of controllers that I don't use as often and play games that aren't hard on the analog stick with. I also got a couple of worn controllers for those games that normally wear them out, that a way I don't mess up my good controllers.
That said the modding community has really been coming through for N64 fans, there is a number of options out there for replacing a worn out N64 analog stick. You can either get a replacement that is like the sticks Nintendo was using or do what a lot of people seem to like which is swapping it out for a Gamecube analog stick.
Have just received my RetroBit controller so am glad this one didn't review as well. It does look good though.
@JayJ ha ha, you're a well prepared man. I remember when I finally broke down and said "this is untenable, I need to get a new controller even though I have two of them right here"... I was too cheap to buy a new one so I went second-hand and just wound up with more of the same problem!
Poor naive me thought that it had been a unique mistake - that my friends and I had rented Mario Party and had discovered a secret stick spinning technique of death while the rest of the world were trading in their old controllers just because they had gotten bored with the colour...
@JayJ. Is there a modern N64 like that Super NT?
I'd buy one in a heart beat. I'd love a 64 classic, but I do already own every good 64 game anyway.
Most sticks are serviceable with some lube.
@Expa0 It doesn't even break that easily though even if you attempt to break it.
Imagine if this is what came with the original N64 instead of that weirdo controller.
I wish more analogs would have that hexagon shape around em.
No trident, no sir. Greatest stick ever made. I have four nice ones.
A BitF reference?
Ive this pad as backed it on kickstarter. I can confirm that the original model had a flaw with the stick knocking into and deactiviating the held down L button . They replaced it though (for free) and new works fine. I do wish could get a new trident one though just with latest stick
I backed it. It works great. As a lefty I can play N64 games and enjoy them now.
I also recommend the Ultra racer 64 for racing games.
Meh, I like the original controller. Maybe it is partly nostalgia, or maybe a grudging dislike of 3rd party controllers, but all the same.
I realize the originals are flawed but I still prefer using them. If I am going for the authentic feel of playing on original hardware, the biggest detail of that feel for me is the original controllers.
B button is too far away from the C ones
@ReaderRagfish Are they relatively easy to repair?
It seems like the analogue sticks on every N64 controller I find are basically useless wet noodles flopping around every which way.
@LegendOfStewart same here. I find the analogue stick is fantastic.
@Erchitu I have one and it's great. It does feel unusually light though. But I find the analogue stick fantastic and I'm surprised this review doesn't rate it.
I dont think it would feel right playing N64 without the "trident"
@Trajan No I don't think so, for some reason they have never gotten around to making new versions of 32-64 bit era consoles which seems kinda crazy to me because those are the consoles that have been aging the worst lately. I mean the N64 is an exception thanks to it's cartridges but the CD based consoles are experiencing a lot of issues due to disc readers going out.
Glad that someone finally made a nice and affordable controller I always hated the trident design worst controller that I have ever used and the Hori is expensive so this is great news for me
I was hoping to get one of these or the new Tribute pad, to have a new pad in case my multiple original pads give up the ghost. But from all the reviews I’ve read the Analogue sticks on these pads just aren’t up to scratch. The tribute has issues with the top right direction apparently, and neither are good for precision aiming. So no good for games like Goldeneye or Perfect Dark! I wonder why the stick is so hard to get right?
Even the so called ‘amazing’ Hori N64 pad has issues with its Analogue stick compared to the originals.
Luckily mine are in good condition and I don’t play my N64 that much (or abuse the sticks), so I should get another couple of decades out of them. By then hopefully somebody has got these right.
Why are you calling an analog stick a "wand"? Is that some European thing?
@BorderlineJon Thanks How do you use you N64? Do you have a CRT TV or some upscaler? The image quality with the modern screens is not very good...
@Erchitu I'm currently looking into it, as I only started playing it again recently and I have a HDTV. I would like to use an upscaler or something. I would rather play actual games on actual hardware than emulation, but it does look dog rough, and I don't have room for a separate CRR (we already have two televisions and a computer monitor in our living room).
@BorderlineJon Same situation here. Got an upscaler, which is great for Nes e Snes, even for the GC, but not so good for the N64. Got some improved quality with a better cable, but I am not satisfied. Should open a topic somewhere to try to solve the problem all together.
I have a controller like this for the NES and it has these short angled grips and it is not comfortable for me. They force you to position your hands in an odd way and cause discomfort over time. The original N64 has longer grips which allow you to find a better position.
@Expa0 totally agreed. Mine broke a few times as well... well today controllers aint better too much though... my xbox one controller broke in just a few months and didn't overuse it at all. RB button got suddenly loose and not function properly. I had to push 5x before it was responding. Got a new DPD and works fine and if this stops working I will get nvidia shield lol
The original is still the best and most comfortable. Both mine work fine. Although, if a good third party option materialises it, I might consider it. The Brawler pad has a done control stick, and Tribute one a d-pad. I often used to the d-pad, especially for sports games.
@J-Plap I think it is a good way to specify what kind of controller it is. Arcade sticks, steering wheels etc., are all controllers. What I hate are when they people call them "remotes".
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