ModRetro is seemingly working on an FPGA reimagination of the N64.
ModRetro is mostly known for its Chromatic, an FPGA Game Boy clone, and the controversy surrounding one of its founders, Palmer Luckey.
The Chromatic takes the base idea of the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, and as opposed to adding features of the modern-era like a higher resolution screen, rechargeable batteries, or additional buttons, it adds a backlt screen, a metal shell, and maintains a rough idea of semblance to the original device’s identity by keeping things like the analog off-and-on switch and the original resolution of 166 x 144 for its screen.
Image via ModRetro
In comparison, Analogue released the Analogue Pocket with a 1660 x 1440 resolution that many would class as one of the best screens for the Game Boy. That device also adds two additional action buttons and has its own OpenFPGA support to allow for hardware emulation of numerous other consoles.
Today, ModRetro is taking it directly to Analogue’s house and teasing their own N64 FPGA to rival that of Analogue’s upcoming 3D.
The ModRetro N64 is Teased
Interestingly, within the same day, Analogue announced that the Analogue 3D would be delayed until July 2025. As far as ModRetro is concerned, their one release prior to this has been delivered on-time and even has a current run of units available at GameStop locations around the US.
“This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.
You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”@modretro pic.twitter.com/fktoC96HvB
— Palmer Luckey (@PalmerLuckey) March 18, 2025
The Palmer Luckey tweet shared of the teaser image shows an N64 controller mirrored by an ill-suited Matrix reference asking users to pick between either a blue pill or a red pill.
The analogy or metaphor being attempted here is still a slight mystery. Usually, it would be assumed that Palmer Luckey would be tempting those reading to choose the red pill, given the history of his character, while hoping fans would veer against choosing the blue pill.
In The Matrix, choosing the blue pill left those that took it believing the world around them was normal, fine and that there was nothing more to see. The red pill, however, exposed the world’s secrets and showed the harsh realities of the machine powering society.
What’s In Store
Outside of somewhat cringeworthy movie references, the ModRetro N64 could potentially offer some interesting takes on the design and build of the console. Current N64 consoles have a few popular mods, like the RGB and HDMI mods. A ModRetro remake could naturally feature both of these additional features on the end unit, sidelining any need to mod an original.
It does put Analogue in a place of contention as well. The company has been losing trust within its respective community for the past few years due to the abundance of secrets and withheld information despite public outcry for updates and acknowledgement of problems or issues.
Analogue 3D in White
ModRetro has a lot of work in front of it to either shed its identity to gain more interest for the products it creates or to ensure it delivers a product that can stand on its own. The Chromatic almost managed to escape the controversy surrounding its founder, but sales-wise, it seems a $200 FPGA Game Boy is simply not enough for people to overlook past (and current) transgressions.
It remains to be seen what we can expect from the ModRetro N64 reimagination, but it’s entirely possible that it may eventually rise as one of the best options available for those looking for an all-in-one way to play N64 titles on modern monitors.
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