Is the Wireless Tribute64 the New Measuring Stick for N64 Controllers?

In this episode, we test out the Wireless Tribute64 from Retro-bit on the N64, Nintendo Switch, and other systems.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
N64 Tests:
1:30 - Killer Instinct Gold
2:59 - Star Fox 64
3:45 - Star Fox 64 with Rumble
6:36 - 007 Goldeneye
9:23 - WCW Revenge
10:39 - Super Smash Bros
12:03 - Mario 64 Shindu Pak Edition
Nintendo Switch Tests:
15:07 - Super Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Edition
16:42 - Super Mario 3D World
17:24 - Final Thoughts

The Tribute64 is a game changer for those who are fans of the Nintendo 64. Taking inspiration from one of the most popular controllers for the system, the original Wired Tribute64 is a very good performer, however there are areas where the controller could be improved. Some, myself included, felt the wired version was too narrow, the D-Pad was too far inset, and the controller just felt too condensed. There are also those who had hoped for a wired version eventually. Well, their wishes have been answered with the Wireless Tribute64.

Make sure to check out our unboxing video to check out our overview of how the Wireless Tribute64 comes out of the box by visiting us at https://youtu.be/fsWc6uXZ8c4

From the get-go, I did charge the Wireless Tribute64 overnight to make sure that it was good to go for play testing. I have both the Standard Grey and the Ultra Edition (man, that thing is sexy!), and I initially connected the dongle to my N64 as it came out of the box. I didn't switch the Memory Card/Rumble switch, which explains why it did not vibrate or rumble initially. I tested several memory cards and never had an issue with any of them fitting at all. They were snug, not sloppy, but not a single one had a death grip. Overall, I was very happy with this.

One issue I have had with different controllers for the N64 is the sensitivity of the analog stick. If the sensitivity is too high, it can make precise aiming overly difficult. If it's not sensitive enough then it feels numb and unresponsive. I found the Wireless Tribute64's analog stick to be very good, a tick on the sensitive side but probably one of the best I have been able to test out. Whether I was playing racing games, Smash Bros, Star Wars, or 007 Goldeneye, the analog stick was very good.

One thing that I was a bit surprised to see was the customization available for the controller and its buttons. There are different button mappings available, D and X input styles, and much more. In theory, you can swap the ZL/L and ZR/R buttons so that it feels more natural to roll your arwing in Star Fox. This is darn good.

In addition to testing out on the N64, I did try the USB dongle on a few different systems. The Genesis Mini, TurboGrafx16 Mini, & Wii U all feature USB Controller ports, however, none worked with the Wireless Tribute64. That was unfortunate, but not unexpected. I don't have a RetroPi, so for me, the USB dongle is really not a benefit.

Why it RoX:
- WIRELESS with RUMBLE! BOOM!!
- 3 color options
- Great analog stick precision
- Programmable buttons, modes, and macros
- USB-C for charging
- Includes both N64 & USB Dongles
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Great battery life

What could be improved:
- USB doesn't work with classic consoles
- I'd love a PC interface for controller customization

Should you by one?
I will tell you, I love playing my N64 wirelessly, but one compromise has been giving up rumble for wireless. The Tribute64 eliminates the need for this as it has both exceptional wireless performance and integrated rumble. This is one of the best controllers ever to be produced for the Nintendo 64 and the Wireless Tribute64 will be my go-to controller for the system moving forward. The memory card & rumble switch is a bit odd, but I'll say it has worked very well to me thus far. If you have an N64, you owe it to yourself to give this a very serious look.

#Tribute64 #RetroBit #Nintendo64 #N64 #WirelessTribute64

The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107

In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—

(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)