ModRetro is preparing to bring the Nintendo 64 era back in a big way with the M64, a new FPGA-based retro console designed to run original N64 cartridges with a high level of hardware accuracy. Rather than relying on traditional software emulation, the M64 is being built to recreate the behavior of the original console at the hardware logic level, aiming to deliver a more authentic experience for players who still love Nintendo’s classic 3D gaming library.
The M64 follows ModRetro’s earlier Chromatic handheld, which focused on Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. With this new system, the company is taking the same hardware-first approach and applying it to one of the most beloved home consoles of the 1990s. The goal is simple: give players a modern, reliable way to enjoy real Nintendo 64 cartridges while preserving the feel, timing, and responsiveness of the original hardware.
At the center of the ModRetro M64 is AMD’s Artix UltraScale+ FPGA. This chip is designed to replicate the original N64 logic in hardware, rather than approximating it through a software layer. In theory, this allows the M64 to offer precise timing, low input latency, and more faithful performance than many conventional emulation solutions.
AMD’s adaptive computing technology plays a key role in the project. According to Sumit Shah, head of product management and marketing for AMD’s Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group, the Artix UltraScale+ FPGA allows developers to recreate original hardware behavior with impressive precision. By handling chip logic directly at the hardware level, ModRetro aims to preserve the authentic feel of classic games while making them easier to enjoy on modern equipment.
For ModRetro CEO Torin Herndon, choosing the right FPGA was one of the most important steps in developing the M64. The company needed a strong and efficient foundation that could support accurate Nintendo 64 hardware recreation for years to come. Herndon said the AMD Artix UltraScale+ FPGA offered the right balance of performance, power efficiency, and cost for the project.
The chip’s 16nm design is also important because it allows the M64 to reach the required performance levels without needing active cooling. That means the console can operate without fans, helping keep the system quieter and potentially more reliable over time.
Alongside the console, ModRetro is also launching the M64 Pro Controller. This modern controller is designed for the M64 and includes Bluetooth support as well as swappable analog sticks. That could be a major benefit for Nintendo 64 fans, as the original controller’s analog stick is famous for wearing down over years of use. A replaceable stick system may help make the controller more practical for long-term play.
The ModRetro M64 is scheduled to launch on July 28, 2026, with shipping expected to begin the same day. Early supporters will be able to purchase the console for $199, while the standard retail price will be $230. The M64 Pro Controller will be sold separately for $90.
ModRetro also plans to support the system with new cartridge releases. Launch games are expected to include Extreme-G: Turbo Fusion, Xeno Crisis, Xibalba 64, and Buck Bumble. This suggests the M64 is not only being positioned as a way to revisit old favorites, but also as a platform for fresh retro-style releases built around classic hardware-inspired gaming.
For retro gaming fans, the M64 could become one of the most interesting Nintendo 64 revival projects in years. By combining original cartridge support, FPGA-based hardware recreation, modern controller features, and new game releases, ModRetro is aiming to offer an experience that feels both nostalgic and current. If the final hardware lives up to its promises, the M64 may become a standout option for players who want to enjoy N64 games with accuracy, low latency, and modern convenience.
