The N64 controller for Switch is back in stock at the Nintendo store (update: sold out)
Update 1:05PM ET, May 31st: Nintendo’s latest wave of N64 controllers has sold out. Stay tuned for a new drop in the coming days, weeks, or months. We’re admittedly not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon!
The official N64 controller for the Nintendo Switch has just been restocked at the Nintendo eShop. This $49.99 controller allows you to experience N64 games the way they were meant to be played — with a big gray controller with an awkwardly placed central analog stick. This offer is exclusive to the Nintendo store and is only available to purchase if you’re a current Nintendo Switch Online subscriber (Note: you can only access the N64 games with the purchase of the Switch Online Expansion Pack).
Unlike some restocks for the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, the method for purchasing this controller is very straightforward. Just sign in to your Nintendo account ahead of time, click “add to cart” and hope for the best. Stocks of this controller go remarkably fast so don’t be surprised if you see them become unavailable
For the uninitiated, Nintendo Switch Online is necessary for accessing the online components of a number of titles including Splatoon 2, Minecraft, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, just to name a few. As an added bonus, a membership also includes access to classic NES and SNES too. An annual subscription to this service only costs $19.99, however, to access Nintendo’s online library of N64 titles, you’ll have to subscribe to the Expansion Pack as well, which costs $49.99.
This re-release of the N64 controller is mostly what you’ll remember from the original console, with some quality-of-life improvements. Wireless connectivity that’s rechargeable via USB-C and built-in rumble support help modernize this classic controller but retains the classic shape. While the overall form factor of the N64 controller remains divisive in a modern context, the popularity of this controller is proof that nostalgia will win every time.
Nintendo N64 Controller
A modern re-imagining of the classic Nintendo 64 controller keeps the same form factor but includes modern conveniences like wireless connectivity, and built-in rumble support.
Nintendo Switch (red and blue Joy-Cons)
The Nintendo Switch offers a 6.2-inch touchscreen, three play styles, and a Wi-Fi connection, thus enabling multiplayer gaming (with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription).
Update 1:05PM ET, May 31st: Nintendo’s latest wave of N64 controllers has sold out. Stay tuned for a new drop in the coming days, weeks, or months. We’re admittedly not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon! The official N64 controller for the Nintendo Switch has just been restocked…
