The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is a credible lower-cost alternative to Nintendo’s Switch-compatible N64 controller for playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time through Nintendo Switch Online. TechRadar tested it with the game and listed it below Nintendo’s pad at review time, but the advertised $30 saving and a current deal price are not verified. The choice comes down to whether you prefer a modern two-grip controller or the original N64 layout.
Which controller should you choose?
For most players who want a new, less expensive N64-style pad, consider the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller. It works with Switch and Switch 2, and TechRadar reports testing it with Ocarina of Time in the Nintendo Switch Online N64 collection. If matching the original N64 controller’s layout matters more than getting a different shape, Nintendo’s official N64 controller is the closer fit.
Nintendo’s product page says, “Explore 3D worlds that debuted on the Nintendo 64 system with the controller they were designed for,” and names Ocarina of Time among the games. Nintendo’s official N64 controller page says the controller works with Switch and Switch 2. The relevant game library is accessed through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
How the three options compare
| Option | Compatibility and access | Layout and trade-offs | Price information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller | TechRadar reports compatibility with Switch and Switch 2 and testing with Ocarina of Time in the NSO N64 collection. | Modern two-grip shape and one thumbstick, rather than the N64 trident shape. TechRadar flags an awkward trigger/bumper layout and says some players may want to adjust mappings per game. | TechRadar listed standard black and white variants at $39.99 and the N64-colorway version at $44.99 in its 2026 review. These are review-time prices, not a live quote. TechRadar review; review details and pricing. |
| Nintendo Switch Online N64 controller | Designed for N64 Classics, including Ocarina of Time; Nintendo says it works with Switch and Switch 2. On Nintendo’s US store, a paid NSO membership is required to purchase it, and shipping is limited to the US and Canada. | The best match of these options for players who want the N64 controller layout. | No current price is established here. Check Nintendo’s product page for the current regional listing. |
| 8BitDo mod kit for an original N64 controller | Turns an original controller into a wireless, Switch-compatible option, according to Nintendo Life’s feature. | Requires an original N64 controller to modify; it is not a ready-to-use replacement if you do not already own the hardware. | The Nintendo Life article’s price is historical, not a current quote. Nintendo Life’s mod-kit feature. |
What to know about the 8BitDo 64
The 8BitDo 64 is not a replica of the original N64 controller. It replaces the three-pronged body with a conventional two-grip shape and has one thumbstick. That can make it feel more familiar to players accustomed to modern gamepads, but it is a different arrangement from the controller Nintendo designed for N64 games.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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TechRadar’s hands-on review specifically notes that the trigger and bumper placement can feel awkward. Its controls can be adjusted per game, so be prepared to experiment with mapping if a button does not feel natural for Ocarina of Time. A single-stick layout also makes the pad a weaker choice for modern games that rely on two sticks. Read TechRadar’s review for the reviewer’s compatibility and play impressions.
When Nintendo’s official controller is the better fit
Choose Nintendo’s N64 controller if your priority is the original style and button arrangement, rather than a contemporary grip shape. Nintendo identifies Ocarina of Time as one of the games designed for it. The official US store has an additional purchase condition: a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required, and shipping is limited to the US and Canada. Availability and terms elsewhere may differ; check the local Nintendo store.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Playing the N64 Classics collection is separate from buying the controller: the collection requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Check the current membership options for your region before subscribing.
When a mod kit makes sense
If you already own an original N64 controller and want to keep its feel, a conversion kit may be a better route than buying another complete pad. Nintendo Life describes an 8BitDo kit that makes an original controller wireless and Switch-compatible. This option depends on having suitable donor hardware, and its cited price is historical, so confirm current kit availability and cost before deciding.
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Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is the advertised $30 saving real?
The exact $30 saving in the original deal claim is not established by the available product and retailer information. TechRadar’s 2026 review listed 8BitDo’s standard black and white versions at $39.99 and the N64-colorway version at $44.99, and described the controller as cheaper than Nintendo’s official pad. Those are review-time figures, not proof of today’s prices, stock, or a specific $30 difference.
Compare current listings for the same product category before buying: an N64-style controller is not the same thing as a themed Switch Pro Controller. A Pro Controller may suit modern Switch games, but it does not replicate the original N64 layout. Verify the product name, region, seller, and checkout price rather than relying on a deal headline.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
