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To use an N64-style controller with Nintendo Switch, pair Nintendo’s official wireless Nintendo 64 Controller or a compatible third-party pad, then launch the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app. Both Nintendo’s controller and 8BitDo’s 64 Bluetooth Controller support rumble in the Switch’s N64 games, but vibration outside that software is not guaranteed to work the same way.
Choose a controller based on how you’ll use it
| Controller | What it offers | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch Online | Wireless, USB-C rechargeable, original three-prong layout, and built-in rumble. Designed for Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics; Nintendo does not guarantee compatibility with other games. | Players who want Nintendo’s first-party controller for the Switch N64 library. |
| 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller | Bluetooth 5.0/Bluetooth LE and wired USB, Hall-effect joystick, and vibration support for Switch 1/2 64 Online games. Switch 2 compatibility requires firmware 3.0.0 or later. | Players who want a third-party N64-style controller with modern connectivity. |
Nintendo’s controller overview and FAQ lists a price of $49.99 USD or $64.99 CAD, gray as the available color, and a four-unit per-account purchase limit. In the U.S. and Canada, a paid Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required to purchase the classic controller. These purchase terms do not mean the controller itself unlocks the N64 game library: that library requires the Expansion Pack tier.
Pair the controller and start an N64 game
- On the Switch, open Controllers from the HOME Menu, then select Change Grip/Order.
- Put the controller into pairing mode as directed by its manufacturer. For Nintendo’s controller, press the SYNC button, then wait for it to appear on the console.
- Once paired, open the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics software and choose a game. The official controller is designed for that software, and 8BitDo documents vibration support for Switch 1/2 64 Online games.
Nintendo’s N64 controller setup guide covers pairing. The Nintendo controller may navigate menus or work with other titles, but Nintendo does not guarantee all controls or features outside the intended N64 software.
What to expect from rumble
Nintendo’s controller has built-in rumble, replacing the original N64’s optional Rumble Pak. 8BitDo lists vibration support for its 64 Bluetooth Controller in Switch 1/2 64 Online games. Neither claim means rumble will work across every Switch game: compatibility depends on the controller and the title.
#1 Best Overall
- Wireless controller fully compatible with Switch 1 / Switch 2 and N64 console
- Lag-Free 2.4 GHz wireless, 10m/33ft range, no delay, plug & play
- Built-in rumble vibration for immersive gameplay. No Extra Rumble Pak Required
- Built-in rechargeable battery, 10-hour runtime
- The 3D analog stick provides nuanced control for precise movements and enhanced gameplay comfort.
Vibration can also feel different from one controller or game to another. Nintendo notes that rumble intensity may vary between controllers and between games in its HD Rumble troubleshooting guidance. If a supported N64 game is not vibrating, check that vibration is enabled in the game and console settings, and install any available controller firmware update.
Using the 8BitDo controller, including on Switch 2
8BitDo lists its 64 Bluetooth Controller as compatible with Switch 1 and Switch 2. It supports Bluetooth 5.0/Bluetooth LE and wired USB, and includes a Hall-effect joystick. For Switch 2, 8BitDo requires firmware 3.0.0 or later; update the controller before troubleshooting a connection or compatibility problem. The manufacturer page includes Amazon ordering links, though availability and retailer pricing can change.
Rank #2
- Wireless controller fully compatible with Switch 1 / Switch 2 and N64 console
- Lag-Free 2.4 GHz wireless, 10m/33ft range, no delay, plug & play
- Built-in rumble vibration for immersive gameplay. No Extra Rumble Pak Required
- Built-in rechargeable battery, 10-hour runtime
- The 3D analog stick provides nuanced control for precise movements and enhanced gameplay comfort.
Can you use an N64 controller with an original N64?
For an original Nintendo 64, 8BitDo’s Retro Receiver for N64 provides a separate wireless-adapter route. Its compatibility information includes the Switch 64 Online Controller and other Bluetooth controllers, and its FAQ describes connecting wireless controllers to original N64 or Analogue 3D hardware. This adapter is only needed for that original-hardware use; it is not part of pairing a controller directly with a Switch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless controller fully compatible with Switch 1 / Switch 2 and N64 console
- Lag-Free 2.4 GHz wireless, 10m/33ft range, no delay, plug & play
- Built-in rumble vibration for immersive gameplay. No Extra Rumble Pak Required
- Built-in rechargeable battery, 10-hour runtime
- The 3D analog stick provides nuanced control for precise movements and enhanced gameplay comfort.
Rank #4
- ⁂ 【Compatibility】Wireless controller for Original Nintendo 64 system and Switch Console, specially designed for Classic N64 old school Online Games On Switch, including N64 and USB receiver. Compatible with various platforms, support Switch /Switch 2/Switch OLED, Nintendo 64 Console, Windows PC/MAC or Raspberry Pi
- ⁂【Classic Design】ERGONOMIC DESIGN HANDLE, Classic N64 style with "M" shape ,perfectly fit palms, all the buttons and controls make your hand very comfortable for long periods of gaming, enhance your gaming convenience and experience.
- ⁂【Wireless connection】2.4GHz Wireless technology and wireless range up 25 feets,that is better than having to sit on floor a foot away from the TV. Great battery life, built-in 500mah high-performance lithium batteries and only takes 3 hours to charge and can work for up to 15 hours.
- ⁂【Precise joystick and motor shock Vibration 】Precise 3D-high quality analog stick, built-in rumble Pak and memory card port, compatible with most of game memory cards. you can use a memory card and transfer to an SD card.
- ⁂ It is a great choice if you hope to play these classic N64 online games ON switch console. And you can play most of retro N64 games very well, such as Mario Party game,Zelda N64,okémon Snap, Star fox, Smash Bros, Kirby, Glover or any other N64 games in the 90’s. Notice: For Switch, "Pro Controller Wired Communication" must be enabled before pairing. For the PC(USB 2.0 port), you can download the N64 emulator(Such as project 64)
Rank #3
- 【Compatibility】N64-style controller for Switch online Game Console ,widely compatible with Switch/Switch 2/Switch OLED,PC/MAC or Raspberry Pi via USB connection. Specially works for old Classic Retro N64 Games On Switch. Including the USB dongle, NOT included a N64 adapter for N64 System console.
- 【Classic N64 Design 】ERGONOMIC DESIGN HANDLE, Classic N64 style with "M" shape ,perfectly fit palms, all the buttons and controls make your hand very comfortable for long periods of gaming.
- 【Long playing time】Great battery life for the recharge,build in 3.7V/500mA lithium Ion battery which can work continuously for over 10-15 hours. 2.4GHz Wireless technology and wireless range up 25 feets, with strong anti-interference capability that is better than having to sit on floor a foot away from the TV
- 【Wireless USB connection】Precise 3D analog stick, built-in rumble Pak and memory card port. Notice: For Switch, the button layout is different from the Pro controller. "Pro Controller Wired Communication" must be enabled before pairing. When pairing with the Switch 2 fails, and search for the Google module patch, then update the firmware.
- 【Support system】PC running operating system:Windows 98/2000/ ME/XP/Vista/Win7/8/8.1/11 or later,or Mac running OS X 10.0/Mac OS X or above.For the PC, you can download the N64 emulator(Such as project 64). Support game Emulator:Project 64(PC),OpenEmu(MAC).
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.
