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8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller Review

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8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller used with Nintendo Switch N64 games showing Wave Race 64 gameplay

A Classic Controller, Reimagined for Today

The Nintendo 64 controller is one of gaming’s most iconic, and let’s be honest – most controversial designs. That wild three-pronged layout divided players back in the day, but somehow, it just worked.

So when 8BitDo announced a modern take on this retro legend, excitement levels went through the roof. And after spending time with the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, it’s safe to say… they absolutely nailed it.

Familiar DNA, Modern Comfort

At first glance, everything you love about the N64 controller is here:

  • That unmistakable button layout
  • The legendary C-buttons
  • A design that screams late ‘90s Nintendo

But 8BitDo has made one very smart move, they’ve refined the ergonomics.

Gone is the awkward “which prong do I hold?” dilemma. The analogue stick now sits in a more natural, modern position, making the controller far more comfortable for extended play sessions.

It still feels like an N64 controller… just without the hand gymnastics.

8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Wireless Freedom (Welcome to the Future, N64 Fans)

Let’s talk about the biggest upgrade: Bluetooth connectivity.

No cables. No restrictions. No sitting awkwardly close to the TV like it’s 1998.

This controller works seamlessly across multiple platforms, including:

  • 🎮 Nintendo Switch (especially playing N64 – Nintendo Classics)
  • 🕹️ Analogue 3D
  • 💻 Windows PCs (perfect for emulation)
  • 📱 Android devices

That flexibility alone makes it a standout – this isn’t just a nostalgia piece, it’s a daily driver for retro gaming setups.

Switch + N64 Classics = Pure Magic

Pair this controller with the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on Switch, and everything just clicks.

The experience feels right in a way modern controllers can’t quite replicate. Muscle memory kicks in instantly:

  • Drifting corners in Wave Race 64
  • Precision moves in Super Mario 64
  • Tight control in your favourite N64 classics

And when you cross that finish line in Wave Race 64… you already know what’s coming – “Bonsai!”. 

Pure nostalgia. Pure joy.

Another photo of the 8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Quality-of-Life Upgrades That Matter

8BitDo hasn’t just stopped at wireless convenience – they’ve improved the entire experience:

  • Responsive, modern analogue stick
  • Rechargeable battery (no more AA hunts!)
  • Reliable Bluetooth performance
  • Multi-device compatibility

It’s everything you wish the original N64 controller could have been, without losing its soul.

Final Thoughts

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is more than a tribute, it’s an evolution.

It respects the quirks and charm of the original N64 controller while smoothing out its rough edges for modern gamers. Whether you’re reliving classics on the Switch, firing up an emulator, or pairing it with new retro hardware like the Analogue 3D, this controller delivers in every way that matters.

For diehard N64 fans and retro enthusiasts alike, this is an easy recommendation.

⭐ Verdict: Retro Perfection (With a Modern Twist)

If you’ve ever loved the N64, this controller belongs in your hands.

Final Rating: 🎮🎮🎮🎮🎮
Fun Factor: Bonsai!

8BitDo 64 wireless controller for Nintendo 64 games on Switch

Flick the rear switch to S for Switch mode, or D for any other consoles

Modern 8BitDo N64 controller with Bluetooth connectivity in use

Disclaimer: The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller was kindly provided by Rocket Comms for this review. No payment was received, and all opinions expressed are our own.

 

Review: BenQ ScreenBar Pro – The Unsung Hero of My Desk Setup

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Let’s be real: I never thought I’d get this excited about a monitor light. But the BenQ ScreenBar Pro has turned out to be one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my work-from-home and gaming setup—and I didn’t even know I needed it.

💡 A Lightbulb Moment (Literally)

Before this sleek little marvel entered my life, my desk lighting situation was… well, non-existent. Just me, a keyboard, and the gentle glow of a monitor in an otherwise cave-like room. Not ideal for productivity—or my eyes.

Enter the ScreenBar Pro, and suddenly I’m wondering how I ever lived without it. Mounted effortlessly on top of my monitor (no clamps, no fuss), it throws an even, glare-free beam of light across my desk without casting a single reflection on the screen. It’s like mood lighting, but make it functional.

👨‍💻 Work-From-Home Approved

As someone who works from home full-time, I spend a lot of hours at my desk. Having consistent, adjustable lighting that doesn’t take up any space (seriously, not even a square centimetre of desk real estate!) has made a huge difference. Whether I’m writing documents, tinkering in dashboards, or just doing the usual Zoom (and MS Teams) dance, the ScreenBar Pro makes everything clearer and easier on the eyes—especially during those gloomy Melbourne mornings.

And here’s a great bonus: my camera fits perfectly on top of the ScreenBar Pro, which means I didn’t have to sacrifice lighting or camera placement. It’s rock solid, well-balanced, and makes me look far more presentable on video calls without any awkward shadows or glare.

Oh—and I absolutely love the auto-sensor. It turns the light on automatically as soon as I sit in front of the monitor, and even better—it switches off after 5 minutes of inactivity. It’s such a simple feature, but it’s perfect for when I wander off for a break or forget to turn things off. Smart, seamless, and seriously useful.

🎮 Ready for Game Time

When the workday ends and the games begin, the ScreenBar Pro keeps up without missing a beat. With adjustable brightness and colour temperature, I can dial it down for late-night gaming sessions or crank it up when I’m deep-diving into strategy games and need to take notes. It adds atmosphere without distracting from the action, and I never have to worry about fiddling with room lighting again.

✨ Bonus Features

  • Auto Dimming & Motion Sensor: Adjusts lighting based on ambient light—and automatically turns on or off based on presence. Set and forget.

  • Wireless Dial: The included controller is so intuitive and tactile, you’ll find yourself adjusting brightness just because it’s fun.

  • Camera-Friendly: Mounting a webcam on top is a breeze—no awkward angles or sacrifices to lighting.

  • Sleek Design: It’s minimal, modern, and blends into your setup like it was always meant to be there.

📝 Final Verdict

If you’re like me and spend your days working and nights gaming in the same space, the BenQ ScreenBar Pro is the ultimate dual-purpose peripheral. It’s one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” products that genuinely enhances how your workspace feels—not just how it looks.

🔟 10/10 – A brilliantly bright idea, perfectly executed.

Disclaimer: The BenQ ScreenBar Pro was kindly provided by BenQ Australia for this review.