N64 Third party N64 controller?

[Ikagura]

What is the best one in your opinion and are there actual ones on PC to enjoy 64 emulation while keeping the original feel?

Here are some examples I've found:

 

[Eckori]

I enjoy the retrofighters brawler64 controller!

 

[BadMrFrostii]

I think the Super Pad is one of the absolute best 3rd party N64 controllers. For playing N64 games on PC, I use the NSO N64 controller. Was it really worth the $50? Probably not, but I'm a sucker for the original N64 pad, and it's nice to have it be plug and play ready, at least with Retroarch I've had very few issues. Even the recent Star Fox 64 decompilation (recompilation? I'm not sure which it is) just picks it up with no issues, though with Ship of Harkinian, I had to run it through Steam for their handy controller support.

 

[Ikagura]

I enjoy the retrofighters brawler64 controller!

Are D-pad N64 games nice to play with?

 

[Eckori]

Are D-pad N64 games nice to play with?

I think so personally, I've played Dark Rift, Kirby, and some others and its been good!

 

[Ikagura]

I think the Super Pad is one of the absolute best 3rd party N64 controllers. For playing N64 games on PC, I use the NSO N64 controller. Was it really worth the $50? Probably not, but I'm a sucker for the original N64 pad, and it's nice to have it be plug and play ready, at least with Retroarch I've had very few issues. Even the recent Star Fox 64 decompilation (recompilation? I'm not sure which it is) just picks it up with no issues, though with Ship of Harkinian, I had to run it through Steam for their handy controller support.

I'm wondering why Microsoft doesn't have a built-in pad API for X-input and D-input...

I'm not sure about the shape that went from trident to one tooth.

I think so personally, I've played Dark Rift, Kirby, and some others and its been good!

Good to know.

I've never heard of Dark Rift but I'd love to try Mischief Makers with that Xbox shaped N64 pad.

 

[Don Patch]

IMO, for that original feel I'd stick with an original if you can find one and use something like this.

 

[TomoyoDaidouji]

I enjoy the retrofighters brawler64 controller!

I love this controller but the Z triggers make my fingers feel so weird. I guess you would call it spongy? I really wish they just clicked in like buttons.

 

[Graw]

are some examples I've found:

This is the only one in your examples I've actually used and I remember hating it a lot.

I've also used this one before:

And I remember also hating it a lot.

Maybe newer ones are better but 3rd party controllers from the time the n64 was around tended to be a lot shittier than real n64 controllers.

 

[What's His Face]

This is the only one in your examples I've actually used and I remember hating it a lot.

I've also used this one before:
View attachment 45474
And I remember also hating it a lot.

Maybe newer ones are better but 3rd party controllers from the time the n64 was around tended to be a lot shittier than real n64 controllers.

I really liked that one! Until it literally fell apart in my hands while playing Ridge Racer 64.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's iconTamagotchiTamaHero24]

From my experience personally, any N64 third party controller made during the 90’s is not worth paying attention to, unless it’s a racing wheel. N64 sticks as well… much as they suck, they have more travel than later sticks. What this means is that it can negatively effect the gameplay of certain games to play them with GameCube type sticks, with F-Zero X being the worst game for that kind of thing (it’s one of my favorites, so I’m more critical of it).

 

[Eckori]

I love this controller but the Z triggers make my fingers feel so weird. I guess you would call it spongy? I really wish they just clicked in like buttons.

Yeah I totally know what you mean about the spongy!

 

[NeonKnights]

From my experience personally, any N64 third party controller made during the 90’s is not worth paying attention to, unless it’s a racing wheel. N64 sticks as well… much as they suck, they have more travel than later sticks. What this means is that it can negatively effect the gameplay of certain games to play them with GameCube type sticks, with F-Zero X being the worst game for that kind of thing (it’s one of my favorites, so I’m more critical of it).

Very good point about the the amount of travel.
This is why I can't use anything other than a first party controller. Especially since many games relied on this for precise movement. It's also my pet theory as to why certain N64 games get a bad rap such as Castlevania 64. One of the reasons for this I think is the overlooked element of the state of their analog stick/3d party controller. I found when playing this game with an original controller with a tight stick I had none of the issues others were having. My guess is this was due to imprecise inputs on their part from a loose analog stick or one with a dead zone. I would recommend the hori, usb chori pad or usb adaptor.
However for those looking for other options besides first party check out smash64's controller guide. It goes into detail on many third party controllers, even testing and repairing analog sticks.

 

[SpikeSlania]

Funny enough when I was a kid I preferred the Super Pad over the first party controllers. But somewhat feel like it had a stores name on the controller instead of Super Pad but can't remember which one. If I was to choose a controller now days for the N64 I am a sucker for 8bitdo designs.

 

[Nidstang]

The Saffun Wireless.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D7C63DKD?smid=A3G5L1TZBXW2I3&th=1

MisterAddons did a shootout comparing pretty much all the 3rd party N64 controllers available, and the Saffun Wireless came out on top. You can check his post out on it:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1763225866048242037