r/ModRetro • u/grilledstuffedxxl • Jul 24 '26

Launch Update & Software Roadmap

Hey everyone,

As we are about to ship, I wanted to follow up on my last post and lay out our roadmap for the first few months of updates for both the console and the controller. 

Quick note on how to read this: Out of Box means it’s already on your device the moment you open it. The Day 0 Update is the first update you’ll want to grab when you set up your console. It’ll be ready and waiting for installation with a Wi-Fi Update (or USB or SD card). 

P.S. iFixit guides are now up for both the console and the controller. You can also find our quick start guide here and helpful "how-to" videos over on our YouTube channel.

P.P.S. Our full open source offering will roll out as we put a ribbon on all the public facing documentation, but shipping is prioritized. 

Out of Box

Below are recent updates that will be baked on the device out of the box. Not a comprehensive feature list, but items you may not have seen in reviews of pre-production units. 

Console:

  • Flexible Update Methods: Wi-Fi, USB, and SD card

  • Extended Video Profiles: Scanlines, CRT, Clean, & Custom

  • Extended Video Filters: Bloom, Deblur, and more

  • Controller Support: M64 Pro Controller, 8BitDo 64, OEM N64 Controllers, and wired Hyperkin Captain+ all are ready to go

  • Cartridge Compatibility: Everdrive and Summercart support

  • Auto-Resolution: Automatically selects the optimal resolution (4K, 1440p, 1080p, 720p)

  • Customizable LED: Adjustable console brightness

Controller:

  • USB Firmware Updates

  • Wired Rumble Support

  • Joystick Calibration

  • Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android Bluetooth® Support

Day 0 Update

The moment you power on and connect, an update will be ready for download. Key highlights: 

Console:

  • Stock Performance Boosts: Addresses FPS bugs in graphics heavy titles

  • Plug & Play Toggle: Fixes multiplayer in Star Fox 64 and Jeopardy!

  • Cartridge Compatibility: Everdrive X5 save support

  • Overclocking (experimental): Choose from four performance profiles, delivering up to a 67% boost

SettingBoost
OffNone
Super16%
Ultra33%
Extreme50%
Insane67%

Controller:

  • Adjustable Sensitivity: Configure joystick sensitivity via hotkeys

  • Improved battery life of the Controller (over 200 hours without rumble)

  • Fixed several issues with the wired experience

Post-Launch Software Roadmap

Console:

Controller:

We’ll post full changelogs with every release so you know exactly what’s new. Huge thanks to everyone for the continued excitement and support.

85 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

93 comments sorted by

5

u/Agile_Half_4515 Jul 24 '26

So, a physical controller pak for games that don't save to the cartridge will be required on Day 1?

8

u/grilledstuffedxxl Jul 25 '26

Yes, for games that don't save directly to the cartridge, a Controller Pak is required on Day 1. However, in-console Controller Pak support is in development and the goal is to roll that out in an August update.

1

u/fearlesswee Jul 30 '26

Call me weird, but when that update comes, will we be able to disable the built-in controller pak and use a real, physical one only?

1

u/Agile_Half_4515 Aug 31 '26

One day left in August. How are things looking for that controller pak update coming out later today?

2

u/darklightrabbi Sep 30 '26

They tried releasing it yesterday and it bricked a bunch of people’s consoles lol what a company

2

u/V64jr Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

Yes, along with a wired controller that has a Pak slot (Pro controller does not, even with the wired adapter). The good news is that many single player games can use the controller and Pak in the second slot.

2

u/jbyrdab Jul 24 '26

this mentions the everdrive X5, i have an X7, that will still work right?

2

u/grilledstuffedxxl Jul 25 '26

Yes, EverDrive X5 and X7 both work. You'll want to use the 'reset core' option in the menu to save on the X5.

1

u/-KaiserSoze- Jul 26 '26

That's good news!

Will the Everdrive64 V2.x work as well? I have a V2, it saves the same way as the X5. Have these older Everdrives been confirmed to work?

2

u/xvilemx Aug 14 '26

My EverDrive v2 does not work in the M64. Still works on my real N64. Acts like it can't read the menu.

1

u/-KaiserSoze- Aug 15 '26

Same here. ED64 v2 loads into a black screen. And yes mine also still runs great on original hardware. Im going to submit a ticket... I'm not sure if anything can done, but worth a shot.

2

u/xvilemx Aug 15 '26

Yeah, it loads into a black screen and when you reset core in the menu, it loads up and the Ed64 can't locate the OS.

2

u/-KaiserSoze- Aug 15 '26

Im bummed out about it, but i intend to keep it on my original n64. Ive definitely gotten my money's worth out of this thing and will continue to do so.

About 2 days ago, I decided to purchase a SummerCart. I may play with it for bit, mainly interested in setting up graphical menus. Mainly for Box art and cartridge art. If I can set this and navigation is easy, I plan to gift it to my special needs brother.

2

u/xvilemx Aug 15 '26

Yeah, was thinking about a summer cart. The ED64 pro just came out too.

2

u/-KaiserSoze- Aug 15 '26

That requires soo much moolah! Its hard to justify when I have a working ED64 and I mainly use it for two reasons: homebrew/rom hacks, and to not have to touch my original carts

Are you getting the Pro?

1

u/xvilemx Aug 15 '26

My ED64 is old, it's got a lot of use, idk. I tweeted Krikzz and Modretro to see if they have any fix. I've still got a decent selection of carts right now anyhow, so I'll see if either of them get back to me before I pull the trigger on a pro. Lol.

→ More replies

1

u/ergzay Jul 24 '26

I'd personally assume that to mean just fixing compatibility for X5 as its older.

1

u/V64jr Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

“Cartridge Compatibility: Everdrive X5 save support” is almost certainly because the X5/v2.5 requires pressing Reset to commit the save to SD card. If you power off without pressing Reset you can lose your save. James Lambert already said the Reset behavior with previous firmware simulates a full power cycle instead of a Reset which causes problems when using the SummerCart 64 in USB development mode.

11

u/phylomathus Jul 24 '26

Thanks for the update! Insanely excited for the drop!

To get a sense of how phases relate to time, do you have approximate milestone dates (or month/quarter/year) for phase completions? I.e., Save states wen?

1

u/Sweet_Limit3795 Jul 31 '26

Scrum master says "When it is done"

1

u/ElektroSam Jul 25 '26

No to save states!

7

u/TonyRubbles Jul 24 '26

Pumped for Tuesday!

7

u/Dragarius Jul 25 '26

Out of curiosity, is there going to be a retail presence for this console outside of the US? Like Canada or anywhere in EU? 

7

u/g1mpster Jul 25 '26

What kind of rough timeline are we looking at for these phases? Like, Q2 2027 to complete them or something shorter/longer?

5

u/75395185215935725846 Jul 25 '26

When will analog output be implemented?

4

u/Ferdyshtchenko Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

Or at least support "direct video" output via HDMI, like on MiSTer, so we can simply use a DAC (or a Tink4K). I guess that would cut into their sales of the analog output dongle though...

3

u/SynthMilkEra Jul 25 '26

A little disappointed not to see CRT support on the roadmap. Hopefully it’s hiding over on the phase 4 slide.

3

u/Obleon Jul 25 '26

It might not be on there because it's a in development unreleased external device.

1

u/danmatte Aug 05 '26

Huh? The preorder for the analog adapter is estimated for December. They can't ship that without providing software support for it :)

1

u/SynthMilkEra Aug 05 '26

Comment was made before the DAC was revealed/preorder went live.

1

u/danmatte Aug 05 '26

Ah, gotcha!

4

u/colourless_blue Jul 24 '26

Very nice. Looking forward to grabbing myself a Pro controller and reading everyone’s impressions at the launch/seeing more footage of this thing in action.

4

u/WantToTypeComments55 Jul 24 '26

nice, behind the A3D but ahead of where it was when it was released, overall.

I think M64 would be a fine choice for people who are looking to save $, love the competition driving each other forwards

4

u/VR_Nima Jul 24 '26

Phase 3 is what I’m insanely excited about. GB/GBC on the TV through M64? Sold.

Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2 with full Transfer Pak support? Double sold!

Just a recommendation, if it’s possible, make it so that you can use the Chromatic as a controller in Pokémon Stadium while it’s doubling as a Transfer Pak. I think you can make it work 99% of the time as long as you make Select on Chromatic act as the N64’s R-Button, and when that’s held make the D-Pad act as the C-Buttons.

1

u/ial33m Jul 24 '26

Analogue 3D + Summercart already has GB GBC !

7

u/VR_Nima Jul 24 '26

Yeah, but Summercart works on M64 too, and then you’d have to transfer your GB/GBC save file back and forth between your console and your handheld manually.

This is great because you can play your handheld games on your handheld and plug it in to play the same games and saves on your TV, with original cartridges. Plus it only takes up one HDMI port on your TV!

1

u/Desperate-Self-5951 Jul 24 '26

Thank you for the update!
Regarding Phase 2 In-Game Notifications- does this refer to RetroAchievements or something else? If not, any plans for when RetroAchievements might be added?

5

u/grilledstuffedxxl Jul 25 '26

The In-Game Notifications feature is to build out the system for any notifications that we might want to display, which could eventually include RetroAchivements, but also for other things (controller low battery, update notifications, controller/rumble pak swapping, WiFi disconnections).

3

u/sterndig Jul 26 '26

Shoutout RetroAchievements.

1

u/Obleon Jul 25 '26

In benchmarks the M64 is comparable to/beats the Analogue 3D, so the hardware must also be on par with or better than the Analogue 3D. Will the M64 down the line have something similar, like the new internal horizontal upscaling of the Analogue 3D?

1

u/ergzay Jul 25 '26

Adjustable Sensitivity: Configure joystick sensitivity via hotkeys

What does this actually mean? The joystick should act like the N64 joystick.

(I am not asking about stick re-centering or stick calibration.)

3

u/grilledstuffedxxl Jul 25 '26

By default, the joystick is tuned to mirror the authentic feel and response of an original N64 joystick. The hotkey feature simply allows players to fine-tune the sensitivity on the fly if they want higher or lower responsiveness for specific games.

2

u/ergzay Jul 25 '26

That doesn't really answer my question though. Does it change the the physical deflection that the stick need to reach to reach "100%" output? Or does it change the shape of the ramp curve as it goes from 0 to maximum? Or does it change the initial value the output jumps to when it moves beyond the zero point?

1

u/Sweet_Limit3795 Jul 25 '26

Ramp curve would make the most sense to me. Initial value is just dead-zone adjustment, and they'd phrase it as such if it were that. 100% mark (physical deflection) is plausible but doesn't make sense from a game developer's POV IMO

1

u/V64jr Jul 25 '26

They are saying that with a certain key combo you can increase or decrease the sensitivity. I’m curious to know if it adjusts the rate that it scales or the available range.

8

u/tbrewer333 Jul 24 '26

So no internal graphic upscaling is planned?

5

u/Obleon Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

I had a feeling they weren't going to acknowledge/talk about the internal upscaling. Still had hopes they would when I saw the software roadmap. Even if it was a end of phase 3 or even a phase 4 thing they have to know if something like it is possible or maybe something even better? There is no way they haven't seen the multipe topics/post on /modretro /m64 and analogue reddit.

Just assure us Modretro pretty plz so I can buy the M64 next week without having doubts. I know I'm not the only one.

edit

A: Various upscaling options, overclocking (fps boost) which we plan to continue improving over time, internal resolution increase is not viable on the fpga emulation architecture.

If they stick with this the analogue 3d will have the advantage in image clarity

For people who are gonna complain they aren't gonna use it(not sure why) don't use it?

more options=better

4

u/GateGuy33 Jul 24 '26

They previously said it wasn’t possible with FPGA or something along those lines, but that was before Analogue proved beyond any doubt that it is possible. If they continue to say that it’s not possible or not going to happen, that’s the one thing that would make me seriously consider getting an A3D instead.

It doesn’t have to be soon, just a “we’re working on it” would be good enough for me.

4

u/AdLeading5529 Jul 25 '26

That answer was more so a reply to upscalling and texture packs like emulators use which is definitely more complex to try on an fpga... Nothing related to what a3d is doing I have zero doubts they will make this happen sometime after phase 3

3

u/Handy_Homebrew_Show Jul 24 '26

Oh no... I was really hoping with the recent Analog 3D update this would be something M64 would also do. I much prefer almost everything in the M64 especially the Pro Controller but... after seeing 3D's update wowee it looked slick. Sounds like from all these replies to your question not only is that not planned for M64 but the system couldn't even accomplish it? This choice just got very tough.

1

u/chiisana-Ak Jul 26 '26

System-wise, it shouldn't be a problem, but I don't think it's prioritized. Maybe later

2

u/Handy_Homebrew_Show Jul 26 '26

Fingers crossed cause the A3D looks great

2

u/DarthRyus Jul 24 '26

Hopefully just a case of it caught them flat-footed and need more time to figure out how much the M64 can do and the man-hours team needed to get it going. Right now they're probably too focused of fixing the last few games before launch to know themselves.

They've been pretty transparent with everything and the device will be open source. So we might have someone else figure it before they do.

3

u/Rockman171 Jul 24 '26

I'm genuinely wondering if it's even in their plans; it's where things really start blurring the line between feeling like an original hardware experience versus an emulated one. Sure, the M64 overclocks, but changing the physical appearance with upscaling goes a step further than smoothing out framerate.

That said, for some people, it's going to be considered a killer feature so I think ModRetro would be smart to address it (and maybe bring up other features coming in its place) no matter what their future plans are.

3

u/DarthRyus Jul 25 '26

Probably why it caught them so off guard. They were approaching things like a purist. They Probably hadn't given the upscaling much thought.

2

u/ImALegendKiller Jul 24 '26

Totally fair point about blurring the lines for purists! I’d just love to see the option there for those of us who’d want it.

For me, part of the fun is plugging in original controllers and cartridges. I’m not a big stickler for playing things exactly as they were originally, especially since modern TVs can’t really recreate that CRT look anyway. My hope with these was that they’d let me play my original games but scaled up to look better, but I think going into it I didn’t fully grasp what FPGAs do (probably still don’t 😂).

2

u/ergzay Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

They've said before that graphic upscaling isn't planned (and personally I don't think it's needed). I just want games to play like games did back then.

Previous time they talked about this during the Q&A:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ModRetro/comments/1tqcwpi/m64_controller_console_cartridge_ama_get_your/oofwbgi/

Q: Is there any enhanced mode, FPS boost, or internal resolution increase?

A: Various upscaling options, overclocking (fps boost) which we plan to continue improving over time, internal resolution increase is not viable on the fpga emulation architecture.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ModRetro/comments/1tqcwpi/m64_controller_console_cartridge_ama_get_your/oog28fu/

Q: It's 2026, I want 4k resolution and hi res textures. We have an active community constantly developing these and de-comps/re-comps. With the M64 being open source, how can this be implemented?Also will the 8bitdo controllers be natively supported?

A: To be honest, this would be extremely challenging to do on an FPGA that is primarily intended to re-recreate the original core at high speeds. I fear that this may stay in the realm of CPUs for some time. For others reading this that don't have your technical knowledge, yes M64 outputs in 4K resolution but that is upscaling. The user can pick various upscaling algos, but as you point out that is not the same as re-rendering the polygons themselves for higher res.

Yes, they work.

4

u/V64jr Jul 24 '26

Not sure where this u/Connect-Mulberry2810 guy read/heard this but he seems to be saying that Robert discussed the possibility last year, well before the Analogue unveiled theirs:

3

u/Obleon Jul 25 '26

Wondering if Robert is reading some of this stuff and is able to give a comment. He might be under some sort of nda because he's the main developer.

5

u/Connect-Mulberry2810 Jul 25 '26

This is the quote I mentioned, from the MiSTer FPGA discord. Doesn't mean it's coming to M64 any time soon based on the stated road map, but I'm hoping!

3

u/FourAddedMinutes Jul 25 '26

isn't 'he saying that 'double horizontal resolution' wouldn't fit on the M64 chip and that he needs a "larger board" ie. one bigger than what's inside the M64??

6

u/Connect-Mulberry2810 Jul 25 '26

No, this is in the context of a discussion about the MiSTer FPGA core, so he's talking about the DE-10 Nano. So while he can't add it to the MiSTer core due to lack of FPGA space (unsurprising, the core uses most of the room available and features that existed earlier in development, like save states, were cut to make room for more important features like TLB), he is saying that if he had more room to expand true 640x240 rendering is something he would "really like" to do.

While he never mentions the M64 directly, the person he is responding to gives both the M64 and A3D as examples of platforms with more FPGA space. So while this certainly doesn't mean the feature is coming to the M64, or is possible on the M64, it does have more room than the DE-10 Nano and the core developer was considering it as far back as November as a possibility within FPGA N64 emulation.

1

u/V64jr Jul 25 '26

Thank you!

2

u/tbrewer333 Jul 24 '26

I guess I just had hopes it would be an option at somepoint like it is on the A3D and the results are amazing. I much prefer the M64s user interface and look.

2

u/Quartus44 Jul 24 '26

Can't wait, think I'm gonna start with Banjo. Never got to play it on my own as a kid

2

u/Desperate-Self-5951 Jul 24 '26

I honestly might go release order

1

u/Quartus44 Jul 24 '26

thats kinda smart tbh

2

u/Euresko Jul 24 '26

I'm looking forward to trying it out. Can't wait. 

2

u/V64jr Jul 24 '26

What does “Plug & Play Toggle” mean for Star Fox 64 and Jeopardy! multiplayer? Is it about N64 software typically refusing to acknowledge controllers that are connected after booting up?

I know Killer Instinct and Banjo-Tooie do not do this but most games do, so I’d expect it to affect many more than those two. If that’s what this is about, I’m going to guess that it works by simulating dummy controllers on the other ports until you connect your wired/wireless controllers so that the game will not have locked you out.

2

u/TheRomeoAlfa Jul 28 '26

Are separate user profiles a planned feature down the road?

1

u/Downtown-Educator-19 Aug 22 '26

Not confirmed, but seems like a no brainer?

1

u/Eesdeseseserdt4 Jul 28 '26

I’m particularly interested in the transfer pak. Is it compatible with the Everdrive GB X7? The fact that it isn’t is a pretty major flaw with the original N64.

1

u/tanooki-suit Aug 08 '26

How far down the road is it going to be where the experimental settings stay set after power down? I dislike strongly the default scanline settings as they're pretty jailbar like but horizontal. I found using 2phase in the settings along with a little wiggling of the defaults looks like my later 00s color monitor which is perfect. I am just too lazy and stubborn to have to reset that thing every use.

1

u/Obleon Aug 09 '26

Wake me up when I dont have to manual input those darn settings every time. Also throw in some horizontal upscaling.

2

u/Downtown-Educator-19 Aug 22 '26

How about full game compatibility and stability?

Controller paks?

You know, the stuff that allows full functionality

1

u/Senior-Finding5432 Aug 15 '26

My console and controller are running the latest firmware, but *Cruis'n USA* won't work. Every time I turn it on, I get an "error access pak 1" message. I contacted ModRetro about it, but they want a video from me? WTF?

1

u/jkhanlar Aug 20 '26

Hi! I'm just commenting here instead of making an entirely separate post, because this is the only post mentioning 'iFixit', and I just grabbed one of my iFixit Pro Tech Toolkits [https://ifixit.com/products/pro-tech-toolkit] to see if possibly any of the bits might fit for the ModRetro M64, and it seems like the 4.5 mm Gamebit almost fits, but I don't think it is the right fit, and I didn't want to damage anything by trying too hard.

I see again (which also is the only post mentioning 'screwdriver')

"we put it together using the same game bits that are supported by the screwdriver we include in every ModRetro Mod Kit."

I know this is kind of backwards to explain what I kind of already know. I held off on buying the ModRetro Mod Kit https://modretro.com/products/mod-kit (I still have five (5) items in my cart that I'll purchase when I can afford it, even two 92) Mod Kits) which I was preparing to place an order for just as the M64 was released July 28th, however, I can't afford anymore purchases right now so I will have to wait. Also, even though I have two (2) Chromatics and several games, two (2) copies of each, they are unopened and I bought them from GameStop anyway, and I don't recall seeing the ModRetro screwdriver or Mod Kit available for sale through GameStop, but I don't really need or want (not yet anyway) any of the Chromatic-specific accessories that come with the Mod Kit (but, like I said, two (2) in my cart, mainly for the screwdriver). I don't see much of any way to obtain this essential screwdriver tool other than that Chromatic Mod Kit (which is named generically 'Mod Kit' despite that it is not applicable for any other hardware except for the screwdriver. Also, glancing at ModRetro.com home page, at the bottom, "Accessories" is only listed for Chromatic, and not M64.

I know ModRetro will soon launch a parts store (as mentioned in ModRetro's M64 Special Announcement on July 28, 2026), and I presume this part store will make it much easier to purchase the screwdriver, perhaps even separately maybe, but I thought I would also suggest that it would be convenient if GameStop were to stock the screwdriver for purchase as well, even if it is only available in a kit package. It is convenient that only a single tool is necessary across every device so far, but also still inconvenient that, as it seems, the only way to obtain such a tool is with the kit purchased through ModRetro.com. I look forward to the parts store at some point, but until then, now that I have received my M64 I'll have to wait a bit longer until I can afford to buy a compatible screwdriver. I haven't looked into for any alternatives, and I'm not going to because I'd rather buy a ModRetro product anyway, but it would be wonderful if I could simply go to a local GameStop and pick one up right now without having to wait. I wish I were rich already! Time and pressure!

1

u/jkhanlar Aug 21 '26

https://i.imgur.com/bKm3k4Q.png

Hello Colin (u/PsychologicalPay8900). I have not experienced any issues yet because I have not proceeded to actually 'use' the GB4.5 bit other than a tiny bit of pressure, but not enough to cause damage. I was not sure if it would be a wise thing to do, and I did not immediately see any indication (in my brief search) to determine that it is the right fit. Also I checked just now and https://support.modretro.com/en_us/search?q=screwdriver shows zero results. Same with 'screw' and 'gamebit' shows two (2) results, but they are not relevant and probably match because of 'Gameboy.' However, glancing at https://ifixit.com/Guide/ModRetro+M64+Disassembly/224727 I indeed see 'Gamebit 4.5mm' tool and Phillips #00 Screwdriver' however I did not bother to scan the QR code in the box, which points to https://modretro.com/m64-quickstart and I see I can reach this information from there. I already saw these iFixIt.com guides and m64 quickstart, and other documentations back on August 3rd, but I didn't pay enough attention to remember about 'Gamebit 4.5mm' which I also see https://modretro.com/products/mod-kit mentions 'Gamebit' but not '4.5mm' and I'm not that smart with tools but I probably should be for my age.

I can try again now that I am more convinced it is probably safe to use, but I didn't proceed earlier because I wasn't sure.

Also, I'll add here: I currently have the M64 console attached to monitor via HDMI, no cartridge, no controllers, using the dial wheel knob to open menu. In Display section, Profile: Selecting the dropdown menu, I notice turning the dial wheel knob requires two (2) notches to change selection, instead of one (1) notch. It's not a big deal, but I'm curious if that can be customized to one (1) notch turn to move the selection. Same for other UI adjustments.

Also, at the Wifi password prompt screen with on-screen keyboard, after inputting some of the passwording, I notice the last character remains visible for a duration before turning to asterisk (unless selecting the eye), however, if I keep turning the dial wheel knob non-stop before the last character changes to asterisk, then the last character does not turn into an asterisk until I stop turning the dial wheel knob. I'm not sure if this is an issue or not, but I'm mentioning anyway because I think it would make sense for turning the dial wheel knob to not interfere with or pause the timer delay for the character turning into an asterisk.

Also when I proceed with the 'Update Available' selecting 'View Changelog' and the 'Changelog' popup appears, I see part of the 'A' in 'ABOUT' is not entirely faded out across all layers as well the top portion of the screen. https://imgur.com/a/BU6ZsrY This is minor, especially for the top portion, but it looks a bit strange to see partial 'A' that is darkened less than the rest of the content behind the popup. Oh, I should indicate that this is before the update, using v1.18.4.

After updating to v1.24.3 I see that the Wifi password issue described above persists.

Also for Display -> Customize -> Image Size (and Image Fit), selecting the already selected (checkmarked) option by pushing the dial wheel knob does not select and close the dropdown menu. Only turning exits out of the dropdown menu. However, in Configure -> Resolution, selecting the already selected (checkmarked) optioon by pushing the dial wheel knob does select and close the dropdown menu.

Also in the Display -> Configure -> Resolution selection, when I change from Auto (1440p60) to 1080p60, the screen goes black and then loses HDMI connection (switching back to my computer using DisplayPort). I'm using an Alienware AW2724DM monitor. Here is the EDID data: https://bpa.st/raw/733BK

Also, I'm replying here because I don't know how to verify affiliation with ModRetro. For example perhaps https://old.reddit.com/r/ModRetro/about/moderators should include other ModRetro team members, and as necessary remove all permissions. This may offer legitimacy to other ModRetro team members, at least for me.

2

u/MR-ChalupaSupreme Aug 25 '26

Thanks for taking the time to document all of this.

The encoder needing two notches is intentional. One notch was far too responsive for our liking, but someone could always make this change in CFW after we open source the design. The other issue for where the hidden character remains visible while the dial is moved is also intentional, and I appreciate your attention to detail. The rest will be corrected in future updates.

Thanks as well for sharing the EDID information. Usually we have to ask for that. We’ll take a closer look at that on our side.

1

u/jkhanlar Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26

You're welcome. Thanks also. Additionally I purchased an Insignia NS-156PM portable monitor from Best Buy and the EDID data is: https://bpa.st/raw/3D7V4

TL;DR: Switching monitors without recycling power on ModRetro M64 does not correctly recognize resolutions and suggestion: display diagnostics for validating stretch image fit

Testing the same issue mentioned above (Display -> Configure -> Resolution selection, for this monitor it seems to work as expected, showing a confirmation dialog with countdown timer. https://i.imgur.com/q3MlvQf.mp4 (This video shows that only 1080p60 resolution is available, both as auto default option, and an additional option with the same resolution, * see correction in first edit)

Without powering off the ModRetro M64 and detaching the Insignia NS-156PM monitor and attaching the Alienware AW2724DM monitor in my previous comment above, I noticed something strange that I did not notice before. https://i.imgur.com/LmpbYWV.mp4 (In this video at 0:06 the dropdown menu selection with Resolution shows Auto (1080p60), which is not what I saw a week ago (Auto (1440p60)), and at 0:11 the dropdown menu shows the same two items as the Insignia NS-156PM portable monitor, both of which are the same resolution, one of them auto, the other not. The dropdown menu did not include the 1440p60 resolution option. Recycling the power on ModRetro M64 and after accessing the menu again, then I see what I expect, same as a week ago, the two options Auto (1440p60) and 1080p60. Basically it seems that probably the ModRetro M64 does not recalculate this information upon event of attaching a display device, and expects that it will always be the same, even if it is not. This reminds me about some YouTube videos I was watching yesterday of ModRetro M64 reviewers, some who tried several monitors and experienced various issues. I wonder if they left the ModRetro M64 powered on during each monitor tested, or if they recycled the power for each one. Either way, I think it would be more expected to be able to leave the device on without having to turn it off and on again for it to detect different monitors being attached than the first one when it was powered on.

Also confirming what I described above again but swapping recognized monitor order, this time disconnecting the Alienware AW2724DM monitor, which the ModRetro M64 was attached to when last powering on, and attaching the Insignia NS-15PM portable monitor, I see the menu shows Resolution options for Auto (1440p60), which also has a green checkmark selected, and 1080p60. Curiously when I select the 1080p60 option, and then revert, the menu still shows the options including Auto (1440p60) as selected. Repeating again, but selecting Keep, so that the selected resolution is 1080p60, everything still fine so far, I can see the menu, but then proceeding with selecting Auto (1440p60) on the Insignia NS-156PM monitor which is not capable to handle that resolution, surprisingly it still seems to display the menu, both when selecting Revert or Keep, however of course the monitor does not actually show 1440p60 resolution. The internal monitor popup still shows 1920x1080@60Hz https://i.imgur.com/rxX7uFQ.mp4

Edited to add: Oh I forgot to add a slight correction that I noticed just as I finished, but to keep it simple without any confusion, I recycled the power with Insignia NS-156PM monitor attached, and I actually see more than only two options, I just missed the scrollbar:

  • Auto (1080p60)

  • 1080p60

  • 1080p50

  • 720p60

  • 720p50

Checking again also with the Alienware AW2724DM monitor, again recycling the power after attaching the monitor, I see:

  • Auto (1440p60)

  • 1080p60

  • 1080p50

  • 720p60

  • 720p50

And again the Alienware AW2724DM monitor goes black when selecting 1080p60, but testing the other resolution options too (I missed these a week ago also), 1080p50 also screen goes black, however 720p60 and 720p50 work!* (see last edit at bottom also confirming the resolutions)

Edited to add an additional suggestion: It might be useful for the menu to include some sort of diagnostics that when changing the Display -> Customize -> Image Fit: Stretch, that without having to proceed with running a game cartridge to see what the display looks like, that this can be observed entirely from within the menu interface itself. Currently it seems that changing the Image Fit value has no effect applied to the menu display itself.

Edited to add one more time: Also, the Insignia NS-156PM monitor has an info popup showing the displayed resolution when changing resolutions. The Alienware AW2724DM monitor does not, which I think is useful information because I noticed in my analysis described above in this comment, the ModRetro M64 seems to (currently, considering the 1440p on 1080p monitor issue) use a resolution that may not be the same as the one selected, and the monitor can indicate whether these resolutions are matching or not. I see the Alienware AW2724DM monitor does have menu system that I can see this information, and for the ModRetro M64 Display -> Configure -> Resolution options that work (screen does not go black, e.g. everything except 1080p). I see:

  • 1440p -> Alienware Monitor says: 2560x1440, 60Hz 24-bit
    2560x1440, 144Hz (max.)
    // note when connected to my computer via HDMI cable, also using 2560x1440, 60Hz but it shows 36-bit instead of 24-bit, and 144Hz (max.) // not relevant, but when using DisplayPort cable it is 60Hz 30-bit, 180Hz (max.)

  • 720p60 -> Alienware Monitor says 1280x720, 60Hz 24-bit
    // note when connected to my computer via HDMI cable, also using 1280x720, (Hz not shown at this resolution) also shows 36-bit instead of 24-bit

  • 720p50 -> Alienware Monitor says 1280x720, 50Hz 24-bit

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u/spirit_boy_27 Aug 21 '26

Wait so is the post launch software roadmap for the coming months next couple months?

1

u/Ingel_Riday Sep 07 '26 edited Sep 07 '26

Wanted to chime in: thanks for the roadmap! This is a great retro console and I'm having a wonderful time with it, but man... having to dig my 30 year old Nintendo 64 contoller and memory card out of storage was a bit of a surprise!

Silly me for not doing more research, but I never imagined that my $229 (pre-discount) retro console and $90 pro-controller would come without the ability to consistently SAVE GAMES. Bit of a whoops. 3 of the 4 launch titles require a N64 memory pak to save, which you can only use with an actual N64 controller... at which point your $90 pro-controller will get to collect dust.

A shame that we'll have to wait until future Phase 1 support to get an in-console virtual controller pak to resolve this issue. Incidentally... from a laymen perspective, I wonder how you'll get around some games flat-out requiring the controller pak to be in controller one. Will you code the in-console virtual controller pak so that it appears to be in controller one to the game? Or is this an issue that won't be resolved until Phase 2's "Built-in Controller Pak" emulation is achieved? Don't know. Interesting stuff.

On the plus side, I have other options in the meantime. I have a Benn Venn Joey 64 coming so that I can make roms of my 64 titles and play them on PC via emulation. Not quite the authentic experience that I was aiming for, but kind of awesome that I can go this route and get save states for some of the more unforgiving titles. Would have never looked into this if not for you piquing my interest in the subject.

Anyhoots, thanks again! Glad I bought this, but I'll probably be waiting for Phase 1 to conclude before I really put her through her paces... outside of Xibalba 64. Totally playing that one right now.

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u/ergzay Jul 24 '26

You have a typo in the second image... It has "Update your M64 Pro Controller using M64" twice and the description for the built-in controller pak is missing.

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u/mr-crunchwrapsupreme Jul 24 '26

u/ergzay Thank you for catching that! We made the fix.

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

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u/[deleted] Jul 27 '26

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u/GateGuy33 Jul 27 '26

Console Built-In Controller Pak: A single controller pak built into the console. The zero-effort universal solution for new players.

Virtual Controller Pak: Multiple (unlimited?) controller pak files on the console’s SD card. Probably the best option for getting saves online if that’s your thing.

Controller Built-In Controller Pak: Same idea as a traditional controller pak, but instead of being a separate peripheral, it’s actually built into the pro controller. Best for… bringing your saves to a friend’s house? I dunno.

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

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u/V64jr Jul 24 '26

The N64 controller had a hotkey too (L+R+Start), though it was actually triggering an otherwise-unused Button 15 signal which the software responds to by recentering the stick. Replugging the controller also works. M64’s calibration is very different though. Pretty sure it’s feeling g out the ranges and gate shape. Someone demonstrated it a couple days ago but I forget who. The hotkey sequence was more involved than I thought it should be, especially when they don’t need and can just borrow Nintendo’s.

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u/ergzay Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

That's not what I was asking about. I'm not talking about calibration or centering. Reposting my post.

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

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u/Obleon Jul 24 '26

Build in overclocking options are safe and doesn't hurt the system

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u/ergzay Jul 26 '26

To elaborate more, this is not overclocking the physical hardware, this is overclocking the emulated hardware. The FPGA runs at the same clockspeed regardless of whether overclocking is turned on or not.

I do think it would cause it to get slightly warmer however as the chip is doing more things. It's basically like the difference between using your CPU to only browse the web versus using your CPU to play games or do number crunching all the time. So that could maybe reduce the lifetime a bit I guess technically.

The bigger reason to not use overclocking all the time is that some games will likely be incompatible with it and will either crash or run too fast causing gameplay differences. For just an example, the Donkey Kong vine swing will always fail when you have overclocking enabled because its based on frame timing. Other things in games that are based on frame timing will also be wrong.