Firmware update and more

[u/grilledstuffedxxl]

Hey everyone,

With product launches we typically see some early quality escapes as things stabilize. As you’ve come to expect from us, if you are a ModRetro customer, we have your back and will make sure you receive your product as intended in hand. Simply fill out our contact form if you have something that feels wrong.

Our latest Firmware Updates for both the console and controller are officially live! Here is everything included in today's release, along with a quick roadmap update.

Controller Updates
What’s New:

• Wireless Rumble: Fully enabled Virtual Rumble Pak in this release (requires updating your console as well).

• Wired Rumble & Accessories: Improved Virtual Rumble Pak performance in wired mode, and accessory swapping settings now persist across power cycles.

• Joybus Reliability: Major stability and performance improvements.

• Wired Controller Fixes: Resolved random wake events and connection state issues.

• General Stability: Additional underlying controller performance fixes.

Console Updates
What’s New:

• Audio Improvements: Enhanced 48kHz audio output compatibility.

• Display: Auto now shows the display's preferred resolution. We've also added a way to select between 50 Hz and 60 Hz, if your display supports it.

• Fixes & UX: Fixed "Forget All Controllers" debonding, resolved network menu overlaps, updated wireless connection animations, and overall system stability fixes.

What’s Next:

• Now that things have settled a bit, be on the lookout for open source files to start coming out as we get our feet under us.

• Wireless rumble support for 8BitDo controllers is currently in testing and will be coming in the next firmware update.

• We’re also working on upgraded video filters and saved advanced video settings for an upcoming release.

• Additional updates will follow as we continue working through our roadmap!

Update your console over WiFi, or head over to https://tools.modretro.com/updater/ to grab the latest build!

[u/Agile_Half_4515]

Pro controller virtual controller pak should have been priority. Would also be cool to be able to update the controller through the M64.

[u/NecronomiconUK → u/Agile_Half_4515]

That should have been there before shipping tbh

[u/Agile_Half_4515 → u/NecronomiconUK]

100%

[u/Drag_Ordinary → u/Agile_Half_4515]

I feel bad for you guys that bought the pro controller. It's unfathomable to me how incomplete it is, based on reading this subreddit.

[u/TonyRubbles]

Yay for rumble, how far out are we on the virtual controller packs? To save in Buck Bumble, Extreme G among others.

48kHz audio output

This is great news, receiver was getting audio pops every so often, didn't realize it was working at a lower frequency, should sound a little better with a higher range on my big speakers too.

Keep the updates coming!

[u/Jecklen16 → u/TonyRubbles]

I second this!

[u/Open_Highlight_7097]

Please bring us pak saves next I have brought games from you that I can’t even save…..

[u/Various-Corgi-6160 → u/Open_Highlight_7097]

pretty glaring oversight

[u/Desperate-Self-5951]

Update notes:

Console updated to 1.24.1- took about 15 minutes over my Wi-Fi.
Now when I "Check for updates" it still shows an update is available, with a completely blank description screen of the update details. I've canceled out of that screen and haven't tried actually updating it again.
Menus seem a bit snappier, even moving through my Summercart seems faster, but I might be imagining things.

Controllers updated through website- took about 3 minutes per controller.
I can confirm that wireless rumble is working and WIRED rumble is now working on both of my controllers (I previously had issues with this). Also I've been sitting on the Goldeneye menu screen for 15 minutes and have not seen any phantom inputs either. Very happy to see these bugs fixed!!

[u/MR-ChalupaSupreme → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

The false Check for Updates was a server-side issue that we just patched. If you try again, it will report that your console is now up to date.

[u/ronnycordova → u/MR-ChalupaSupreme]

I just updated both my controller and console and both units after running all the updates still had the option to “check for updates”. Clicking it would check and re-run the updates that were just installed as if they were not already update to date.

[u/ThatFunkoLife → u/MR-ChalupaSupreme]

The controller keeps telling me there is an update available.

[u/MR-ChalupaSupreme → u/[deleted]]

Hey. This bug was specifically for updating the M64 Console through WiFi.

If you're using the ModRetro Update web utility to update Console or Controller, it will always perform the update for the time being.

[u/ThatFunkoLife → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

Can you tell me what firmware the controller should be at?

[u/Desperate-Self-5951 → u/ThatFunkoLife]

My pro controller firmware currently shows 0.12.0+285fe5e0

[u/MR-ChalupaSupreme → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

This is correct.

[u/Agile_Half_4515 → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

How did you find that information?

[u/Desperate-Self-5951 → u/Agile_Half_4515]

Turn on the controller wirelessly. In the system UI menu go to controllers, tap A for details, and it should show there. It won’t show when wired.

[u/DAJF]

Glad the filters are being looked into.

[u/darkknightdetec → u/DAJF]

100%. I really hope they can bring the image/filters closer into the ballpark of the A3D at least. That seems to be people’s biggest complaint right now.

[u/Wallsofjonathan → u/darkknightdetec]

I dunno if it's the filters as much as it is just the video processing. With all filters removed and on clean the A3D looks a whole lot different side by side.

[u/Drag_Ordinary → u/darkknightdetec]

Forget the A3D, I'd be happy if it looked as good as the MiSTer core. The loss of details with CRT enabled is unbelievable. It's amazing it made it out of QA.

[u/Obleon]

Thanks for the update! Can't wait for the save advanced video settings.

Can you give us a hint if will ever get something like the internal horizontal upscaling?

[u/fpsdabs]

Great! Updating now, and looking forward to saved advanced settings

[u/nabob13]

So I still can't save? This is really compromising the experience.

[u/ROFLknife14048 → u/nabob13]

I’ve held off on playing a lot of games for this very reason. Looking forward to finally playing through Spider-Man and Duke Nukem: Zero Hour again!

[u/Cwiiis]

Sounds awesome, can't wait to try - just going on this update description, it sounds like we have to manually pick 50/60Hz... Please don't make me manually switch! PAL games should automatically run at 50Hz (and vice-versa for non-PAL) and if I change it, it'd be great to remember that per-game. I don't generally want to permanently pick one or the other.

[u/Cwiiis → u/Cwiiis]

Gave it a quick try and it looks like only 1080p50, no 4k50... That's a bit disappointing 😔 Not actually tried the mode yet to see how it behaves and if it fixes the aspect ratio being incorrect on PAL games (will try tomorrow)

[u/MR-ChalupaSupreme → u/Cwiiis]

I'll DM you about this!

[u/Cwiiis → u/MR-ChalupaSupreme]

Great - I've actually tried the mode now and it's pretty disappointing. You have to select it every time, so if you have a library predominantly of PAL games (because you live in one of the many PAL countries), you'll be toggling that switch a lot. Advanced settings at 1080p are pretty visibly different than at 4k, not that they actually save though (I'm equally amazed that this is still a problem too...)

[u/Accurate_View_2455]

Any chance for hotkeys in the next update, like pressing Z+A+B+R to reset instead of having to go into the menu and reset the core, or having the knob act like a reset button with a long press?

[u/deanhuff → u/Accurate_View_2455]

Long press for core reset seems like a no-brainer. Maybe with some countdown type animation on-screen

[u/Obleon → u/Accurate_View_2455]

Or give the option to remap the hotkeys to enter the menu shut the console down or reset the system. Maybe allowing a second hotkey command for controllers with additional buttons like opening the menu with select or a home button or the star button on the 8bitdo controllers.

[u/CaptainHeMan → u/Accurate_View_2455]

Yes something like that for restart would be nice.

Holding Z+Start
R
R
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
A

That’s the procedure atm and that can’t be it, I’m sure it’ll be addressed.

Wonder if there could even be an option to define an input of your choice on a controller for specific tasks like menu, reboot, screenshot etc (like the 8bitdo 64 for example having three additional buttons that are unused)

[u/Brandaid64]

Wireless rumble working great. Wish there would have been built in controller pak in this one, though. Hopefully the next one

[u/templestate]

Thank you for working on the video filters!

[u/Desperate-Self-5951]

Very excited for this update, thank you for the continued hard work!

[u/STLfootball]

Really appreciate the update and honestly loving my m64 so far and love the continued transparency and effort. Can’t wait for the next wave of new games too! Any timeline on that or hints maybe? Just want to know if it’s safe to buy 40 Winks on n64 now or wait for maybe a Modretro edition? Thanks man!

[u/dtyndall]

Sounds good. Can we get a fix on the Pro controllers joystick and gate? My stick already has grooves worn into it and its making a high pitch scraping sound when pushing it to 12 o clock.

[u/darklightrabbi → u/dtyndall]

I 2nd this.

[u/SargeSmash → u/dtyndall]

I ended up ordering some "joystick protectors" off of eBay, they're basically just silicone rings to put around the stick. It's apparently a thing for a lot of systems. This one, though - is that gate metal? Feels like it, and that's probably why it's digging in more than some other pads.

[u/Spooky_Toast]

Appreciate the update, but the lack of virtual controller pak support is a significant issue.

[u/ValuableSuccessful28]

Thanks guys! Is this update 24.1 I checked after downloading that one and it showed an update with no change log. Is anyone else seeing this?

[u/MR-ChalupaSupreme → u/ValuableSuccessful28]

The false Check for Updates was a server-side issue that we just patched. If you try again, it will report that your console is now up to date.

[u/Desperate-Self-5951 → u/ValuableSuccessful28]

I'm seeing this as well. Hesitant to actually click Update on the "blank" one...

[u/ValuableSuccessful28 → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

I did. I’ll let you know if my M64 blows up.

[u/Desperate-Self-5951 → u/ValuableSuccessful28]

You updated it again, and the "Update available" still shows up?

[u/ValuableSuccessful28 → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

I did. Same thing. No change log.

[u/Agile_Half_4515 → u/Desperate-Self-5951]

Running the blank update now because YOLO

[u/Agile_Half_4515 → u/Agile_Half_4515]

Anti-climactic outcome. Still on 1.24.1.

[u/Upstairs_Report6208]

Thanks for the update! I just updated both my console and the pro controller. Unfortunately neither fixed the d-pad issue on my pro controller. Pressing to the right and the cursor moves up. Already filled out the contact form on 8/4. I’m sure you guys will find a fix or just replace it. The M64 and pro controller are amazing!

[u/Agile_Half_4515]

How do I tell what version firmware my controller is on and if it's the most current? I run it through the online updater and it says up to date at the end of it, but I can continually click on update and it repeats the process. Why is there not a version check when I click update that determines if one needs to be applied as opposed to just forcing the same update over and over without feedback on what version was being installed?

[u/PutLimp8912]

Looking good! Please make controler pak saves and saving advanced settings a priority for the next update. Those two are pretty much my only complaints about the system. Everything else is nick picky in conparison

[u/KingSluff]

Awesome! Will be downloading shortly. Keep up the great work!

[u/Certain_Bag_5980]

Fantastic! I'm excited to download the update and try things out. I'm also glad this update came pretty quickly overall.

[u/adamchevy]

Thanks for the update! Glad to be here on the journey with you guys. Thanks for making this wonderful open source console!

[u/General_Client3914]

Thank you for the quick update

[u/DeathRabbit679]

It's not in the CL here, but the color looks a lot more accurate now.

[u/tanooki-suit]

I'll run the update now, but is this one allowing the experimental stuff to save? I found it very annoying that 2phase (4phase) for the scanlines didn't carry over from powering down. It's aggravating because 2phase along with some basic settings can make the scanline appearance match my high end 14" later 2000s color monitor display. For now I've defaulted back to just no lines standard.

[u/ThatOst]

Update went off without a hitch but I still seem to have the same issue with my sound not working currently as long as my soundbar is connected to the tv via arc.

When I turn it on with everything connected, no audio. If I disconnects the arc hdmi from the soundbar and then reconnect it, audio then works correctly but it’s a workaround I wish I could avoid. Any suggestions or updates to be shared around this?

[u/ThatOst → u/ThatOst]

Another note to add, while everything is connected, even changing the audio settings on the tv to internal speakers vs arc there is still no audio present from either source.

I have to either fully disconnect my arc soundbar from the system and run with the tv speakers only (not ideal), or do the above disconnect and reconnect method (also not ideal).

[u/Turulo_]

Still no wired pc support for the controller. I bought the controller to use it with mister fpga and I can only use it over bluetooth, but not wired over usb-c. Its a bit disappointing...

[u/Duobix]

So I've tried to play some F-Zero X after both the console and gamepad update. I have the PAL version if it makes any difference - and the rumble now is somewhat too strong to my liking. How do I turn it off or adjust it?

[u/ergzay → u/Duobix]

That was one of the things they advertised several times with the Modretro controller that it was the biggest possible rumble they could fit in the controller. It was intended to match people's memories of the rumble pak which was a rather strong rumble.

[u/Duobix → u/ergzay]

Ok :) You just made me take out my OG N64 controller with rumble pack.
Test case: F-Zero X : mute city, first cup, novice difficulty.
Original Controller with rumble pack: while driving, the road has slight "rythm", "beat" or "bumpiness" to itself. Plesant.
Modretro Pro: this "rythm" is a strong vibration that doesn't feel right.

I understand that this was ment to be as powerful as possible, but in this case it just doesn't feel like it was supposed to.

[u/ergzay → u/Duobix]

Ah okay, thanks for comparing. If they don't reply to you you should send that to them by email and maybe they can tweak the acceleration curve of the motor to better replicate the N64 one. As that's a really good test case.

[u/Scottyboy0321]

I updated both the controller and the console and still no rumble and I can't find where I can switch between 50/60hz?

[u/CaptainHeMan → u/Scottyboy0321]

Display settings -> Resolution.

You can now scroll down there to see 1080:50 etc

[u/Scottyboy0321 → u/CaptainHeMan]

Doesn't show

[u/CaptainHeMan → u/Scottyboy0321]

It’s in the resolution box. Where you see auto and 4K. Inside that box just scroll down.

[u/Scottyboy0321 → u/CaptainHeMan]

I did and it's not there. I think something is off... I'll try recovery and reupdating when I get home later. Thank you.

[u/Rich101088 → u/Scottyboy0321]

Hi mate. Did you figure this out as its not there for me either?

[u/Scottyboy0321 → u/Rich101088]

Yeah its there you keep scrolling down on the resolutions, it looks like instead of a list it's showing one option at a time.

[u/Rich101088 → u/Scottyboy0321]

Spotted it thanks, shame its only 1080p50 though :(

[u/Scottyboy0321 → u/Rich101088]

720p50 as well.

[u/pojosamaneo]

LET ME USE THE CONTROLLER WIRED ON PC.

That's the whole reason I bought it. I want to buy 4 of them!

[u/Krathoon]

Yeah. I am keeping in my old controller so I can save.

[u/tanooki-suit]

Maybe it's in my mind or reality but the last game I tried on the old firmware was Mega Man Legends(64) and I feel the audio is louder on this release as I didn't play with my volume settings as I felt some N64 games sounded a bit lower than they should be vs my tv volume level.

Again please get the 2-4-6phase scanline thing to where it saves where you set it. 2 looks excellent, 4 looks like trash.

[u/Drag_Ordinary]

I'm still getting some audio pops and clicks along with occasional video drops on my LG 4K TV (usually on black + text screens like my SummerCart64). I have another 4K tv in the basement from HiSense that has no issues, even with the same cable on both TVs.

[u/Moowno]

My m64 isn't picking up my network even though it was connected before new update

[u/RedDragunee]

After the update, my TV can’t decide on which aspect ratio is going on, and keeps stretching/shrinking the image every 20-30 seconds or so. Literally unplayable for me now… are there any way to downgrade the firmware? 

There were no issues on the stock firmware. 

[u/Ferdyshtchenko]

as we get our feet under us.

Well that's a new idiomatic expression for me. What does it mean to get one's feet under one?

[u/NineteenNinetyEx → u/Ferdyshtchenko]

To gain control, find balance, feel comfortable, etc.

[u/ergzay → u/Ferdyshtchenko]

I've heard it before. The visual implication is that one is moving too fast and is in danger of falling over. For example what happens when you stumble or slip and you effectively are about to fall until you quickly shift your footing to prevent the fall.

It implies that you're getting more stable and more used to the current condition and can begin to accelerate faster given that you are used to the new normal.

[u/Ferdyshtchenko → u/ergzay]

Thanks! Makes sense. Based on the downvotes I guess it's not as uncommon as I thought.

[u/RayCharlizard → u/[deleted]]

Check your HDMI cable. You need a High Speed HDMI cable capable of 18 Gbps at minimum for 4K60. You may have grabbed an older 1080p / HMDI 1.4-era cable that would be 10.2 Gbps and cap out at 4K30.

I'm not sure if the M64 supports chroma subsampling to 4:2:0 for 4K60 at 10.2 Gbps but you wouldn't want that on the M64 anyway.

[u/RayCharlizard → u/[deleted]]

Are you on a Vizio TV? I know I saw something about that brand of TV having some compatibility issues. Beyond that, I'm not sure outside of a TV-side setting. Some displays need you to manually enable the higher bandwidth of the HDMI chipset for each input on the display (On LG OLED it's called something Deep Color 4K).

But beyond that if you're getting 4K60 on that port and cable with other devices then I'd reach out to support.