Last time in the N64 controller series, I reviewed a Cheap $10 N64 Usb controller.
This time I will be reviewing probably the most popular modern N64 controller - the Brawler 64. In fact, this will be a 2-in-1 review, because I actually have two generations of this controller.
This isn't my first time with this brand, previously I reviewed the Retro Fighters NES controller. I thought it was really cool how a modern company was producing controllers compatible with retro systems, and while not perfect the Retro Fighters NES controller was pretty neat, so I felt pretty excited to pick up their take on the N64.
There were multiple options, but I picked up the cheapest option - Wired N64 controller for Windows / Switch, etc. See below:"
This one feels okay, not amazing. It feels pretty cheap, but so did the NES Fighters controller, so it's quality was pretty much what I was expecting. The shoulder buttons leave a bit to be desired, but I do like the modern format for the N64 controller, it's interesting to say the least.
But there was one huge problem: despite saying it was compatible with PC - both on the box & on the Amazon listing, it is in fact, not compatible. It did not work with my Windows 10 or Windows 11, at all. I suspect this might work for windows 8 or lower, but no idea TBH. I've seen other people have the same problem, so this was effectively useless for me.
I contacted Retro Fighters support about the issue - and they hooked me up. Without hesitation they reponding quickly & offered to ship me an upgrade to the wireless bluetooth version of their N64 controller! And the best part? It came in my favorite color of all time: Clear Teal!
Now this thing is awesome. I can see why people really like this one. It worked immediately, and had a noticeable improvement in quality and feeling. This thing feels rock solid like a first party controller. Pretty much everything was improved compared to both my previous Retro Fighter experiences.
This controller not only feels great in the hands, but it even has rumble built in, which the USB version lacked, and the $10 controller from the previous article also lacked.
Everything about this controller feels modern and great. Even the gated 8-way joystick feels nice.
I know this is boring, but I don't really have any complaints with this controller. If I had to be truly picky, I would note that the A, B, and C-buttons are really flat, which doesn't really feel like an N64 controller, not does it feel like most other controllers. Odd choice to make them flat, but they don't feel bad, necessarily. Just different.
But, this is still my second favorite N64 controller. For the story on my favorite PC based N64 controller, you'll have to check the next article in the series.
More shots:
