If there's one controller that has left its mark on gamers, it's the Nintendo 64. With its three ‘arms’ and central joystick, it's often been mocked, but it's nonetheless iconic in the world of video games. It was also one of the first mainstream offerings of a joystick of this type.

However, users of this console will no doubt remember a well-known flaw: its joystick. After a certain period of use, the joystick would present problems, such as an enlarged dead zone or malfunctions that prevented the joystick from returning to its initial position.

You might think that this is a problem that no longer concerns us in 2024, but think again. The Super Smash Bros. competitive scene remains very active, and the speedrunner community continues to tackle iconic Nintendo 64 titles. These activities require intensive use of the controller, putting the joystick to a severe test.

With this in mind, a group of modders have set themselves the task of solving this problem. Their aim: to reproduce as faithfully as possible the components of the original controller, in particular its unusual joystick design.

"Last year, I spent hundreds of hours of my life and thousands of dollars to effectively recreate the original N64 controller, as close as possible to Nintendo's OEM specifications," explains RockerGaming. "Once that goal was achieved, I began modifying the module to bring it up to modern standards."

The ambition of these enthusiasts is to design a Nintendo 64 controller that offers the same precision as the original version, while using modern, more resistant materials. Their product would be capable of meeting the demands of Smash Bros. competitions and speedrunners.

In a recent post on X, RockerGaming gave an update on the progress of its project, dubbed the ‘Renaissance Project’, which appears to be well underway. The moulds needed to produce the parts are currently being adjusted, a painstaking process requiring precision to within a third of the thickness of a human hair.

Some parts have already been sent to speedrunners for comfort and reliability tests. The ultimate aim is clear: to offer controller components that are "good enough for professionals and affordable enough for enthusiasts ".

Photos: RockerGaming