[https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-mod-kit-for-original-n64-controller](https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-mod-kit-for-original-n64-controller)

Howdy!

So, I've had my N64 mod kit pre-ordered since the new year.  I was generally excited, although noticed some mixed reception regarding the product in some parts, and glowing in others.  So, my expectations were tempered, to say the least.

Well, 8BitDo gave me the shipping notice the day before they went on holiday for the Lunar New Year, and suddenly the hype was back!  I bought myself an adapter, plus a junker OEM controller, that I then cleaned up and installed new membrane contacts in preparation.

It arrived this week, and I must say, it exceeded expectations.  It also confirmed that I was not crazy, and 8BitDo briefly had the v2 branding on their webpage, which seems to be missing now.  No details were available, but upon arrival, I noticed the instructions reflected the changes.  It would appear the stick isn't  Hall Effect anymore, but rather TMR.

The process of swapping in the new board and stick was a breeze.  The only note being not to screw the control pak housing too tight; otherwise the shoulder buttons will pinch and not move correctly.

Well, I immediately got to testing, and the stick is exceptionally comfortable.  It doesn't feel much different than the standard stick, whether you set the dead zone to 0% or the default 20%.  The Bluetooth latency can vaguely be felt, but it never became a hindrance.  I still prefer wired play, however, which it supports.

It's given me a new appreciation for the recent fan projects like Ship of Harkinian, and I'm even looking forward to how it fares on the Nintendo Classics.  I do eventually want to try out their (8BitDo) N64 controller down the line, but this kit has me in no hurry to do so.

I definitely recommend it if you have an OEM controller to spare, or don't mind spending $15-$20 for a junker one online.  The shell, buttons and membranes are all that transfer over; otherwise it can feel like new.

8BitDo N64 Mod Kit v2