FOUND! Ultra 64 Controller (N64 Prototype) + Ultra 64 DEV Showcase!

[@hard4games]

Hope you all enjoy this amazing slice of history! And please check out the contributor KZbin/Twitter links in the description. Couldn't have done the video without these amazing people helping the channel. Additionally, the SD card I shot this on apparently had an error....I edited around it mostly, but some footage is a touch jumpy - won't happen again!

[@teamplays2252]

The controller looks awesome, color scheme better than final but it's the Indy that really got me intrigued, tho! PS I don't believe your baby's so ugly you had to paste an Ultra64 logo on it's face in shame but that's the weirdest thing I ever saw censored :) (don't they all look alike? anyway congrats on being a dad!!)

[@hard4games]

@@teamplays2252 Haha! Naw, she's adorable - a total Gerber baby. My wife and I tend to not post pictures of the kids on Facebook, etc. Sometimes I gotta hold a kid while shooting which is fine, so I generally just cover them with something silly and dumb.

[@TheNews1990]

The button layout reminds me of a fighting "stick" controller for like Street Fighter.

[@nortonsegahippie4574]

Without the name plate on this controller it looks like a replica not trying to be mean but it just looks off not saying fake because it does look real like plate fell off or broken off

[@ffburger101]

Please get the "jewel" on the Ultra 64 controller! It would be SO cool ;)

[@JiAiJ0]

Not gonna lie. The joystick on the Ultra looks a lot more comfortable or at least less blister inducing lol

[@marthflores3515]

My first thought when I looked that the controller

[@umactually1305]

literally can easily agree. the retail one is horrible!

[@Lightblue2222]

@Zoe Kin well he said it was kinda slippery since its smooth plastic without much grip. Imo it looks kinda overly big and clumsy too.. so I can see why Nintendo changed it.

[@AidGum]

Someone should try recreating and implementing that analog stick in an N64 controller.

[@brendaajamu7152]

@@Lightblue2222 i feel like if you just add a grip to that? It could work for the ones that likes the original Xbox controller thumbsticks

[@thetommieguy]

0:42 “Thank you to S- *🕺💃🎶🎵* for sending this all the way from Australia”

[@Y0Y0Evan]

Name was censored by request of the person who sent over the controller in the first place so that’s why you hear music instead of the person’s name

[@chuuisinsane]

i noticed this too i was gonna comment 😭

[@baconatorrodriguez4651]

Except fella over here said the name Shane at 2:49 lol

[@iandowall153]

Damn, I always thought the old publicity pics for the Ultra 64 were just in black and white, I had no idea the console and controller really looked like that. I really like the look of the all black with grey buttons although nowadays it just kind of looks like one of the knockoff controllers you get in some 200 in 1 NOC consoles.

[@ddsjgvk]

But it makes it the normal 64 control look like a fisher price toy.

[@GREEDYPESOS]

Ah...huh... ..looks great....would be ashame if it wusnt the real deal...just a 3d printed one.... What does the inside looks like.. . Official pcb.???

[@mspeter97]

That stick on the beta controller actually seems better than the retail one. I mean, at least there would have been less lawsuits with Mario Party

[@scott8919]

That rubber would have been a lot worse on skin than plastic since it would literally rub your skin off with the extra friction.

[@stephenfiler3204]

It also appears to be a lot bigger too. Maybe it was changed to be easier for little kids to use.

[@isaacneuton2712]

@ Op is a goof

[@JiAiJ0]

@ Meh. Even before I watched the full video I was thinking the same thing about that joystick and Mario Party. Pretty sure anyone who's played knows that pain and thought the same lol

[@tonyungfat]

Yup... I was thinking the same thing 😂

[@rheck86]

I remember seeing this in Nintendo Power and thinking it would never come out because the real next generation was the Virtual Boy. I was incorrect.

[@BigMacOrange]

The virtual boy was the last console I ever bought day 1.

[@luishirschlieb6083]

Look up the Sega VR, looked like the oculous but was meant to come out and bring true VR to the sega genesis, was even tested publicly and featured in a movie but alas, never released. Sega was afraid of people running into walls. LoL. There's a video on youtube of a testing booth with Genesis VR gameplay.

[@Five_31]

Haha I watched the virtual boy video on avgn. Good thing it wasnt the popular thing 😌

[@someoneelse4811]

@@BigMacOrange Oh.

[@chase3564]

Nintendo never intended for the public to think that. The Virtual Boy was just supposed to be a premium product with a handful of games, while the N64 was their main home console. Sadly, fans and the media expected the most out of it because it had the word Nintendo on it.

[@dittomario]

Not gonna lie,"ULTRA 64" is actually the name I prefer the most.

[@blazingtrs6348]

also it's a cool progression from super nintendo

[@dittomario]

@@blazingtrs6348 i completely forgot i commented this

[@startedtech]

I think that was definitely intended to have the Ultra 64 logo in it at one point, and they decided not to do it. I can't understand why else they'd have a recessed cutout in the shape of the ultra 64 badge.

[@KevinArcade87]

Looks like it was intended to just use the same badge on the console as on the N64 but I guess they decided on just a Nintendo logo to keep it more simple because it would be a bit overkill and also to reduce on production costs

[@BlueCardinal33]

Theory on A, B alignment: Left or right aligning the *engraved* lettering is less harsh on your thumb over a long period of time. Sliding your thumb over a smooth surface was probably way more preferable. Look at the old SNES and NES controllers.

[@obsidianchao]

Lemme get this straight. Not only did Shane have this controller. Not only did Shane let you see this controller to make a video. But he also has an N64 dev kit, a Silicone Graphics development station, and EVEN made an entire section of the video to show all the N64 development hardware off?! This Shane guy must be a pretty sexy fella. Awesome video.

[@Sauraen]

The Indy itself isn't that hard to get a hold of. The Ultra 64 board within it is much rarer.

[@oliverb.8995]

devkit isnt hard to get at all but ok

[@nnaheim.]

He gets all the pussy

[@lookoutforchris]

@@oliverb.8995it’s not hard at all if you $10,000 which is the lowest price I’ve seen floated for the Indy dev board.

[@ZyrxRR]

Tony, I can assure you that I also remember seeing promo material of the Ultra64 prototype controller having the Ultra64 branding on that clearly molded decal area. So you are not alone, and definitely not crazy.

[@MikeJackson690]

Mandela Effect, definitely.

[@kramerdesign9443]

Who knew that the 'N' in N64 actually stood for *Noir*

[@nathanmead140]

😡

[@thehawk8332]

@Canelo, The Man, The Myth, TBE. Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosshhhhhhhhh

[@CanvaProfessional]

Jman 8761 Are you happy ?

[@thehawk8332]

@@CanvaProfessional Yup

[@danielletheprotogen]

@Canelo, The Man, The Myth, TBE. r/woosh

[@AxelStone]

how does one _become hard_ for games?

[@JoryStultz1234]

Limp + Games = Hard For Games

[@AltimaNEO]

No floppy diskettes here. We taking hard drive.

[@BewbsOP]

They get an erection for games :) Erection for games should be the name for their side channel

[@petek7217]

Maybe for bubble bath babes. Or that peek a boo poker.... and I'd give you Laura Croft if you were 13-16 yrs old.

[@ninoroes07]

I wish I understand what you say

[@TheDarkFalcon]

Posted "1 seconds ago" oh wow, that's the freshest video I have seen lol.

[@hard4games]

So fresh, so clean

[@JiAiJ0]

[Squid kids like this comment]

[@Therealrealbenji]

@@hard4games #LakeCharlevoix

[@InazumaDash]

With all of these prototypes and beta roms coming forward lately one almost wonders if it's possible we'll also find Earthbound 64 or some other legendary N64 game. It all seemed impossible just a few years ago and now we have the Nintendo PlayStation, early versions of Pokemon, early Sonic 3 and more.

[@GLI00M]

Dinosaur Planet 🤞

[@MalabarTheGreat]

@@GLI00M Yes... YES.

[@AirshBornely]

I'm still hoping for Dinosaur Planet. If you don't know what that is: It's what Star Fox Adventures originally was suppose to be.

[@Shad0wX]

Someone has a beta cart of F-Zero for snes but they have yet to show off anything... for a while

[@Adeyum64]

The original Conker game?

[@ryschy1059]

I, personally, would have preferred this over the retail version. Awesome find!

[@ThoseGuysPlay]

I remember the sticker on the Ultra 64 as well! But it was probably a fan mockup or something! -Matt

[@LunarCryptik]

HE PUT THE ULTRA 64 LOGO OVER HIS BABY’S FACE I LOVE IT

[@DessertArbiter]

what if the baby actually is the ultra 64

[@aomregcik]

I also believed the U64 jewel was supposed to be there..

[@MegaStation553]

Mandella effect

[@scott8919]

I think it's because the indent in the controller was the same shape as the indent on the console and we just filled in the blank.

[@AltimaNEO]

Me too, weird! I was expecting him to say someone peeled it off.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

It’s pretty clear from the shape that it was their original intention. At some point, they decided to change the name of the console. Not sure why. I clearly remember “Ultra 64” commercials in one of the Killer Instinct arcade games so it wasn’t just a code name.

[@MikeJackson690]

@@MoneyManHolmes Wikipedia says, "Previously, the plan had been to release the console with the name "Ultra Famicom" in Japan and "Nintendo Ultra 64" in other markets. Rumors circulated attributing the name change to the possibility of legal action by Konami's ownership of the Ultra Games trademark. Nintendo said that trademark issues were not a factor, and the sole reason for any name change was to establish a single worldwide brand and logo for the console." Interesting! What with Famicon/SNES and Mega Drive/Genesis back then names were a bit ropey. Not sure what the Famicon/SNES thing was about but I know Sega had to rename the Mega Drive because of an existing trademark in North America. Anyway, seems Nintendo were on the case here and it makes sense to keep the name consistent. Why we couldn't all have the 'Nintendo Ultra 64' I don't know. I prefer the final name, anyway.

[@rickyperez209]

Is it me, or does it seem like Nintendo was trying mimic a Sega Genesis controller. I say that cause the A B and C buttons look closer together than the actual buttons on the n64 one

[@Aquaticdragon]

This is absolutely by far the most incredible video you've shown us. Getting a taste of how N64 developers worked. Amazing stuff, it's my favourite console and I'm always dying for new prototype information.

[@TorutheRedFox]

well early N64 developers later SDKs were Windows-based (especially since the Indy got discontinued in 1997)

[@Aquaticdragon]

@@TorutheRedFox Even cooler then :D

[@TorutheRedFox]

well it's similar to how N64 homebrew and ROM hack developers work today, at a computer with a controller connected to it, just replace the Indy with a regular PC, and the N64 card with an emulator lol

[@Aquaticdragon]

@@TorutheRedFox I can't say I've ever done any kind of game development, so I don't know too much about it. I'm more into console repair and hardware than I am into software and knowing how it works.

[@P5ychoFox]

Really hoping there’s an adhesive badge you can buy to convert a stock N64 into an Ultra 64.

[@ASkilledRoy]

@@strra woah didnt know they made them

[@dschult3]

At first glance, I thought that it was a shame that they didn't keep this design. But then you said the controller was probably shrunk to fit kids hands. That reminded me of my own kid who was sad that I bought a Switch in all black. Kids wanted the colors. Adults wanted the sleek black color. It is nice that we live in a world where we can have both for modern consoles.

[@cabbusses]

Kind of interesting that the analog stick gate looks like a complete circle... so we go from this, to the square gates at Space World 95, to the retail N64 controller's octagonal gates. How strange!

[@admonius9668]

I remember growing up in the 90s and following the development of the ultra 64 in magazines. It felt so cool and it lost something when rebranded to Nintendo 64

[@JoeSwim]

Agree consumers direct catalogue or toys r us catalogue I think. I also wonder if nintendo power ever ran a image.

[@fullmetaljacket7]

No fucking WAY I would send something rare like this on the mail.

[@FoxerTails]

Oh man, this was definitely a treat to see.

[@danlah1303]

I remember being crushed when it was announced the official name would be Nintendo 64 instead of Ultra 64.

[@8thLife]

Had to rewind to that jingle at 10:26 a couple times haha; what a tune!

[@aleckermit]

Reminds me of the Snatcher ost lol

[@stewartmonks382]

The Ultra64 looks like it's made for adults, and the N64 for children. Now we are all adults we wish we had the Ultra64, but 8-10 years old us wanted the bright colours and 3D logo 😊

[@AmazingFrenchman]

Next step would be for someone to 3D print the casing and joystick parts, the electronic parts are the same as regular N64 parts.

[@AmazingFrenchman]

@TubularBow HD less invasive, less risk of breaking it.

[@OnlyEpicEmber]

That's amazing, if I found one of these in the wild I would just think it was a third party controller. At least until I saw the RJ11 adapter anyway.

[@randomcommentog]

I would definitely buy a replica of the Ultra 64 controller

[@Brinta3]

Random Comment That was definitely the wrong word.

[@randomcommentog]

TheFilthyLiam frick thanks for noticing that I didn’t notice

[@MeruXYZ]

Well this was a repro, so shouldn't have to wait too long.

[@Shad0wX]

@@MeruXYZ and wrong you are

[@Kadjius]

Excellent video! Brought back memories of reading the Club Nintendo magazine and watching Nintedomania on the TV here in Mexico as a kid and being absolutely obsessed with the impending arrival of the Ultra 64! Also, props for using music from Illusion of Gaia😀

[@televisionandcheese]

I always though Ultra64 fit way better, Like before it went from the standard NES, Super NES, then thus would be the Ultra NES. (Regular) Nintendo Entertainment System Super Nintendo Entertainment System Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System At least Ultra64 kept the increasing name exaggeration thing. Maybe the dolphin could have been the: Extreme Nintendo Entertainment System

[@Pslamist]

Yeah, and the Switch could be: Ultimate NES

[@Thumper17]

Mega would be the next step up.

[@ThaMetalMan]

Your lord Brodin of Swolesgard has returned and he apologizes for his absence. Brodin would like to remind you to To crush your games, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of Nintendo

[@Flpstrike]

I loved the Ultra's 3D Stick

[@devonodevon]

So good, I had no idea any of these actually still existed!

[@MasterCastTV]

Great video. God, I wish Nintendo had stuck with the "ultra". Like you, I remember seeing that shit in magazines and thinking, "Damn! Now *that* is sexy." Still wish I had my stock Nintendo 64 so I could swap out the face-plate.

[@hard4games]

MASTER CAST TV!!!! Anyone reading this should check out this man's channel. So damn good.

[@hard4games]

@The SNES Man Shoulda bought the rights!

[@MasterCastTV]

Damn you, Konami! Haven't you done enough damage?!

[@xehP]

Mandela effect hits us again, I remember the Ultra64 logo being on the controller too

[@WOOOPdoctorFROGhere]

Mandela was probably still in prison when this prototype was announced - and for good reason as many would say

[@MAZZ0Murder]

Pretty neat that some of this hardware still actually exists! Thanks for sharing!

[@poiberry8956]

That thumbstick looks way better than the one we got, and im hella jealous.

[@HLRxxKarl]

I can't believe Nintendo had a concave joystick design at this early stage, and then never decided to use it on a home console again. I still prefer the joysticks on an Xbox-style controller over Nintendo's design of putting an extruded circle over a rounded joystick. Also, I find it interesting that the Ultra 64 button layout almost resembles a six button Sega controller. I never saw that resemblance before.

[@BlueCardinal33]

Not only that, but the six button layout suddenly makes sense to me now. Your thumb will always go in that diagonal direction. So to lay it out any other way is less ergonomic! Man, Nintendo really thought of everything. D-pad for digital inputs, Analog stick for analog, and perfectly positioned buttons for fast distinct inputs. I actually think this is maybe better than any modern controller design?...! Really the only thing missing are some pads on the back for 2-4 more buttons. Do any places sell USB N64 controllers with good analog sticks and 4 shoulder buttons?

[@zipzeolocke2]

at 8:42 that illusion of Gaia town music makes me feel so nostalgic! It took me a minute to recall what game it was from

[@KamiBigLizard]

Someone needs to make a 3rd party version of this controller, I’d love to play f-zero x and see if I notice the difference

[@Shad0wX]

Try double tap diving with it lol

[@TheJohnmarston72]

This. I really would love a ultra 64 3rd party controller. And you could make your own jewel to add on the top of the controller.

[@larrytaylor2692]

I remember seeing the ultra 64 logo in that section of that controller also

[@olizelda]

10:25 oh my GOD that jingle is so 90s...I love it...

[@gameguy_]

i don’t know why this channel doesn’t have more subs yet. i love pre release history and things like dev kits

[@MasterRBertLink]

0:59 - Hard4Games theme

[@ENKTDeeColon_and_randomnumbers]

Missed opportunity to call it the Ultra Nintendo, just imagine the timeline NES SNES UNES-64

[@zipzeolocke2]

Over many years of use my main complaint with the N64 analog stick was the ridges causing friction against your thumb which would shed your skin in the crevice. Overtime the analog stick would become much more difficult to use and hard to rotate!

[@trappedintime]

He's even got an original Silicon Graphics work station. That guy wins.

[@sfm199]

I gotta say man, this channel is awesome. It really just feels like genuine dudes sharing what they love out of pure nostalgia

[@YoutubePizzer]

It looks like a N64 controller that had a replacement stick put on it and a custom paint job done, and that’s pretty much it

[@PhirePhlame]

The N64 hotel game controller also uses RJ11 connectors. I wonder if they use the same signalling?

[@JuggaloDundee]

That Silicon Graphics demo menu reminded me of Jurassic Park when the girl is hacking Denis Nedry's computer for some strange reason HA HA

[@einsteinx2]

It reminds you of that because it was actually an SGI workstation running UNIX! In fact that fake looking file explorer application she was using was actually 100% real and came with those workstations. I always thought it was fake as hell as a kid haha! Movie studios used SGI workstations do to CGI, certainly for Jurassic Park as well. They probably had one laying around and used it for that scene. Check this out for more info: movies.stackexchange.com/a/9746

[@JuggaloDundee]

@@einsteinx2 well I was going to say something similar but I wasn't 100% sure and couldn't be bothered looking it up so thanks for the confirmation man!

[@davidshepherd265]

Its a UNIX system! I know this! Hahaha seriously I though the same thing

[@bigchungus4722]

>Censors name of the guy in the video >Writes guy's name in the description

[@hard4games]

Fixed it. Thanks for letting me know

[@sirisdracken2837]

It appears as though they may have expected you to rest your thumb on the bottom left portions of the A and B buttons on the prototype controller, so they placed the button indicators in a position that wouldn't be covered up. They could have possibly came to the realization after this prototype was made that it was actually more comfortable to rest your thumb on the top right of those buttons, so you can reach the C buttons easier, so they adjusted the button indicators to try and get them to be visible even if your thumb is on the button. Super cool to see this, thanks for the video!

[@_.Alucard._]

Everytime I hear Nintendo Ultra 64 it reminds me about the supposed release of Killer Instinct for it. Unfortunately it never happened but if they had released the game for the system, the console might have sold a lot more.

[@EmanuelCrag]

Awesome video. Brings memories of that mystique before its launch. I loved the name Ultra 64 as a kid. And kept calling it that after release. Thanks for the demo of the indie board, never knew about it!

[@CosmicEternityCD]

That development environment is insane.. What a cool controller and showcase! I never thought I'd see an U64 devkit in such detail like that!

[@bendo9162]

"...people wouldn't have injured themselves at Mario Party." - I felt that.

[@Yngdady]

It appears that Nintendo actually used a template and didn't make the Mario 64 file select screen originally. That's kind of crushing, honestly.

[@Fattydeposit]

Nintendo didn't even make N64 Dev units themselves. Please stay safe.

[@RetroAli]

that's a nice shiny mew you got there in the intro... 👀

[@lateralus92]

A very fascinating look at what could have been. Thank you for sharing!

[@inceptional]

This, to me at least, shows how a few little tweaks can make something like a controller go from looking slightly unfinished and cheap to a final product that looks genuinely slick all round (the additional colours, the engraved Nintendo logo, the nicer circle indent around d-pad, the cleaner ring around the analog stick, the ring around the c buttons, the longer L and R buttons, the more trigger-looking Z button, etc). I think quite a few third party controller/peripheral manufactures could pay a bit more attention to those final stages in their designs and go from something that looks bad-okay to something that looks great.

[@gensteps923]

I feel like the only person who never had issues or thumb problems with the original n64 joystick. Infact, its my favorite controller.

[@synthvault]

Odyssey 2 representing! Awesome to see. Such an underrated console.

[@hard4games]

I enjoyed it quite a bit as a kid!

[@brannycedeno6823]

I like how the A, B and C buttons mesh together as six equal action buttons in the U64 controller. Not that the N64 is any different related to its layout. It just looks more obvious.

[@MarioMario-jt7ld]

I wish modern controllers would use 6 face buttons. Still have two triggers, two shoulders, but also six face buttons. Sick of clicking the right or left thumbs tick. This was an amazing video. Thank you for sharing. N64 was amazing; a more revolutionary piece of gaming hardware as not existed since.

[@thisisfyne]

Guy looks like the 3 protagonists of What We Do In The Shadows merged into one. Great video though!

[@georgejpg]

Aussie bloke is an absolute legend. Thanks to him

[@honeypower]

Hmm, this actually looks better than the N64 pad. Analogue stick looks more comfortable. Also think the all black design looks way cooler

[@larkprof]

As always! Thanks for the video Tony!

[@Soulintent95]

Man i wish these were somewhat common. I absolutely love the look of that. And it would look amazing with an ultra 64 sticker on the top.

[@Aladato]

This jet black controller is amazing, at least its color if anything.

[@electronkaleidoscope5860]

Man what a way to kick off the decade on the channel :D

[@Glitchman24]

As cool as this prototype is, the guy who owns it is super cool for sending it over to you guys to check it out. Especially considering he lives in Australia! If I were to own anything rare I would fear to have people even touch it, let alone ship it to anyone.

[@markomarkovic5729]

Up until now, I was convinced that as a kid I mistakenly assumed that the N64 was ever called the Nintendo Ultra 64. I'll never forget the day a school friend got a Playstation 1 and how fascinated I was with Tekken, then hearing from that same friend that it is Nintendo that has the most powerful console - Nintendo Ultra 64. Definitely a mythical console. P.S. Congrats on the find.

[@Bugatti12563]

Seeing that Ultra 64 logo still gives me goosebumps

[@joedavola3766]

We need to crowd fund a mass reproduction of this controller.

[@bluebomber875]

Whoever decided to replace that joystick with the clunky one we have now, needs to get fired. Sure it’s slippery but atleast you wouldn’t get weird looks walking into a room with the U64 controller lol

[@zackschilling4376]

Im loving this controller, it just needs the jewel with the U64 logo and it would be perfect! Great find!

[@altrogeruvah]

I'm a simple man, I see my favorite boys reviewing Ultra 64 stuff, I click. Also, anything SiliconGraphics / IRIX OS have so much mystique to me for some reason... Thanks to Shane for providing all that good information and footage!

[@Charleito]

Ultra64 would’ve had the original KILLER INSTINCT.

[@evilcik]

Oh man, I have the same remember, remember de Ultra 64 logo un the promotional pics. What kind of magic is this!!

[@dr.velious5411]

As someone who actually injured myself as a kid with the N64 joystick, I have to say, a rubberized control stick would have been a godsend. Seriously fuck that tug of war game.

[@komojo]

I know this is supposed to be about the controller, but my mind is blown by that proto-Mario 64 menu on the devkit.

[@jackispurple2936]

Yeah thanks *bass music* for sening these guys the controller lol

[@AcheForWake]

The UX shown, which was compared to Mario 64’s Menu - also looks very much like the Playstation Distraction Derby menus

[@Tclans]

Great beginning of 2020, well done tony!

[@PatatexJok3rZ]

You have so many prototypes , i want them

[@redsquirrelstudio6018]

Here's what I think: 1. I wish they'd kept the name, Ultra 64! I mean come on, they went from NES to SNES, would have been awesome if they went to NU64. 2. The analog stick and buttons look much better! I love that larger analog stick and the buttons look great! 3. I love the colour scheme as well as the Matt Black finish and Grey Buttons

[@chuuisinsane]

2:04 iTs ThE mAnDeLa EfFeCt being serious tho, that’s this is pretty dope

[@damian9303]

I really want to see someone make a Ultra64 controller of what it could've been if Nintendo stuck with the whole idea. Take the design of the regular controller, and whatever was better about the Ultra64 controller, they would implement. Plus maybe any idea that they thought would make it better, like placing a little thing similar to the front of the N64 onto the controller, like you mentioned and I thought was the case, too.

[@meeekeeey]

I'm astounded, I didn't know this existed.

[@nikrbawker]

the c button size and placement would have been great for some games.

[@adamgustafsson7703]

Funny how the prototype looks more modern than retail. Seems to me Nintendo decided to make some cuts economic wise on the controller

[@saulalifi8262]

Aesthetics and comfort aside. I wonder if it wore out as easy as the retail joystick. Considering the deterioration took years, I dont think they could have anticipated it during development. It truly is the most precise gaming stick ever made with the trade-off of deterioration.