8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller. This wireless gamepad is designed for a versatile gaming experience across multiple platforms, including Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Android devices.

Figure 1: 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controllers (Grey, Black, White)

2. Controller Layout

Familiarize yourself with the buttons and indicators on your controller:

• L1/L2, R1/R2: Shoulder buttons
• Select: Select button
• D-pad: Directional pad
• Start: Start button
• A, B, C-buttons: Action buttons
• Joystick: Analog stick
• Home: Home button
• Power LED: Indicates power status
• Status LED: Indicates connection and battery status
• Home LED: Indicates Turbo function status

Figure 2: Hall Effect Joysticks - Upgraded, robust, and long-lasting, featuring the original gate and signature concave rubber joystick cap.

Figure 3: Signature C-buttons, A/B, and Start - Button sizes and positioning feel like the original N64 controller.

3. Setup

3.1. Charging the Controller

The controller has a built-in 480mAh Li-ion polymer battery. Before first use, or if the battery is low, charge the controller using a USB-C cable connected to a power source.

• Charging Time: Approximately 1-2 hours for a full charge.
• Play Time: Up to 18 hours on a full charge.
• Charging Indicator: Red LED is solid while charging, turns off when fully charged.
• Low Battery Indicator: Red LED blinks.

3.2. Power On/Off

• Power On: Press the Start button. The controller will power on in its last used mode.
• Power Off: Press and hold the Start button for 3 seconds.
• Auto-Off: The controller will turn off after 1 minute with no connection, or after 15 minutes with Bluetooth connection but no use. It stays on with a wired connection.

4. Operating Instructions

The 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller supports multiple platforms. Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for optimal performance.

Figure 4: Compatibility - Analogue 3D, Switch 1/2 (3.0.0+), Windows 10 (1903+), Android 9.0+. Switch 2 compatibility requires the latest firmware update.

4.1. Nintendo Switch

Note: Motion control, NFC scanning, IR camera, HD rumble, and waking up the system are not supported.

Bluetooth Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. The LEDs will rotate from left to right.
2. Press the Pair button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LEDs will stop blinking briefly then rotate again (required for first-time pairing).
3. On your Switch Home Page, go to Controllers > Change Grip/Order.
4. The LED will become solid when the connection is successful. The controller will auto-reconnect to your Switch by pressing Start once paired.

Wired Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. The LEDs will rotate from left to right.
2. Connect the controller to your Switch dock via a USB cable.
3. Wait until the controller is successfully recognized by your Switch to play.
4. Ensure your Switch system is version 3.0.0 or above, and that 'Pro Controller Wired Communication' is enabled in System Settings.
5. LEDs indicate player number (e.g., LED 1 for player 1, LEDs 1&2 for player 2, up to 4 players).

4.2. Windows (X-input)

System Requirements: Windows 10 (version 1703 or above), Bluetooth 4.0 supported.

Bluetooth Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LEDs 1&2 will blink.
2. Press the Pair button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LEDs will rotate from left to right (required for first-time pairing).
3. Go to your Windows device's Bluetooth settings > Bluetooth & other devices.
4. Choose Bluetooth and select '8Bitdo N64 Controller' from the list.
5. The LED will become solid when the connection is successful. The controller will auto-reconnect to your Windows device by pressing Start once paired.
6. LEDs indicate player number (e.g., LED 1 for player 1, LEDs 1&2 for player 2, up to 4 players).

Wired Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LEDs 1&2 will blink.
2. Connect the controller to your Windows device via a USB cable.
3. Wait until the controller is successfully recognized by your Windows device to play.

4.3. Android (D-input)

System Requirements: Android 4.0 or above.

Bluetooth Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LED 1 will blink.
2. Press the Pair button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LEDs will rotate from left to right (required for first-time pairing).
3. Go to your Android device's Bluetooth settings and pair with '8Bitdo N64 Controller'.
4. The LED will become solid when the connection is successful. The controller will auto-reconnect to your Android device by pressing Start once paired.

Wired Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LED 1 will blink.
2. Connect the controller to your Android device via a USB cable.
3. Wait until the controller is successfully recognized by your Android device to play.
4. OTG support is required for your Android device.

4.4. macOS

System Requirements: macOS X Lion (10.7) or above.

Bluetooth Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LEDs 1, 2 & 3 will blink.
2. Press the Pair button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode. The LEDs will rotate from left to right.
3. Go to your macOS device's Bluetooth settings and turn it on.
4. Select 'Wireless Controller' from the list of available devices.
5. The LED will become solid when the connection is successful. The controller will auto-reconnect to your macOS device by pressing Start once paired.

Wired Connection

1. Press Start to turn on the controller. LEDs 1, 2 & 3 will blink.
2. Connect the controller to your macOS device via a USB cable.
3. Wait until the controller is successfully recognized by your macOS device to play.

4.5. Turbo Function

• Activate: Hold the button you want to assign Turbo functionality to, then press the Star button.
• Indicator: The Home LED will blink when a button with Turbo functionality is pressed.
• Deactivate: Hold the button with Turbo functionality, then press the Star button again. The Home LED will stop blinking.
• Exclusions: D-pad, joysticks, Home, Select, and Start buttons cannot be assigned Turbo functionality.
• Note: Turbo function is not supported on Nintendo Switch.

Figure 5: Designed to play N64 games perfectly on Analogue3D with Switch 1/2, Windows, and Android compatibility.

5. Maintenance

• Keep the controller dry and away from extreme temperatures.
• Clean the controller with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Avoid dropping the controller or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Store the controller in a safe place when not in use to prevent damage.

6. Troubleshooting

• Controller not connecting: Ensure the controller is charged. Re-attempt the pairing process. Check if your device's Bluetooth is enabled and visible. Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements.
• Input lag or disconnections: Ensure the controller is within range of your device. Avoid sources of wireless interference (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, other Bluetooth devices). Update controller firmware if available.
• Buttons not responding: Ensure the controller is fully charged. Try connecting the controller via a wired connection to rule out Bluetooth issues.
• Controller not powering on: Connect the controller to a power source to charge it for at least 30 minutes, then try powering it on again.
• Turbo function not working: Ensure you are not trying to assign Turbo to an excluded button (D-pad, joysticks, Home, Select, Start). Remember Turbo is not supported on Nintendo Switch.

7. Specifications

8. User Tips

• For the best experience on Nintendo Switch, ensure your console's firmware is up to date.
• If experiencing connection issues, try moving closer to your device or temporarily disabling other Bluetooth devices.
• Regularly check the official 8Bitdo website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

9. Warranty and Support

For further information, technical support, firmware updates, and warranty details, please visit the official 8Bitdo support website:

support.8bitdo.com

A detailed user manual is also available in PDF format: Download User Manual (PDF)