Skip to main content

Switch’s Nintendo 64 wireless controllers are sold out until 2022

In a strange case of “what year even is it?,” Nintendo has sold out of wireless Nintendo 64 controllers made for the Switch. Sadly, anyone hoping to get a retro-style modern controller this holiday season is going to end up disappointed. Nintendo said it won’t have more in stock till 2022.

The Nintendo 64 wireless controller is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It’s a Nintendo 64 controller (weird third arm and all) except it can connect to users’ Nintendo Switch consoles. The controller was given new life thanks to Nintendo’s new online plan, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The new plan comes with a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games for players to barrel through, as long as they’re willing to shell out some extra cash.

Recommended Videos

While the plan itself has been panned by fans for its pricing, others have clearly spoken with their wallets. It’s not clear when wireless Nintendo 64 controllers will be back in stock, but anyone looking for the true retro experience will have to wait until next year. Nintendo’s stock shortage doesn’t apply to its wireless Sega Genesis controllers for the Switch. Players can pick those up at any time. both controllers cost $50.

Along with a buffet of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack gives subscribers access to Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘ latest DLC: Happy Home Paradise. The expansion, which players normally would have to pay $25 for, lets them design tropical getaway homes for villagers both old and new.

Otto Kratky
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Otto Kratky is a freelance writer with many homes. You can find his work at Digital Trends, GameSpot, and Gamepur. If he's…
Yooka-Replaylee devs are definitely teasing a Switch 2 release
Yooka and Laylee are swimming or flying in a blue landscape being chased.

Yooka-Replaylee | Console Announcement Trailer!

Yooka-Replaylee seems to be the second confirmed game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 -- or whatever its name ends up being -- according to some hints the developer dropped on Thursday.

Read more
This classic Rare title is finally coming to Nintendo Switch Online
Banjo hangs from a ledage in a Banjo-Tooie promo.

Nintendo 64™ – October 2024 Game Update – Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Another classic Rare Nintendo 64 game is coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Banjo-Tooie, the sequel to Banjo Kazooie (of course), is being added to the service on October 25, Nintendo announced on Friday.

Read more
Analogue’s 4K Nintendo 64 is coming next year, but you can preorder it next week
An Analogue 3D on a grab background. It looks like a black N64. In front are a controller and to the side are some N64 cartridges.

Analogue, the retro hardware emulation company, has officially delayed the Analogue 3D, its Nintendo 64 console. However, it released the first images of the console to tide us over until it launches next year.

The Analogue 3D was originally announced in October 2023 for a 2024 release, but the company announced Wednesday that it'll now be aiming for a release in the first quarter of 2025. It'll cost $250, come in black and white colors, and preorders will open up at 8 a.m. PT on October 21 on the Analogue website. This doesn't include a controller, but Analogue partnered with 8BitDo to create a Bluetooth N64 controller you can buy separately for $40.

Read more