Retro gaming fans finally have a new FPGA console to check out. After months of anticipation, the ModRetro M64 is now officially available to purchase. If you’ve been planning to add one to your collection, there’s also a chance to get it without spending anything at all, as AMD has launched a giveaway that will hand the console to 20 lucky winners.

The ModRetro M64 starts at $229 and is available in four standard color options: White, Purple, Green, and AMD Red, with an additional Smoke version offered exclusively through GameStop. While controllers are sold separately, every M64 includes the console itself, a pre-installed 16GB SD card, a multi-region power adapter, and a power cable.

What you should know about the ModRetro M64

Designed around an AMD Artix UltraScale+ FPGA (Field-programmable gate array), the M64 aims to recreate the original Nintendo 64 experience as accurately as possible while adding modern features. It supports original Nintendo 64 cartridges and controllers, offers HDMI output up to 4K, includes optional CRT filters for a classic look, and lets users enable overclocking modes for supported games.

The console also boots quickly, runs silently thanks to its fanless design, and receives wireless software updates that will continue adding new features over time.

ModRetro says the M64 isn’t simply a replica of Nintendo’s classic console. The FPGA core and firmware are open source, the hardware is designed to be easy to modify, and the company plans to support it with future updates. It also intends to publish dozens of brand-new cartridge games, while partnering with other studios to remaster and re-release older titles in physical form.

How to win one for free

Alongside the launch, AMD has announced a giveaway where 20 winners will each receive a ModRetro M64. The promotion is open to eligible legal residents of the United States, most Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec), Australia (excluding the Australian Capital Territory), New Zealand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, and India who are at least 18 years old.

Entries are currently open and will close on August 11. There are 11 different ways to enter, beginning with signing in or creating an AMD account. Participants can complete additional tasks to earn more entries, so it’s worth finishing all of them to improve your chances of winning. 

The company has also published a compatibility list for the console. At the moment, 276 Nintendo 64 games are listed as working without any known issues, giving buyers a large library to enjoy right away. For those who prefer playing on classic displays, a CRT adapter is also available for preorder.

Yesterday, ModRetro posted to say that the very first M64 order has been shipped – so if you’ve already ordered yours, it’s time to start being on the lookout for a dispatch email.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.