TIME magazine has recognised the Analogue 3D in its end-of-year awards, presenting the humble N64 clone with a gong for "Best Inventions of 2026".

Released in November 2025 (TIME's annual awards window runs November to November), the Analogue 3D replicates Nintendo's best-selling 1996 console and allows users to play original N64 cartridges - offering an array of modern features including Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, 4K upscaled visuals, processor overclock options, and region-free gameplay.

Notably, the Analogue 3D works on a hardware level, eschewing the emulation basis of many "retro consoles" for native, circuitry-based operation. Coded in FPGA, the Analogue 3D operates on an Intel Cyclone 10GX processor and offers support for original and replicated controllers and accessories.

These include the Transfer Pak, Controller Pak, and Rumble Pak. Expansion Pak support is pre-built into the system as standard. Flash Cart connectivity is supported and the console comes with a 16GB SD Card.

All in all, the Analogue 3D is one of the finest examples from the wave of "Retro Consoles" that have flooded the market in recent years.

Avoiding the cheap, often dice-roll nature of many emulation-based offerings, the Analogue 3D retains the durability of the original N64, famously one of the most resilient and lasting consoles in gaming history.

Other inventions included in TIME's winners list include the HoverAir Aqua Drone, the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, the Beewise Robi honey hive system, the CipherX Microdot tattoo tool, and the Brick - a screen-locking device designed to prevent overworking or endless doomscrolling.

Guilty on all counts. Be sure to check out our own review of the Analogue 3D right here.