Ultra 64 prototypes: Differences and a video

January 28th, 2008, 15:21 Posted By: JKKDARK

ASSEMbler posted a comparison of the Untra 64 beta controller, another beta in the transition to the original Nintendo 64 controller, and the last one.

From ASSEMblergames:

As part of my ongoing storage dig / eventual sale, I've been finding some real gems from old caches of game hardware I put away.

There are several versions of the Ultra 64 controller, starting with prototypes, working samples, and then transition to the N64 controller we all know. There are some major differences between the two. Let's start with some nice clear pictures, as never seen before.


What we have above is an Ultra 64 controller, using a hand assembled PCB that doesn't even have the memory card components. It features many
interesting changes you'll see in the diagrams below. It took a minor act of God to get this item, so please don't ask.


The total comparison:
1. The "C" cluster.
Alpha: Contoured non rounded buttons. No "C" marking or rounding.
Beta: Colored, raised, and rounded buttons. Still no "C" designation.
Final: Now called "C"
2. The Analog stick (see picture below)
Alpha: Wide travel, huge top stick with full movement.
Beta: Smaller travel, smaller top, square shape guides movement.
Final: Even smaller top, 8-way guide.
3. The Ultra 64 logo.
Alpha: Nice big logo
Beta and Final: Nintendo logo. Boo.
4. The shoulder buttons.
Alpha: Small, shallow travel.
Beta-Final: Wider for western hands. Less contoured. Deeper travel.
5. The Digital pad "D" pad.
Alpha: Flat, contoured, non rounded, slightly recessed.
Beta, Final: Deeply recessed in a concave impression.

This show how much nintendo really thinks about the controllers they use. The many slight changes make the controller much more usable and in the
end it was fondly remembered as one of the best system controllers of all time. Eventually I will find my Ultra 64, but it's not as exciting as the pad as all they did was change the fron dome sticker for the N64.

I hope you enjoyed this little walk back in time to 1994.

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