Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is a strong lower-cost alternative to Nintendo’s official N64 controller for playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time through Nintendo Switch Online. TechRadar tested it with the game and listed it below Nintendo’s official pad at review time. The claimed $30 saving, however, is not confirmed by a current retailer listing, so treat that figure as unverified rather than a live deal.
Which controller should you choose for Ocarina of Time on Switch?
Choose Nintendo’s official N64 controller if you want the original N64-style layout. Choose the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller if you prefer a modern two-grip shape and a lower review-time price, and are willing to adjust to its different controls. Both are options for playing the N64 version of Ocarina of Time through Nintendo Switch Online; the 8BitDo was specifically tested with the game in the service’s N64 collection by TechRadar.
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Nintendo describes its controller as made for N64 Classics, naming Ocarina of Time among the games designed for it. The official product page says: “Explore 3D worlds that debuted on the Nintendo 64 system with the controller they were designed for.” Nintendo’s N64 controller product page.
How the official and third-party options compare
| Controller | Compatibility and access | Shape and controls | Price evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 64 controller for Switch | Nintendo says it works with Switch and Switch 2 and is designed for N64 Classics, including Ocarina of Time. A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to buy it through Nintendo’s US store; shipping is limited to the US and Canada. Playing the N64 Classics library requires the Expansion Pack membership. | Original N64-style layout; best suited to readers who want the controller design the game was made around. | No current price established in the available product information. |
| 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller | TechRadar reports Switch and Switch 2 compatibility and tested the controller with Ocarina of Time in the NSO N64 collection. | Modern two-grip design with one thumbstick, not the N64 trident shape. TechRadar notes an awkward trigger/bumper layout; some players may want to adjust button mapping per game. Its single stick is a poor fit for many modern games that expect two. | TechRadar listed standard black and white variants at $39.99 and the N64-colorway variant at $44.99 in its 2026 review. These are review-time figures, not a live quote. |
| 8BitDo mod kit for an original N64 controller | For people who already have an original controller to use as donor hardware. Nintendo Life describes the kit as making the controller wireless and Switch-compatible. | Retains the original controller body; installation and suitable donor hardware are required. | Current price not established; Nintendo Life’s price information is historical. |
Compatibility and product requirements are based on Nintendo’s official listing, TechRadar’s review, and Nintendo Life’s mod-kit feature.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Analogue 3D, Switch, Switch 2, Windows, and Android. (Switch 2 compatibility requires latest firmware update)
- Bluetooth or Wired USB connection
- D-input and S-input modes
- Vibration supported on Analogue 3D and Switch 1/2 (Nintendo 64 Online only)
- Turbo function
What the $30-cheaper claim does—and doesn’t—establish
The available evidence supports the 8BitDo as a cheaper alternative at the time of TechRadar’s review: its listed prices were $39.99 for black and white models and $44.99 for the N64 colorway, and the review characterized it as cheaper than Nintendo’s official Switch-compatible N64 controller. Those are not verified current prices, and the exact official-controller price needed to substantiate a $30 difference was not confirmed. Check a current authorized retailer listing before buying; do not assume the headline saving or stock availability applies today.
Also make sure you are comparing the same kind of product. An N64-style pad is intended for N64 games such as Ocarina of Time. A Zelda-themed Switch Pro Controller is a different product category, with a modern control layout; its price does not establish the cost of Nintendo’s official N64 controller.
Rank #2
- Please make sure to update your 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, this is critical for all of the new Analogue 3D users. Update before you get your Analogue 3D and you'll be ready to go out of the box!
- Compatible with Analogue 3D, Switch, Switch 2, Windows, and Android. (Switch 2 compatibility requires latest firmware update)
- Bluetooth or Wired USB connection
- D-input and S-input modes
- Vibration supported on Analogue 3D and Switch 1/2 (Nintendo 64 Online only)
Membership requirements for playing Ocarina of Time
Buying a controller and accessing the game are separate requirements. Nintendo’s US store requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership to purchase the official N64 controller, while access to the N64 Classics library—including Ocarina of Time—requires Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Review the official controller listing for regional purchase terms: its stated shipping area is the US and Canada.
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When an original-controller mod kit makes sense
If an original N64 controller is already in your hands and you want to preserve its shape, Nintendo Life’s coverage of the 8BitDo mod kit describes a route to wireless Switch use. It is not an out-of-the-box replacement: you need donor hardware and must fit the kit. Since the cited price is historical, verify the kit’s current availability and cost before choosing it over a complete controller.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【2.4G Wireless & Wired USB】 Offers flexibility with 2.4G wireless connectivity for the N64 console and Analogue 3D, or wired USB connectivity for Windows 10 (1903 and above).
- 【Wireless for Original N64】 Designed specifically for the original N64 console, includes a 2.4G wireless dongle that fits seamlessly into the controller port.
- 【Hall Effect Joystick】Equipped with a Hall Effect sensing joystick and a wear-resistant metal ring, this controller is built to offer smooth, long-lasting precision. The design helps significantly reduce the risk of stick drift.
- 【Turbo & Memory Functions】Support for turbo functionality gives you a competitive edge in fast-paced action games. Additionally, the memory function allows for save states; saves stored on the receiver can be exported via Ultimate Software for convenient data management.
- 【Classic Feel with Vibration Support】Retains the signature C-buttons, A/B, and Start button layout, ensuring the button sizes and positioning feel just like the original. For Analogue 3D users, vibration feedback is supported in compatible games, bridging the gap between nostalgic design and modern sensory feedback.
Rank #3
- Please make sure to update your 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, this is critical for all of the new Analogue 3D users. Update before you get your Analogue 3D and you'll be ready to go out of the box!
- Compatible with Analogue 3D, Switch, Switch 2, Windows, and Android. (Switch 2 compatibility requires latest firmware update)
- Bluetooth or Wired USB connection
- D-input and S-input modes
- Vibration supported on Analogue 3D and Switch 1/2 (Nintendo 64 Online only)
How to decide
- Pick Nintendo’s official controller if reproducing the familiar N64 layout matters most and you can meet the purchase and membership conditions in your region.
- Consider the 8BitDo 64 if you want a modern grip and a controller TechRadar tested with Ocarina of Time; account for the one-stick layout and possible button-mapping adjustments.
- Consider the mod kit only if you already own a suitable original N64 controller and want to convert it rather than buy a complete new pad.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
