As gaming hardware ages, we face a number of issues regarding the continued use of retro devices. Whether that be due to age-related hardware failures, dying internal batteries, or modern televisions and monitors no longer utilizing the same A/V connectors as in days past. None of these issues are exactly simple to fix as the first two require actively opening your devices. The third can be addressed via hardware modding, but there are external options for allowing you to connect to modern displays or capture devices as well. These options, however, take up space and can lead to a rat’s nest of cabling and in-line devices.
The 64Mate hopes to be able to help alleviate these issues, with the two-man team of Shane Battye and GhillieGuide recently launching a Kickstarter project for the accessory. It is a storage container that fits within the literal footprint of the N64 console and resembles a slightly taller version of the 64DD.
The primary purpose of the accessory is to facilitate storage and transportation of complex A/V setups while maintaining an aesthetic that is both neater and more in line with the design of the N64 itself. This is achieved via a combination of the injection-molded body and feet to match the look and feel of the standard N64, a front panel which allows for insertable graphics for customization or a window for LED displays on devices within the 64Mate, and a machined steel lower plate which includes several mounting holes to hold devices in place as well as a means of elevating and cooling said devices. In addition, the devices are designed to match the aesthetic and footprint of the N64 hardware, so they are also stackable on one another, something which would come in handy if you happened to purchase the alternative “Cart Caddy” model to store your N64 cartridges as well.
Right: 64Mate Cart Caddy Edition
While Kickstarter campaigns are realistically an investment and/or donation rather than a purchase, many people treat them as a sort of pre-order system. I have personally backed a handful of projects in the last several years, and while some of them have been delayed, I am lucky that all of them did eventually get fulfilled to varying degrees. So, to that end, here are the main pledge rewards they are offering.
Please note: Original amounts are in Australian dollars, so USD amounts are approximations:
- $47 USD: 64Mate Standard Enclosure Edition.
- $47 USD: 64Mate Cart Caddy Edition.
- $88 USD: 64Mate Combo Package.
In addition to these standard pledges, there are bulk bundle pledges as well:
- $412 USD: 10pcs BUNDLE 64Mate Standard Enclosure.
- $412 USD: 10pcs BUNDLE 64Mate Cart Caddy.
- $3,858 USD: 100pcs BUNDLE 64Mat Mix-and-Match.
In addition, they had a single novelty pledge of $968 which would net the donator both the Standard Enclosure and Cart Caddy editions but would also include an elusive 64DD add-on for the Nintendo 64. It has already been claimed but it is always possible that the donor could change their mind and you could swoop in and grab it.
The campaign goal is to raise $60,000 AUD ($38,579 USD) to fund the project. The campaign will be running until 12:10pm EDT on Wednesday, June 3.
