Analogue has rolled out a new firmware update for its 4K N64 clone, the Analogue 3D, bringing with it a long-awaited feature: save states. This allows players to pause and resume their game at any point, much like saving in a traditional console game.

The Memories feature was first introduced on the company’s handheld device, the Analogue Pocket, which uses this system for seamless persistence of progress. With the update, users can now benefit from this convenience on the 4K N64 clone, potentially making gaming sessions more fluid and less frustrating when dealing with original or wired N64 controllers.

Although this feature was confirmed in a previous firmware update, it’s only now being implemented, highlighting the complex process of integrating such features into hardware that aims to replicate classic systems. Additionally, other improvements have been made this year, like better support for multi-title flash carts and enhanced HDR capabilities that better emulate old CRT TVs on modern OLED displays.

While save states are a step towards more accessible gaming experiences, they also bring up the age-old philosophical question: can gaming truly become an art form if every moment is savable?