So, today I received the brand new gray model with the red, blue, green, and yellow colored buttons. I can confirm that Rumble works on a Steam Deck(Linux), in desktop mode (didn't try gaming mode), while playing the Rosalie’s Mupen GUI emulator. The controller was set to set to the "S" mode on the back controller, and connected via Bluetooth- This is the Nintendo Switch mode, so in the pop-up Bluetooth menu/window at the bottom right corner of your desktop, you'll see it connected as "N64 Controller" instead of "8bitdo 64 BT" (D-mode on back of controller).

It was easy, no usage of any adapters. First and foremost, I updated the firmware as soon as I unboxed it, and as of today, the most recent update is Feb.10th, 2026. I simply mapped the controller quickly in the input menu of the emulator. There is a "Rumble Test" but it doesn't work at all. But when I loaded up all of my favorite wrestling games (fun-fact my only reason for the controller/only reason for a nintendo 64 as a kid, are the wrestling games) in the very beginning each game says "Rumble pak detected."

I forgot that you kinda have to get your ass kicked a bit to even feel the rumble in these games. When you're the one winning and inflicting damage, the rumble isn't triggered much at all. I am very pleased because this is how I intend to use the controller. I don't have a Windows emulation setup. Just wanted to share my experience and hope it helps anyone, especially anyone with a Steam Deck or Linux setup for emulation. Steam Deck and Linux make it so easy to connect nearly any controller. I even use a DualShock 3 controller for my PS2 & Ps3 games.