To see the best emulator and plugin configuration for any given game, check out this (now defunct but archived) database. But everyone has to start somewhere, and Project64’s compatibility, features, and ease of use make it our “starting point” pick. With all that to contend with, there’s no way we can do an all-encompassing guide to Nintendo 64 emulation.

Installation can vary from plugin to plugin and emulator to emulator, and you may have to flip between multiple emulators and plugins to get the best experience on any given game. Some plugins, like Glide64, also support extra features like high-res texture packs, which are very cool.

Others may work better with the Glide64 video plugin, which you have to download and install separately. Some games may work best with “Jabo’s Direct3D8” video plugin, which comes packaged with Project64. Furthermore, Nintendo 64 emulators also allow for different plugins that manage video, sound, and controller input - and they all have their own advantages and quirks. Certain games may work better with one emulator than another, so you may have to keep a couple around.

In fact, most of them are fairly inaccurate, and plenty of games are still unplayable.Īs such, there’s no one true “best” Nintendo 64 emulator. Nintendo 64 emulators have been around for over a decade, but development has become slow and scattered.

Nintendo 64 emulator download free