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Emulates a virtual console allowing Nintendo64 games to be played on PC

Emulates a virtual console allowing Nintendo64 games to be played on PC

Vote: (207 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Pj64

Version: 3.0.1

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(207 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Pj64

3.0.1

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Free to download and play
  • Regular updates and bug fixes
  • Supports nearly ever Nintendo 64 ROM

Cons

  • No multiplayer through LAN or internet
  • Need joystick to enjoy fluid control during game
  • No official schedule for future releases

Project64 is a cutting-edge Nintendo 64 emulator. This powerful piece of software was designed for fans of the N64 who are looking to enjoy an authentic gaming experience from their computer or laptop. Nintendo 64 emulators, and emulators in general, have always had a reputation for having a lot of bugs and minimal support. This is to be expected, as most emulators are designed by individuals or small groups without any source of funding. When Project64 mysteriously appeared on the emulator scene, it shunned these stereotypes and has since remained a favorite within the gaming community. Whether offering support or discovering bugs via user input, its creators remain active and engaged with their user base.

This project is only available on Windows platforms, and the creators have mentioned that there is no interest in porting the software to alternative Operating Systems anytime soon. It is capable of handling almost every Nintendo 64 ROM available, but there is a very short list of incompatible ROMs. ROMs are not included with the download, but can be easily found online with a quick search. There is currently no support for multiplayer over the internet, but with regular updates coming all of the time there is no telling what the future holds.

Tackling Existing Problems

One of Project64’s best qualities is that creators listen to the community and find ways to overcome problems that many people face. If you are familiar with emulators, especially 3D emulators, then you have probably experienced problems with your graphics card unless you have a high-end graphics card. This particular emulator addresses this common problem by offering two separate graphics modes. One mode sacrifices some accuracy to allow compatibility with lower-end graphics card, while the other mode has higher requirements with better graphics. An Nvidia GeForce2 or better graphics card is recommended for enjoying the emulator without lagging or reduced frames per second.

Plugin Compatibility

Project64 has become so popular that its plugin specifications have actually become a standard amongst many popular emulators. A variety of plugins are compatible with the N64 emulator, including those for alternative input methods, RSP, audio output, and video output. All plugins should be marked with "Zilmar Spec" or "Project64 Spec" if they are compatible with this emulator. You will find that most emulator plugins meet these specifications, which means that you have a large pool of existing plugins to help make your gaming experience more enjoyable. You can find plenty of plugins available with the download, or you can use third-party plugins from other emulators.

Pros

  • Free to download and play
  • Regular updates and bug fixes
  • Supports nearly ever Nintendo 64 ROM

Cons

  • No multiplayer through LAN or internet
  • Need joystick to enjoy fluid control during game
  • No official schedule for future releases