Which n64 emulator that is compatible and runs well on my pc should I use?

[Xdqwerty]

Ok so I tried/wanted to try the recommended emulators from this list and these were the issues:

• Mupen64plus-next crashes
• ares has high requirements
• simple64 and rmg dont work since I have Windows 8.1
• Bizhawk is too slow
• I also used to use parallel-n64 and project64 but I have been told that I shouldnt use them anymore.
• Project64-legacy worked like shit, and it doesnt even let me add more plugins

The n64 roms I have are Mario 64, F-zero x, zelda ocarina of time, hybrid heaven, castlevania legacy of darkness, goldeneye 007, mystical ninja starring goemon, diddy kong racing, donkey kong 64, banjo kazooie, and smash remix
So, what should I use, then?

 

[Zerpina]

I don't wanna be scolded for changing stuff on our only PC

ok simple fix. if you can get a 16 GB flashdrive. since you are just wanting to play n64. Flash batocera to the Flashdrive, use Rufus or balenaEtcher. Reboot the pc useing the flashdrive. <have to first time with batocera so it set's up the system on the flash drive> restart into windows 8, pop your games into the n64 folder <on the flashdrive> and then reboot useing the Flashdrive. it will boot into batocera, play till your done. and no permant xhange to your system

 

[VampireLord1024]

Weird, I use Project64 and it's always worked for me.

 

[daratmp+wxqvs]

I use this version of Project64 for compatibility with some old texture packs, you could try it out see how it works for you @Xdqwerty : https://github.com/pj64team/Project64-Legacy/releases

But normally i use RMG because i like how easy it is to overclock games with it, some n64 games lag on real hardware and RMG can fix it, for example in Bomberman Hero the level Area1-Secret Room lags very badly.
Plus it has some early support for the RT64 renderer which isnt userable yet put exciting.

 

[Xdqwerty]

I use this version of Project64 for compatibility with some old texture packs, you could try it out see how it works for you @Xdqwerty : https://github.com/pj64team/Project64-Legacy/releases

Project64-legacy worked like shit, and it doesnt even let me add more plugins

 

[daratmp+wxqvs]

By 'worked like shit' do you mean it runs too slowly? you can try changing the graphics plugin to Jabo's D3D8 1.7

And setting the RSP to use HLE for graphics and audio, and not increasing the resolution so keeping it on 640x480. Those plugins and settings should be the fastest for lower end hardware.
If its still to slow, maybe even try changing the RSP to the old "RSP emulation" plugin

If by 'worked like shit' you mean the emulation is buggy? Well then try out Batocera like Zerpina said or just use Retroarch.
Or try that older RMG build that i linked to earlier which should still work on Windows 8.1

You did mention you used newer versions of Project64, but were told not to use it. If that's the only emulator that works for you, then there's not really a reason not to use it. I think the reason people recommend not to use it, is because other emulators are more better, but if those don't work for you...

Otherwise, if you have a Vita PSP or 3DS, you could try the DaedalusX64 or if you have a Wii or WiiU the Not64 emulator.

 

[thecrow2313]

Win 8.1 in 2025, EoL ended in 2023. Hope you have really good virus & malware protection. Look into a OS alternative.

 

[Leon]

I heard retroarch sucks

So i know this isn't the focus of this thread, but it's not that retroarch sucks, it's honestly got some of the best emulators for certain systems, the problem is the interface is ANNOYING AS HELL for pc users as it's designed around the gamepad, so much so that i avoid using it when i can.

 

[thecrow2313]

Ok so I tried/wanted to try the recommended emulators from this list and these were the issues:

• Mupen64plus-next crashes
• ares has high requirements
• simple64 and rmg dont work since I have Windows 8.1
• Bizhawk is too slow
• I also used to use parallel-n64 and project64 but I have been told that I shouldnt use them anymore.
• Project64-legacy worked like shit, and it doesnt even let me add more plugins

The n64 roms I have are Mario 64, F-zero x, zelda ocarina of time, hybrid heaven, castlevania legacy of darkness, goldeneye 007, mystical ninja starring goemon, diddy kong racing, donkey kong 64, banjo kazooie, and smash remix
So, what should I use, then?

Have you tried this one?

GitHub - gopher64/gopher64: N64 emulator written in Rust

N64 emulator written in Rust. Contribute to gopher64/gopher64 development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[Xdqwerty]

Have you tried this one?

GitHub - gopher64/gopher64: N64 emulator written in Rust

N64 emulator written in Rust. Contribute to gopher64/gopher64 development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Didnt know about it

 

[thecrow2313]

Didnt know about it

Update @ https://github.com/gopher64/gopher64/releases/tag/v0.1.18