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Head-to-head · Nintendo 64 Emulators

Mupen64Plus-Next vs ParaLLEl-N64

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Mupen64Plus-Next #1 in Nintendo 64 Emulators 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Libretro
ParaLLEl-N64 #4 in Nintendo 64 Emulators 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit libretro

Mupen64Plus-Next leads on 0 checks, ParaLLEl-N64 on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMupen64Plus-Next · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMupen64Plus-Next · 4 of 5

Mupen64Plus-Next scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 64 emulators: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Mupen64Plus-Next is the better fit for most users needing broad N64 platform coverage. ParaLLEl-N64 is the better fit for users wanting 64DD and multi-platform rendering options.

  • Mupen64Plus-Next fits best

    Most users needing broad N64 platform coverage

  • ParaLLEl-N64 fits best

    Users wanting 64DD and multi-platform rendering options

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Side by side

Feature Mupen64Plus-Next 9.3/10 Visit ↗ ParaLLEl-N64 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.7
Ranking #1 in Nintendo 64 Emulators #4 in Nintendo 64 Emulators
Best for Most users needing broad N64 platform coverage Users wanting 64DD and multi-platform rendering options
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support Docs, Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Mupen64Plus-Next 4/5 · ParaLLEl-N64 3/5
Online netplay — —
Save states ✓ ✓
Cheat support ✓ ✓
High-resolution rendering ✓ ✓
Controller remapping ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Graphics renderer APIs OpenGL, OpenGL ES OpenGL, OpenGL ES, Vulkan
Our review
Pros
  • Runs on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
  • Offers GLideN64, Angrylion, and ParaLLEl-RDP renderers
  • Includes save states, cheats, remapping, and texture packs
  • Supports Nintendo 64 64DD disks, save states, cheats, and high resolution
  • Offers ParaLLEl-RDP, OpenGL, OpenGL ES, Vulkan, and GLideN64 paths
  • Provides Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android build targets
Cons
  • Distributed as a libretro core rather than a standalone application
  • Netplay is unsupported
  • Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch
  • Works through Libretro-compatible frontends rather than as a standalone application
  • Does not support N64 netplay through the current RetroArch netplay model
  • Graphics and RSP plugin configuration may require additional setup decisions
Our verdict

Mupen64Plus-Next is an open-source Nintendo 64 emulation core for the libretro API, distributed by Libretro. It is intended for users who want N64 emulation across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS through compatible libretro…

Read the review →

ParaLLEl-N64 is an open-source Nintendo 64 emulator implemented as a Libretro core. It is aimed at users who already work with Libretro-compatible frontends such as RetroArch and want an emulator core that spans Windows, macOS, Linux, and…

Read the review →
  1. Mupen64Plus-NextNintendo 64 Emulators 9.3Free plan
  2. ParaLLEl-N64Nintendo 64 Emulators 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Mupen64Plus-Next — where it wins

    • Runs on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
    • Offers GLideN64, Angrylion, and ParaLLEl-RDP renderers
    • Includes save states, cheats, remapping, and texture packs

    Where it doesn't

    • Distributed as a libretro core rather than a standalone application
    • Netplay is unsupported
    • Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch

  • ParaLLEl-N64 — where it wins

    • Supports Nintendo 64 64DD disks, save states, cheats, and high resolution
    • Offers ParaLLEl-RDP, OpenGL, OpenGL ES, Vulkan, and GLideN64 paths
    • Provides Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android build targets

    Where it doesn't

    • Works through Libretro-compatible frontends rather than as a standalone application
    • Does not support N64 netplay through the current RetroArch netplay model
    • Graphics and RSP plugin configuration may require additional setup decisions
  • Mupen64Plus-Next9.3/10 · Free plan

    A broad-platform N64 core with strong rendering, save, cheat, and input options.

    Visit LibretroFull verdict →
  • ParaLLEl-N648.7/10 · Free plan

    A flexible Libretro core with 64DD support, multiple renderers, and desktop and Android builds.

    Visit libretroFull verdict →

More comparisons

All nintendo 64 emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update