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Head-to-head · Nintendo 64 Emulators

Mupen64Plus-Next vs Project64

  • 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
Project64 #2 in Nintendo 64 Emulators 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Project64

Mupen64Plus-Next leads on 0 checks, Project64 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 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Mupen64Plus-Next is the better fit for most users needing broad N64 platform coverage. Project64 is the better fit for windows users wanting 64DD and debugging tools.

  • Mupen64Plus-Next fits best

    Most users needing broad N64 platform coverage

  • Project64 fits best

    Windows users wanting 64DD and debugging tools

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Side by side

Feature Mupen64Plus-Next 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Project64 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Nintendo 64 Emulators #2 in Nintendo 64 Emulators
Best for Most users needing broad N64 platform coverage Windows users wanting 64DD and debugging tools
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows
Support Docs, Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Mupen64Plus-Next 4/5 · Project64 0/5
Online netplay — Not checked yet
Save states ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cheat support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
High-resolution rendering ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Controller remapping ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web Not checked yet
Graphics renderer APIs OpenGL, OpenGL ES Not checked yet
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
  • Emulates Nintendo 64 and Nintendo 64 Disk Drive games
  • Includes save states, cheats, HD graphics, and controller support
  • Offers development tools and support for multiple N64 plugins
Cons
  • Distributed as a libretro core rather than a standalone application
  • Netplay is unsupported
  • Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch
  • Runs on Windows only
  • Focuses on Nintendo 64 and 64DD systems
  • Does not include AI features
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 →

Project64 is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo 64 and Nintendo 64 Disk Drive games. It is aimed at Windows users who want to play N64 software with practical emulator features, while also serving developers and advanced users…

Read the review →
  1. Mupen64Plus-NextNintendo 64 Emulators 9.3Free plan
  2. Project64Nintendo 64 Emulators 9.1Free 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

  • Project64 — where it wins

    • Emulates Nintendo 64 and Nintendo 64 Disk Drive games
    • Includes save states, cheats, HD graphics, and controller support
    • Offers development tools and support for multiple N64 plugins

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows only
    • Focuses on Nintendo 64 and 64DD systems
    • Does not include AI features

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