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Head-to-head · Nintendo 64 Emulators

Mupen64Plus vs RustyN64

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Mupen64Plus #3 in Nintendo 64 Emulators 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Mupen64Plus
RustyN64 #5 in Nintendo 64 Emulators 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit DoubleGate

Mupen64Plus leads on 0 checks, RustyN64 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 · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMupen64Plus · 4 of 5

Mupen64Plus scores higher on our rubric for nintendo 64 emulators: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Mupen64Plus is the better fit for desktop users wanting a configurable classic emulator. RustyN64 is the better fit for technical users prioritizing accuracy and modern graphics.

  • Mupen64Plus fits best

    Desktop users wanting a configurable classic emulator

  • RustyN64 fits best

    Technical users prioritizing accuracy and modern graphics

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Side by side

Feature Mupen64Plus 8.9/10 Visit ↗ RustyN64 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #3 in Nintendo 64 Emulators #5 in Nintendo 64 Emulators
Best for Desktop users wanting a configurable classic emulator Technical users prioritizing accuracy and modern graphics
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs, Community
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Mupen64Plus 4/5 · RustyN64 3/5
Online netplay Not checked yet —
Save states ✓ ✓
Cheat support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
High-resolution rendering ✓ ✓
Controller remapping ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Windows Linux x64, macOS ARM64, Windows x64, WebAssembly browser demo
Graphics renderer APIs OpenGL Vulkan, Metal, DX12
Our review
Pros
  • Plugin architecture supports graphics, audio, input and RSP components.
  • Dynamic recompilers support Intel and ARM CPUs.
  • Includes saves, cheats, high-resolution textures and rumble support.
  • Cycle-accurate scheduling and low-level RSP and RDP emulation
  • Supports save states, rewind, run-ahead, and configurable controllers
  • Runs on desktop platforms with Vulkan, Metal, DX12, and WebAssembly support
Cons
  • The official 2.6.0 bundle uses a command-line-only front end.
  • GUI front ends are separate third-party components.
  • Video support is documented around OpenGL plugins.
  • Commercial-game compatibility remains incomplete
  • No netplay support
  • Rendering and compatibility features are demonstrated to varying degrees
Our verdict

Mupen64Plus is an open-source Nintendo 64 emulator for desktop users on Linux, Windows and macOS. The project site also identifies FreeBSD as supported. Its design centers on a plugin architecture covering emulation cores, audio, graphics,…

Read the review →

RustyN64 is an open-source Nintendo 64 emulator written in pure Rust for technical users who prioritize hardware accuracy and modern graphics options. It supports Linux x64, macOS ARM64, Windows x64, and a WebAssembly browser demo. The…

Read the review →
  1. Mupen64PlusNintendo 64 Emulators 8.9Free plan
  2. RustyN64Nintendo 64 Emulators 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Mupen64Plus — where it wins

    • Plugin architecture supports graphics, audio, input and RSP components.
    • Dynamic recompilers support Intel and ARM CPUs.
    • Includes saves, cheats, high-resolution textures and rumble support.

    Where it doesn't

    • The official 2.6.0 bundle uses a command-line-only front end.
    • GUI front ends are separate third-party components.
    • Video support is documented around OpenGL plugins.

  • RustyN64 — where it wins

    • Cycle-accurate scheduling and low-level RSP and RDP emulation
    • Supports save states, rewind, run-ahead, and configurable controllers
    • Runs on desktop platforms with Vulkan, Metal, DX12, and WebAssembly support

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial-game compatibility remains incomplete
    • No netplay support
    • Rendering and compatibility features are demonstrated to varying degrees
  • Mupen64Plus8.9/10 · Free plan

    Free, configurable desktop emulation with plugins, saves, cheats, textures and controller support.

    Visit Mupen64PlusFull verdict →
  • RustyN648.6/10 · Free plan

    A technically focused, open-source N64 emulator with strong accuracy features and incomplete compatibility.

    Visit DoubleGateFull 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