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Mupen64Plus-Next

Free#1 of 24 in Nintendo 64 Emulators

Mupen64Plus-Next: A broad-platform N64 core with strong rendering, save, cheat, and input options. Ranked #1 of 24 in Nintendo 64 Emulators by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for most users needing broad N64 platform coverage.

9.3/10Editor score

Visit Libretro

Mupen64Plus-Next9.3 Visit Libretro

At a glance

Editor score
9.3 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Most users needing broad N64 platform coverage
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Online netplay
No
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

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

Our verdict on Mupen64Plus-Next

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 frontends such as RetroArch. The core supports Nintendo 64 game formats and combines platform coverage with controls, saves, cheats, and graphics options. It is a fit for users who already work with libretro software or want one core that spans desktop, mobile, and web targets.

Graphics configuration is a central strength. GLideN64 is the default graphics plugin, while Angrylion and ParaLLEl-RDP provide additional rendering options. Users can select multiple render resolutions, use native-resolution scaling, and apply high-resolution texture packs. This gives the core a wider range of presentation choices than a narrowly configured emulator, from native-resolution output to higher-resolution rendering. The published specifications list OpenGL and OpenGL ES among its renderer APIs, supporting its desktop and mobile targets.

The main trade-off is its form. Mupen64Plus-Next is a libretro core, not a standalone emulator application, so the experience depends on a compatible frontend and its configuration. It also does not support netplay, which makes it a weaker choice for users who specifically need network multiplayer. For local or single-player N64 emulation with save states, cartridge saves, RetroArch cheat support, controller remapping, and texture options, it is a strong fit. Users seeking a self-contained application or netplay should choose an alternative that provides those features.

Your product? Our editors can test Mupen64Plus-Next in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Mupen64Plus-Next pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

Mupen64Plus-Next fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web
Online netplay	No
Save states	Yes
Cheat support	Yes
High-resolution rendering	Yes
Controller remapping	Yes
Graphics renderer APIs	OpenGL, OpenGL ES
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Mupen64Plus-Next for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Mupen64Plus-Next is listed in our Nintendo 64 Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update