Luna's Project64
github.com
What it is
Luna's Project64 is a free Nintendo 64 emulator for Windows and Linux. It is a fork of Project64 3.0.1 and describes itself as a Linux-compatible alternative to Project64 2.4. Its stated priority is gameplay functionality for a select set of games, not accuracy or broad compatibility; included plugins are intended to support those games. The emulator offers 100 savestate slots, with faster loading and changes to prevent crashes from repeated state loading while Discord screensharing. It prompts users when a new version is ready. Version 3.7.3 fixes a RetroAchievements Hardcore exploit, improves memory decommit handling, and addresses edge cases that could deadlock state saving or loading. Version 3.7.3 is required for RetroAchievements Hardcore, and Star Display plus Luna is allowed. The project is licensed under GPLv2 and distributed through GitHub Releases. It supports cheats, high-resolution rendering, controller remapping, and Direct3D 8, Vulkan, and OpenGL 3.3 graphics APIs. Speed controls use Ctrl+ and Ctrl-.
Spec sheet
- License
- The project is licensed under GPLv2.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility fix
- A bug that could make EEPROM data appear corrupted in certain hacks was patched.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Controls
- The speed increase and decrease shortcuts are Ctrl+ and Ctrl-.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Focus
- It prioritizes gameplay functionality for a select set of games over accuracy or compatibility.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Included plugins
- It includes plugins needed to play supported games without issues.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Latest release
- Version 3.7.3 fixes a RetroAchievements Hardcore exploit, improves memory decommit handling, and fixes state-saving and loading deadlock edge cases.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Maintainers
- Luna's Project64 was created by ShiN3 and is currently maintained primarily by aglab2.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Origin
- It is a fork of Project64 3.0.1.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Platform support
- The project describes itself as a Linux-compatible alternative to Project64 2.4 and says it works on Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Product type
- Luna's Project64 is a Nintendo 64 emulator.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Release security
- The v3.7.3 release commit was created on GitHub and signed with GitHub's verified signature.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- RetroAchievements
- Version 3.7.3 is required for RetroAchievements Hardcore, and Star Display plus Luna is allowed.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Save states
- It provides 100 savestate slots.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Savestate performance
- Savestate loading was made faster and repeated loading while Discord screensharing should no longer crash the game.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Updater
- The emulator prompts users when a new version is ready.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Free and open-source Free GPLv2 license · download from GitHub Releases Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Available for Linux and Windows.
- Provides 100 savestate slots.
- Includes plugins for supported games.
- Supports controller remapping and cheats.
Limits
- Prioritizes selected games over broad compatibility.
- Prioritizes gameplay over accuracy.
- RetroAchievements Hardcore requires version 3.7.3.
Who it suits
Luna's Project64 suits players using Windows or Linux who want an emulator focused on gameplay for a selected set of Nintendo 64 games. RetroAchievements Hardcore users need version 3.7.3.
Verdict
Luna's Project64 offers a free, GPLv2 emulator with savestates and several graphics APIs. Its focus on a select set of games means broad compatibility and accuracy are not its stated priorities.
Where Specifiction places it
- Nintendo 64 Emulators#10 of 247.8
