n64js
github.com
What it is
n64js is a free N64 emulator written mostly in pure ES6 JavaScript, with a hosted version on GitHub Pages. It uses WebGL and provides keyboard controls plus a controller-configuration interface. Many ROMs run close to full speed, but graphical problems remain and imprecise cycle counting affects compatibility. Save data can persist through localStorage, with save import and export listed as implemented features. Saving and loading require native Uint8Array base64 methods supported in Chrome or Edge 140+, Firefox 133+, or Safari 18.2+, including iOS. The live site reports Chrome, Firefox, and Safari tested on macOS 13.5; Edge is untested. Low-level audio emulation is implemented, while high-level audio remains in progress. Savestates are listed as a TODO. Debug options include Off, Simple, and Mattias CRT display effects. The MIT-licensed repository also documents Bun scripts for headless emulation and programmatic controller input.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- n64js is an N64 emulator written mostly in pure ES6 JavaScript.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Product
- n64js is an N64 emulator written mostly in pure ES6 JavaScript.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The hosted site invites users to get in touch via the maker’s Twitter account.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hulkholden.github.io
- License
- The repository includes an MIT license that permits use, modification, distribution, and sale subject to its notice conditions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Audio
- The repository says low-level audio emulation is implemented and high-level audio emulation is a work in progress.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Availability
- A hosted version is available on GitHub Pages.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Browser compatibility
- The live site reports Chrome, Firefox, and Safari tested on macOS 13.5, with Edge untested.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hulkholden.github.io
- Browser requirement
- The emulator requires WebGL, which limits the GPUs it can run on.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hulkholden.github.io
- Browser requirements
- The hosted emulator requires WebGL, and saving and loading require native Uint8Array base64 methods supported in Chrome/Edge 140+, Firefox 133+, or Safari 18.2+ including iOS.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The project says many ROMs run at full framerate, though most playable ROMs have some graphical issues.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Controls
- The emulator supports static and configurable key bindings, and lists the Gamepad API as an implementation feature.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Debug features
- The emulator offers Off, Simple, and Mattias CRT display effects under Debug → Graphics → CRT.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Graphics
- The repository says graphics use high-level emulation and that many ROMs have graphical issues.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Headless use
- The repository documents Bun scripts for creating a headless emulator and setting controller input programmatically.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Hosted version
- A hosted version is available on GitHub Pages.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Intended audience
- The maker describes the project as a JavaScript emulator showcase and a way to explore what modern browsers can do.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known limitations
- The README identifies imprecise cycle counting and graphics as compatibility issues and lists savestates as a TODO.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Origin
- The hosted page says n64js is based on Daedalus, an emulator its maker began writing while at university.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hulkholden.github.io
- Performance
- The project says many ROMs run at close to full speed, though graphical issues remain.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hulkholden.github.io
- Save data
- The repository lists save persistence through localStorage and save import/export among its implementation features.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan with no paid plans stated
- Hosted version available on GitHub Pages
- Controller remapping interface included
- Save import and export are implemented
- MIT license
Limits
- Requires WebGL
- Graphical issues remain across many ROMs
- Savestates are not completed
- Edge is untested
Who it suits
n64js suits people exploring browser-based N64 emulation and JavaScript capabilities. It is for users with WebGL-compatible graphics hardware who can work within its compatibility limits.
Verdict
n64js offers a free, browser-hosted N64 emulator with configurable controls and persistent save data. WebGL requirements, graphics issues, unfinished high-level audio, and absent savestates define its current limits.
Where Specifiction places it
- Nintendo 64 Emulators#11 of 247.8