Mupen64Plus vs n64js
Mupen64Plus
mupen64plus.orgn64js
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Mupen64Plus | n64js |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Nintendo 64 Emulators | 7.7 (#12) | 7.8 (#11) |
| Controls | Listed features include LIRC infrared remote support and Rumble Pak support. | The emulator supports static and configurable key bindings, and lists the Gamepad API as an implementation feature. |
| Purpose | Mupen64Plus is a cross-platform, plugin-based Nintendo 64 emulator capable of accurately playing many games. | n64js is an N64 emulator written mostly in pure ES6 JavaScript. |
| Support | Users can ask questions or report bugs through the Google Group, file bug reports on GitHub, or visit the #mupen64plus IRC channel on Libera.Chat. | The hosted site invites users to get in touch via the maker’s Twitter account. |
Plans
In their own words
Mupen64Plus
Mupen64Plus is a free, plugin-based Nintendo 64 emulator for Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD. It is designed to play many games and includes four MIPS R4300 CPU emulators, with dynamic recompilers for 32-bit x86 and 64-bit amd64 systems. Plugins cover audio, graphics, signal co-processing, and input. Listed features include two OpenGL video plugins with high-resolution texture support, Rumble Pak and LIRC infrared remote support, and a GameShark-compatible cheat system. Users can adjust speed while retaining smooth sound output. A shared library interface allows integration with other systems and front-ends. The distributed download bundle includes a command-line-only console front-end; the project points users to third-party front-ends for graphical options. The v2.6.0 release page lists prebuilt 64-bit downloads for Linux, Windows, and macOS, plus source code. Documentation covers setup, file locations, rumble, textures, compatibility, and core and plugin settings. Questions and bug reports can go through the Google Group, GitHub, or the #mupen64plus IRC channel on Libera.Chat.
n64js
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.