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NINTENDO 64

How to run Nintendo 64 games on your computer - In 4 Easy Steps

     The Nintendo 64 home video game console was released in the USA on September 29, 1996. Technical limitations caused frustration among developers and led to a serious drop in 3rd party game productions and a small game library compared to other 5th generation consoles on the market, like the Sony Playstation, just shy of 300 titles. Still, several N64 titles are amazing games! This tutorial will show you how to run N64 games on your computer using Project 64, an easy-to-use Nintendo 64 emulator with high compatibility.

(Would you rather play Nintendo 64 games in your browser with no downloads? Click here.)

STEP #1: Download the emulator to your computer:

 

  • Go to the pj64-emu.com download page and get the latest version of Project 64.

  • You will get a "setup.....exe" file. Run the file once it's downloaded.

  • There are junkware installation offers you'll want to decline during the installation. Read before you click.

  • You can skip launching Project 64 for now. Wait until STEP #4.

 

 

STEP #2: Desktop shortcut & ROMs folder:

 

  • Navigate to your Project 64 folder (by default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Project64 2.1\)

  • Right-click "Project64.exe" and select "Send to>Desktop (create shortcut)".

  • Right-click the background and select "New>Folder". Name the new folder "ROMS" or something like that.

 

 

STEP #3: Download a game ROM for your emulator:

 

     Officially, there were 387 games released for the Nintendo 64. They are all available online at ROM sites in countries where that is allowed. It is not legal to download or store a copyright-protected ROM you don't own, and any pirate could query a search engine with "N64" "ROMS" and "game title". However, this tutorial will keep things legal with a fan-made homebrew ROM (made by an independent developer) for the N64 emulation homebrew scene.

DISCLAIMER: It is not legal to download or store an N64 game ROM, in most countries, even if you own a physical copy. Check your local laws on backup copies of software like video games to be sure. Homebrew games and abandonware are games not protected by copyright laws and are offered as freeware for legal public domain download.

 

 

 

STEP #4: Setup Project 64 & play your game:

 

    Game controls in a Nintendo 64 emulator are going to be somewhat complicated unless you actually have a gamepad that can be used with your computer. See the MORE HINTS section below to find out more about game controller solutions for the PC gamer.

  • Start "Project64.exe" using your new Desktop icon.

  • Configure controls by clicking: "Options>Configure Controller Plugin..."

  • If you have a game controller connected to your computer, select it from the Game Device drop-down menu.

  • Every N64 controller input is represented. Just click the little reset button by a control assignment & press the new control.

  • After configuring every button, D-pad & analog stick cardinal directions, click the "Save" button and save the control profile.

 

  • After saving your controller profile, click "OK". Now set your ROM BROWSER folder.

  • Click "File>Choose Rom Directory..." find your ROMS folder, select it and click "OK" to save.

  • Your new game should now be visible in the ROM BROWSER. Double-click it to start emulation.

  • That's it! You can now emulate the Nintendo 64!

MORE GAMES:

Homebrew N64 games at ArcadeAtHome.com

Homebrew N64 games at RomHacking.net

Top 100 N64 Games at Retro-Sanctuary.com

Top 100 N64 Games at GameFAQs.com

Top 100 N64 Games at NintendoEnthusiast.com

Top 50 N64 Games Of All Time at GamesRadar.com

Top 25 N64 Games Of All Time at IGN.com

Best Undiscovered N64 Games at RacketBoy.com

Startpage - the world's most private search engine

 

 

MORE HINTS:

 

CONTROLLERS:

     When emulating the Nintendo 64, it's important to have some type of controller if you want to have a nice gaming experience. Most any modern USB game controller will do the trick, especially if it has an analog stick. There are adapters for real N64 controllers to USB and most other old console controllers too. There are even modern USB controllers made like clones of original N64 controllers, just for N64 emulation. The original N64 controller had 10 buttons, 1 D-Pad & 1 Analog Stick

 

"USB Game Controller for PC" - (Google Shopping query)

N64 wired USB Controller for PC

USB Adapter for XBOX, PS2 & Gamecube

USB adapter for PS1/PS2 controllers

Super-affordable USB adapter for PS1/PS2 controllers

How to setup an XBOX 360 controller for Windows PC

How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC

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