RetroArch offers several cores for Nintendo 64 emulation, each with varying levels of accuracy, performance, and features. Understanding these differences is key to an optimal N64 gaming experience.
Main N64 Cores in RetroArch
The two primary N64 cores available are ParaLLEl N64 and Mupen64Plus-Next.
ParaLLEl N64
This core is known for its focus on accuracy, particularly when using its low-level emulation (LLE) components. It is a fork of Mupen64Plus with a focus on integrating the ParaLLEl RDP and RSP plugins.
- RDP (Reality Display Processor) Plugins:
- Angrylion: A software-based, cycle-accurate RDP plugin. It provides the most accurate N64 visuals, replicating original hardware rendering, including its quirks. However, it is extremely CPU intensive.
- ParaLLEl RDP: A Vulkan-based, low-level RDP plugin aiming for high accuracy with hardware acceleration. Performance is generally better than Angrylion while maintaining high fidelity.
- GLideN64: A widely compatible and feature-rich hardware-accelerated RDP plugin using OpenGL or Vulkan. Offers many enhancements like upscaling, texture filtering, and widescreen hacks. Good balance of performance and accuracy.
- Rice: An older hardware-accelerated RDP plugin. Generally less accurate than GLideN64 but might be faster on very low-end hardware or for specific games.
- RSP (Reality Signal Processor) Plugins:
- ParaLLEl RSP: A cycle-accurate, low-level emulation RSP plugin. More demanding but provides higher accuracy for audio and other signal processing tasks.
- HLE RSP (cxd4): A high-level emulation RSP plugin. Faster but less accurate, potentially leading to issues in some games.
- Best For: Users with powerful hardware seeking the highest accuracy (Angrylion or ParaLLEl RDP with ParaLLEl RSP) or a good balance with extensive graphical options (GLideN64).
Mupen64Plus-Next
This core is an actively developed port of the Mupen64Plus standalone emulator. It often offers a good balance of performance, compatibility, and features, making it a popular choice.
- RDP Plugins:
- GLideN64: The primary and often default RDP plugin, offering similar features and performance as in ParaLLEl N64.
- Rice: Also available, similar to its implementation in ParaLLEl N64.
- GLN64: An older OpenGL graphics plugin, generally superseded by GLideN64 but may have niche uses.
- RSP Plugins:
- HLE RSP: Typically defaults to a high-level emulation RSP for better performance.
- LLE RSP (Static Interpreter/Cached Interpreter): Options for more accurate RSP emulation may be available depending on the core build, but these are more CPU intensive.
- Best For: Users seeking a robust, generally performant N64 experience with good compatibility and access to GLideN64's enhancements. Often a more straightforward setup for users with mid-range hardware.
Key Considerations When Choosing an N64 Core
- System Specifications: Low-level emulation (especially Angrylion RDP and ParaLLEl RSP) requires a very powerful CPU. Hardware-accelerated plugins like GLideN64 and ParaLLEl RDP benefit from a capable modern GPU, especially for upscaling and advanced effects.
- Accuracy vs. Performance: If pixel-perfect accuracy mirroring original hardware is paramount, ParaLLEl N64 with Angrylion RDP is the goal, at a significant performance cost. For a smoother experience with enhancements, Mupen64Plus-Next with GLideN64 or ParaLLEl N64 with GLideN64/ParaLLEl RDP are excellent.
- Game Compatibility: While both cores have high compatibility, some games may run better or have fewer graphical/audio glitches on one core or with a specific plugin combination over another. Experimentation may be required for problematic titles.
- Graphics Plugin Options: Both cores, through GLideN64, offer extensive per-game and global settings for resolution, texture filtering, framebuffer effects, and workarounds for common emulation issues. Familiarizing yourself with these options can greatly improve the visual experience.
- Ease of Use: Mupen64Plus-Next with GLideN64 often provides a more "out-of-the-box" satisfactory experience for many users, while ParaLLEl N64 might require more tweaking to achieve desired results, especially when targeting LLE.
Ultimately, the choice of N64 core and its accompanying plugins depends on your hardware, the specific games you intend to play, and your personal preference for accuracy versus performance and enhancements. It's often beneficial to have both cores available for testing.
