Choosing the "best" Nintendo 64 core in RetroArch often depends on your specific hardware and the game you intend to play, as N64 emulation can be demanding and nuanced. However, two cores are generally recommended:
Mupen64Plus-Next
This is widely considered the primary go-to core for N64 emulation within RetroArch. It strikes a strong balance between accuracy, game compatibility, and performance requirements. It supports various GFX (graphics) and RSP (Reality Signal Processor) plugins, allowing for customization to suit different games and hardware capabilities.
- Broad Compatibility: Successfully runs a vast majority of the N64 library.
- Good Performance: Generally efficient and runs well on a wide range of systems, from low-power devices to high-end PCs.
- Active Development: Continues to receive updates and improvements, enhancing compatibility and features.
- Plugin Variety: Offers choices like GLideN64 (accuracy-focused) and ParaLLEl-RDP (can be more performant or accurate depending on settings) for graphics.
ParaLLEl N64
ParaLLEl N64 is an excellent alternative, particularly for users seeking higher accuracy, especially through its Low-Level Emulation (LLE) options. It features its own RDP (Reality Display Processor) and RSP plugins. The ParaLLEl-RDP plugin, when used with Vulkan, can provide highly accurate graphics rendering but is more demanding on the system.
- High Accuracy Potential: Capable of very accurate emulation, especially with its LLE graphics and RSP plugins.
- Vulkan Renderer: Its ParaLLEl-RDP plugin leverages the Vulkan API for potentially superior graphics and accuracy, if your hardware supports it well.
- More Demanding: Generally requires more powerful hardware than Mupen64Plus-Next, especially when using its LLE settings and the Vulkan backend.
Recommendation:
For most users, Mupen64Plus-Next is the recommended starting point due to its excellent balance of compatibility, performance, and ease of use. It's likely to provide a good experience for the majority of games and hardware configurations.
If you have a powerful system (especially a modern GPU supporting Vulkan well) and are aiming for the highest possible accuracy, or if a particular game has issues with Mupen64Plus-Next, then ParaLLEl N64 is a strong contender. Be prepared for higher system requirements, particularly when enabling its more accurate LLE options.
Ultimately, the best core can sometimes vary from game to game. Experimenting with both cores and their available plugin settings (like GFX and RSP plugins within Mupen64Plus-Next) is often the best way to find the optimal setup for your needs.
