N64 emulation in 2023

[wakka]

Hi folks

I'm looking to get into some N64 action in the relatively near future, since it's a system I've spent very little time with really.

I won't be using original hardware, much as I'd like to, since I can't be arsed with the expense at the moment (already going to be spending a bundle this year on current gen hardware to play PSVR2 and Starfield).

So that leaves me with emulation. The two options I'm currently looking at are Nintendo's own Switch Online implementation, which has most of the games I'd realistically want to play, and the Ares emulator on macOS, which is now Apple Silicon native and focuses on accuracy.

Controller-wise, I'm hoping to be able to pick up an official Switch N64 pad. I've got alerts setup...fingers crossed they come back into stock at some point.

Any experience or views on the current state of N64 emulation, official and otherwise? I'm personally Mac-only but feel free to discuss Windows options too!

[Neon Ignition]

I think it's still the usual suspects for standard emulation. Mileage seems to start to vary again once you delve into the realms of stuff like ray tracing plug ins etc

[wakka]

I'm mostly interested in accuracy so I'm not really into mods to improve stuff. I have enjoyed messing around with filters that aim to simulate CRTs though.

Interested in whether anyone has any experience of the NSO emulation and the quality of that/accuracy of it.

[Yakumo]

I found it to still be a pain in the arse. Multiple config for various games. There's no "one size fits all" solution like other consoles.
I ended up buying a N64, RGB modding it and loading up an Everdrive with full rom sets and home brew.

[dataDave]

I'm mostly interested in accuracy

That’s NSO out then! Besides the latency issues and dodgy emulation you have to put up with borders and permanent control/input reminders on screen that can’t be removed. Last, but certainly not least, the Switch controls (even the Pro controller) don’t have the right feel either.

The N64 is a tough one. The low frame rates don’t suit themselves to flat panel gaming at all. With a CRT you can play Goldeneye/Perfect Dark and not notice any hard flicker slideshow effect. What emulation really needs, now that scan line shaders are in the bag, is some kind of frame interlacing for HFR displays which simulates the motion resolution of low frame rate output on a CRT - although it’s only the 32-bit era of gaming that’d benefit from that so I’m not sure if anyone is arsed enough to do it.

Besides, you want to experience the likes of Super Mario 64 with instant response in terms of latency. Don’t compromise a masterpiece.

I need an EverDrive and some controllers for mine and I can start playing. Unlike Yakumo I’m not going to bother with an RGB mod unless I’m sold on one somehow.

[wakka]

Yep, a CRT, original hardware and an Everdrive would be ideal. But it's money I'm just not looking to spend right now (and I don't want to dedicate the space to a CRT, even a small one).

Good info on the NSO side of things, thanks. Pad-wise, I agree with you. The peculiar layout of the N64 pad means it needs to be legit ideally. I'm planning to snag the N64 NSO pad once it restocks (I've got stock alerts and stuff setup).

Lag-wise, I suspect I'm not quite as sensitive as you. I did a 120 star playthrough of Mario 64 on the 3D All Stars Collection and had a great time.

Multiple config for various games. There's no "one size fits all" solution like other consoles.

Yeah, this is exactly what I'm seeing.

My plan as it stands is to go with the multi-emu Ares. It's the project originally by Near (RIP), the person behind Higan, so it's very accuracy focused, and it's getting a lot of development specifically on the N64 side of things. It's also Apple Silicon native so it's suited for taking advantage of the PC hardware I've got to hand.

I'm not going to really dive in till I can get hold of the pad, but I'm going to do a bit of testing in advance to see how it performs with stuff. I suspect there'll be some per-game fiddling but I can deal with that.

[dataDave]

If you're going that route get a proper OEM controller along with a RaphNet adapter.

[wakka]

Is there a big advantage to an original controller over an NSO version?

[speedlolita]

You'll get a nice broken in thumbstick.

[wakka]

Exactly my thinking...not sure I can be arsed trawling for one in decent condition, then dealing with wires all over the floor as I run N64 wire -> Raphnet -> USB-A to USB-C converter.

[Cepp]

Getting the NSO controller working with N64 emulators was a bit of a hassle, it's not as straight forward as just plugging it in and off you go unfortunately (on Windows at least).

Simple64 is a very straight forward way to play N64 games but I had issues with c button mapping on my NSO controller. It's also Windows/Linux only I believe.

I ended up using ParaLLEl in Retroarch which works fine after a bit of messing about with settings / controller configs.

[dataDave]

Is there a big advantage to an original controller over an NSO version?

Less latency (lolBluetooth. Double lolz for whichever Bluetooth protocol/components Nintendo usually opt with) and easier to find in stock somewhere.

You might not think that you're that sensitive to latency, but try playing SMW on your Mac with a wireless Bluetooth controller immediately after playing it on your Pocket and there'll be no way that you're not noticing that 5+ frame delay.

I believe the DS4 is the fastest at Bluetooth, but then mapping C-buttons on one of those isn't going to be ideal.