Changes

To understand the current plugin situation, and why there are several competing emulators that all appear to use the same plugins but said plugins are not compatible across emulators, a bit of history is in order. As for the terms HLE and LLE, which will occur with frequency throughout this page, and the difference between them, it is recommended to read this page on [[High/Low level emulation]] beforehand. Historically, the majority of N64 emulators all shared the same plugin spec (known as the zilmar spec, after the creator of Project64, the first emulator to use it), and could therefore all use the same plugins, meaning you could take a plugin DLL file, use it on one emulator, then take that DLL and use it on another, and it would also work there. Of these, the big three emulators were [[Project64]], [[1964]] and Mupen64. Each had advantages and disadvantages, and some games worked well in one only to not work in another, even when using the same plugin configuration. This necessitated having all of these emulators and sometimes even older or modified versions of them, along with a great many plugins, to be able to play most of the N64 library with the least amount of issues possible - though admittedly a good amount of games (particularly the most popular ones) were playable with just the best few of them.

Historically, the majority of N64 emulators all shared the same plugin spec (known as the zilmar spec, after the creator of Project64, the first emulator to use it), and could therefore all use the same plugins, meaning you could take a plugin DLL file, use it on one emulator, then take that DLL and use it on another, and it would also work there. Of these, the big three emulators were Project64, 1964 and Mupen64. Each had advantages and disadvantages, and some games worked well in one only to not work in another, even when using the same plugin configuration. This necessitated having all of these emulators and sometimes even older or modified versions of them, along with a great many plugins, to be able to play most of the N64 library with the least amount of issues possible - though admittedly a good amount of games (particularly the most popular ones) were playable with just the best few of them. To illustrate the point, [http://bhemuhelp.unaux.com/n64mgcl/N64ConfigList.html here] is a site that, as late as 2012, was dedicated to documenting the exact emulator, plugin and settings combination necessary to get each and every game to at least a playable state, if at all possible. Unsurprisingly, this situation often led to a lot of confusion from users, who often wondered why there were so many plugins, and which ones were the best to use, only to find out it often depended on the game, and even then, some games would refuse to work as intended no matter what was tried. Hence the label "plugin hell" was coined, and stuck as a description of the travails of trying to emulate N64 games well into the 2010's.

However, as time went on, things began to change, though slowly at first. 1964's development eventually ceased, and it completely fell off the radar. Mupen64 was forked into [[Mupen64Plus ]] and developed its own plugin spec that was incompatible with the older zilmar spec, making it unable to use existing plugins unless they were specifically ported to it. This left only Project64 as the only relevant and active emulator still using the zilmar spec. For some time, then, this left the fledgling Mupen64Plus missing out on most cutting-edge plugin development, as most people were still using Project64.

A semblance of parity began to come about as a result of several major developments: first, Mupen64Plus itself was forked by the [[libretro ]] team, which made many changes and improvements to the core emulator, and integrated its plugins into the core itself. Second, gonetz, the developer of Glide64, unveiled his newest plugin, GLideN64, which would officially support both the zilmar and Mupen64Plus specs from the beginning. Third, the Angrylion plugin, which is the most accurate and compatible (and slowest) video plugin there isbut was initially only available for the zilmar spec, began was ported to be ported both for use with standard Mupen64Plus and integrated into the libretro fork. Finally, Themaister, one of the creators of libretro and [[RetroArch]], began developing a unique plugin initially exclusive to libretro known as ParaLLEl-RDP, essentially Angrylion running on the GPU through Vulkan compute shaders, enabling near-perfect N64 graphics emulation at actually playable speeds. Add to this the fact that most PCs and many mobile devices are now more than capable enough of running the most advanced plugins, and the plugin situation, once considered a labyrinth, has been greatly simplified to just needing a few for the vast majority of use cases.

*The zilmar spec - Utilized by Project64 and most other legacy emulators; only Project64 still uses it today.*

*The libretro spec Libretro - Not really a spec per se, as the plugins are integrated directly into the libretro core, so there's no DLL files to download or add. As of right now, not all plugins are readily available on all three. Consult the tables below for reference:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"! scope="col"|Name! scope="col"|Latest Version! scope="col"|Project64! scope="col"|Mupen64Plus! scope="col"|Libretro! scope="col"|HLE! scope="col"|LLE! scope="col"|Widescreen Hack! scope="col"|Custom Texture Packs! scope="col"|Recommended|-!colspan="13"|Video Plugins|-|ParaLLEl-RDP|[https://github.com/Themaister/parallel-rdp git]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|-|GLideN64|[https://github.com/gonetz/GLideN64/releases/tag/github-actions github-actions]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|Angrylion RDP Plus|[https://github.com/ata4/angrylion-rdp-plus/releases/tag/nightly-build Nightly builds]<br/>[https://github.com/ata4/angrylion-rdp-plus/releases/tag/v1.6 1.6]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|-|Glide64**|Final|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{~}}|-|Jabo's Direct3D8|1.7.0.57-ver5|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|-|Rice Video|0.4.4|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|-|glN64|0.4.1|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|-|z64gl|R17|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|-|Angrylion (Official)|r114|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|} <nowiki>*</nowiki>It should be noted that Project64 after version 2.x made some changes to the zilmar plugin spec, and while it remains backwards compatible with the older version of the spec (meaning most older plugins will still work with Project64), plugins targeting the newer version will not work on older versions of Project64 or other zilmar spec-based emulators. <nowiki>**</nowiki>Funnily enough, Glide64 actually DOES have LLE code (much of it apparently comes from z64gl) and can technically run in LLE mode by using it alongside an LLE RSP plugin such as CXD4. However, it is not a complete implementation, and actually trying to run it in such a mode results in massive visual glitches, making it unusable. Practically speaking, then, Glide64 cannot be considered a true LLE plugin, and will not be designated as such, nor was it ever meant to be. {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"! scope="col"|Name! scope="col"|Latest Version! scope="col"|Project64! scope="col"|Mupen64Plus! scope="col"|Libretro! scope="col"|HLE Compatible*! scope="col"|LLE Compatible*! scope="col"|Recommended|-!colspan="13"|RSP Plugins|-|Project64 RSP|1.7|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|Mupen64Plus HLE RSP|[https://github.com/mupen64plus/mupen64plus-rsp-hle git]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|-|Static Interpreter/CXD4|[https://github.com/cxd4/rsp git]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|ParaLLEl-RSP|[https://github.com/Themaister/parallel-rsp git]|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|-|Mupen64 HLE RSP|0.5.1|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|-|z64|r17|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}}|} <nowiki>*</nowiki>These terms signify whether an RSP plugin can work alongside HLE and/or LLE audio and video plugins. As for the type of right nowemulation employed by the RSP plugins themselves, not all but the Mupen64/plus HLE RSP plugins are readily available on all threeLLE in nature. The LLE RSP plugins that can work with HLE plugins do so by passing the N64 display and audio lists onto the plugins themselves.

*Jabo's Direct3D ====[https://github.com/Themaister/parallel- Comes with Project64. Very speedy, has builtrdp ParaLLEl-in AARDP]====An LLE video plugin inspired by and referenced against Angrylion's RDP plugin, AF options, and is one made to run on the GPU through the use of the only plugins with a Vulkan API's compute shaders. It was introduced in the ParaLLEl-N64 libretro core, is also available in the newer Mupen64Plus-Next core, and is included in several forks of Mupen64Plus and Project64, such as [[Widescreen_Hack|widescreen hacksimple64]]and [https://www. The most recent version included with Project64 264dd.x (1org/downloads.7html this build] of Project64.0.57-ver5) This is currently considered the best video plugin by most measures. It is somewhat buggy almost as accurate and has regressionscompatible as Angrylion's RDP, howeverbut much faster. Like most Angrylion forks, so it allows disabling of VI features such as anti-aliasing and blur. Unlike the version included in [http://wwwsoftware-rendered Angrylion, however, it also allows a number of enhancements, including hi-res upscaling, resulting in a sharp, high-definition picture while simultaneously retaining accuracy, essentially what the N64 output would look like if the original console could render in HD.jabosoftIt can also render at a high resolution and downsample back down to a lower one, should one wish to improve the 3D graphics without making them stick out from the often low-res 2D elements.com/articles/114 Jabo's 1.6.1 patch] is recommended instead for most cases, though the former can run in Due to its LLE mode, which can help with a few games. Sadlynature, it will likely never see another update again, and there is some talk of replacing it with either Glide64 or does not support widescreen hacks or high-res textures - try GLideN64 as Project64's default video plugin or even removing it outrightif you seek to use such features.*Glide64 System requirements for ParaLLEl- Also comes RDP are higher than for the other plugins. It requires a GPU with Project64 as of version 2.1. Often much more accurate Vulkan support and compatible than Jabo's plugin, up-to-date drivers (most Nvidia and has a wealth of optionsAMD GPUs made after 2012 should be covered, though it can be slower on lower-end machinesIntel graphics requires Skylake or newer), and may not work on integrated graphicsupscaling increases the GPU requirements even further, far more than GLideN64. StillIt must also be used in conjunction with an LLE RSP plugin, preferably its sister plugin ParaLLEl-RSP, as it is overall the best and most compatible plugin features a recompiler for general useadded speed. At native resolution, however, though a modest PC with Vulkan support can handle it is by no means without much issue-free, and it is very likely little to no further improvements will be made to iteven on integrated graphics. The version bundled with Project64 2 ====[https://github.x is only really meant to work with those versions of Project64, however, so if you're using another emulator, try [https:com/gonetz/GLideN64/code.google.com/p/glidehqplusglitch64GLideN64]====A hybrid HLE/ LLE plugin developed by the developer of Glide64 Final] instead.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/54166-Rice-Video-Community-version Rice Video] - A fast, highly configurable video plugin famous for its ability though its code was originally based on gln64 (with combiner hacks from Glide64 and LLE code from z64gl and, to load [[Texture_Packs|hi-res textures]], making it a popular a lesser extent, Angrylion's RDP plugin within ). It is included with the N64 emulation community. The 1964 team eventually annexed it as its official video pluginlatest versions of Project64, the Mupen64Plus-Next libretro core, renaming it 1964Video. There are many versions and forks [https://github.com/simple64/simple64/releases/tag/v2021.5.30 older versions of it floating around, either to fix issues or add featuressimple64]. For This is the most partbest HLE plugin by far. The plugin currently supports mip-mapping, howeveremulation of low-level triangles, it has fallen behind in comparison to Glide64microcode emulation of every game, which can now also load hi-res textures. As suchgamma correction, flat and prim shading, VI emulation, none of its variations are recommended for general use unless there's a very specific fringe case or you're on a toasterand LLE graphics support.*It is the only plugin that has [[http://wwwNintendo_64_emulators#High-level_vs.emutalk.net/threads/40640_low-Z64-a-LLE-graphics-plugin z64gllevel_graphics|implemented HLE support]] - A hardware-accelerated, low-level plugin developed by ziggy, derived from MAME's of microcodes for every N64 drivergame (including the infamous Factor 5 and BOSS games) to enable fast performance and graphical enhancements. It has the capability to render at the N64's native resolution in case you don't like super sharp polygons with low-res textures. It also includes experimental multi-threading support. Requirements are heavier than Jabo's plugin currently fixes numerous long-standing issues in games and is capable of smoothly emulating advanced framebuffer effects in hardware that Glide64, and configuration requires editing the config file directlyJabo could not. Needs an LLE RSP pluginIt also supports several enhancements, such as the bundled z64 RSP or Project64's RSP plugin set to LLE graphics. Overallhi-res custom [[Texture_Packs|texture support]], it tends to be quite glitchy with many games, but it is one of the only plugins capable of properly displaying difficult games such as Rogue Squadron. After years of abandonmentMSAA and AF, a [https://github[Widescreen_Hack|widescreen hack]], and even some shaders.com/purplemarshmallow/z64/tree/angrylion-integration recent forkThere is support for an "[[Overscan]] has cropped up " feature that aims at improving this plugin's accuracy and fixing its bugs by incorporating code from angrylionhelps the users to [[Widescreen_Hack#Nintendo_64|remove black borders around a game's plugin and improving the overall code qualityvisual output]].*[https://githubGLideN64 requires at least OpenGL 3.com/gonetz/GLideN64/ GLideN64] - A plugin developed by 3 in the maker of Glide64latest versions to run, though its code is actually originally based on gln64 (with combiner hacks from Glide64 and LLE code from z64gl)OpenGL 4. The plugin currently supports mip-mappingx for some advanced functions, emulation of low-level trianglesmaking this plugin more demanding than the plugins that came before it, microcode of some gamesthough modern GPUs should be ok, gamma correctioneven on mobile. It is not without its share of issues to this day, however. There are still several HLE bugs left to resolve, flat and prim shadingits LLE mode, VI emulationwhile much improved over z64gl's, and LLE graphics (though defaults to is still not quite as developed as its HLE). By 2018mode, it has [[Nintendo_64_emulators#High-level_vsand some of the plugin's enhancement features are disabled in this mode._lowSince it is hardware-level_graphics|implemented HLE support]] of microcodes for many popular rendered even in LLE, there are issues that may never be quite resolved due to inherent differences between the N64 games hardware and the OpenGL API. It is advisable to enable fast performance, even on mid use this over ParaLLEl-RDP only if you are unable to highrun the latter in HD at full speed or if further enhancements such as widescreen hacks and hi-end PC'sres textures are desired. ====[https://systems, and graphical enhancementsgithub. It currently fixes numerous longcom/ata4/angrylion-standing issues in games and rdp-plus/releases Angrylion RDP Plus]====This is capable a fork of smoothly emulating advanced framebuffer effects in hardware Angrylion's RDP that Glide64 and Jabo could not without resorting to software and murdering the framerate in the processsupports multithreading. It also supports several enhancements, such as hi-res custom is included in [[Texture_Packs|texture supporthttps://64dd.org/downloads.html this build]], AA of Project64 and AF, a [[Widescreen_Hack|widescreen hack]], and even some shadersin both N64 libretro cores. The standalone plugin version uses OpenGL 3. There is support 3 for an "[[Overscan]]" feature that helps drawing the users to [[Widescreen_Hack#Nintendo_64|remove black borders around a game's visual output]]picture and also supports Linux. However, it requires at least OpenGL 3.3 in the latest versions to runThe multi-threading helps boost performance significantly, and OpenGL 4.x for as does using it alongside an RSP plugin with a recompiler such as ParaLLEl-RSP, but some advanced functions, making this plugin very toastergames are still not full speed even on a Core i7-unfriendly8700K. It is also not without its share of issues and regressions on some games compared allows you to Glide64disable VI filters for slightly better performance. Its LLE mode is also much slower than even z64gl, and some This fork has at least one accuracy regression compared to the official version of the plugin's features are broken in this modeAngrylion.*[https://sourceforge.net/p/angrylionsSince it is a CPU-bound, software-stuff/code/HEAD/tree/ Official Angrylion RDP] rendered plugin, it has no enhancement options of any kind - A software-renderedwhat you see is what you get, hardwareexactly like on a real N64. Use this only if running a relatively fast CPU and ParaLLEl-accurate RDP does not work with your GPU for whatever reason. ====Glide64====The former best general-use plugin. Versions of this are included in Project64, mainline Mupen64Plus, developed by angrylion (though derived from MAME, much like z64gl)and the ParaLLEl-N64 libretro core. This specific version While it is no longer updated and is the most far less accurate N64 renderer in existenceand compatible than the newer offerings, it is capable of playing almost every single game in the N64 library with no issuesstill has a few use cases, fixing even notorious cases such as the ''Pokémon Snap'' red dot and the ''Body Harvest'' bridgebetter support for older ROM hacks. HoweverIt works relatively well for many (most?) games, because of its sheer intensivenesshas support for hi-res textures, and it is currently little more also faster than a curiositythe newer plugins, which makes it suitable for slower devices such as the older Raspberry Pis. Try it out if you have a trickedOtherwise, to ensure the highest possible compatibility, stick to either ParaLLEl-out rig and want to test your CPU's mettleRDP or GLideN64. This  Note that the Project64 version of Glide64 has been renamed to Project64 Video and has undergone some changes and rewrites since it was initially forked, and thus may contain regressions compared to the last official standalone release of the plugin uses Direct Draw and is Windows onlyby Gonetz.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/55481-angrylion-s-Per-Pixel-RDP-Since this fork only works with-OpenGL HatCat/angrylion's Pixel-Accurate N64 Plugin] - This is a fork current versions of Angrylion's RDPProject64, done by HatCat. It has some optimizations not present in should you wish to use this plugin on an older zilmar-spec emulator like 1964 or the official codeoriginal Mupen64, but is outdated and lacking some accuracy improvements and optimizations written by Angrylion. It has or if you want to avoid potential regressions with the option to disable the VI filters (which gives a speed boost)Project64 version, as well as the ability to set custom resolutionsuse [https://storage. Also, this version uses OpenGL 1googleapis.x instead of Direct Draw and supports Linux.*[https:com/google-code-archive-downloads/v2/githubcode.google.com/ata4glidehqplusglitch64/angrylion-rdp-plus/releases Angrylion RDP Plus] - This is a fork of Angrylion's RDP that supports multithreadingGlide64_Final.zip Glide64 Final] instead. It now uses OpenGL 3.3  ===Deprecated Plugins===The following video plugins are old and also supports Linux. The multi-threading helps boost performance significantlydeprecated, but some games are still and should not full speed on an i7 8700k. This fork has at least one accuracy regressionbe used or considered unless you have a VERY old or underpowered device that cannot handle the recommended plugins, compared to the official version of Angrylionor there's a very specific use case not covered by modern implementations. *Jabo's Direct3D8 - Comes with Project64, and was once its default video plugin. It also allows you to disable VI Very speedy, has built-in AA and AF options, and includes a [[Widescreen_Hack|widescreen hack]]. The version included with the most recent versions of Project64 (1.7.0.57-ver5) is somewhat buggy and has regressions, however. [http://www.jabosoft.com/articles/114 Jabo's 1.6.1 patch] is better, though version 1.7 can run in LLE mode, which can help with a few games. Sadly, it will likely never see another update again, and though it is still included in Project64 to this day, it is no longer the default, and should not be used unless you have a very old PC that cannot handle Glide64 or GLideN64.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/54166-Rice-Video-Community-version Rice Video] - A very fast, highly configurable video plugin primarily based around the Direct3D API. It was once famous for being the first plugin that allowed the user to load [[Texture_Packs|custom hi-res textures]], which made it a popular plugin within the N64 emulation community. The 1964 team at one point annexed it as its official video plugin, renaming it 1964Video. There are many versions and forks of it floating around, all aiming to fix issues or add features (one fork even featured early shader support), and forks of it are included in mainline Mupen64Plus and in the ParaLLEl-N64 libretro core. However, even during its heyday it lagged behind Glide64 and even Jabo in both compatibility and accuracy, and once Glide64 gained the ability to load custom textures, there remained little reason to use it beyond its speed. A "Community Version" popped up that aimed at improving it and fixing its issues, but it ended up introducing many regressions compared to older versions and the effort was eventually abandoned. As such, none of its variations are recommended for general use unless there's a very specific fringe case (such as some really old texture packs or ROM hacks) or are trying to emulate on a very old and/or severely underpowered PC or handheld device. If you are absolutely resolved to try it out, seek out the original versions by Rice, primarily 6.1.0 or 6.1.1b, and stick to the Direct3D renderer, as the OpenGL backend included in some versions is buggy and incomplete outside of the Mupen64Plus fork.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/40640-Z64-a-LLE-graphics-plugin z64gl] - A hardware-rendered, low-level plugin developed by ziggy, derived from MAME's N64 driver. A fork is maintained by the Mupen64Plus team, though not included in their official releases. It was once notable for being one of the only plugins that could play games without an HLE microcode implementation such as Rogue Squadron. However, it was rather glitchy, had higher system requirements than the HLE plugins, needed an LLE RSP plugin to work (such as the bundled z64 RSP or Project64's RSP plugin set to LLE graphics), and configuration required editing the config file directly. A [https://github.com/purplemarshmallow/z64/tree/angrylion-integration fork] cropped up that aimed at improving it, but it did not get very far. Nowadays, it's obsolete, as GLideN64 can now play every game through HLE (thus subverting z64gl's only selling point), and its LLE has been surpassed by Angrylion-derived plugins and even GLideN64's LLE mode.*[https://sourceforge.net/p/angrylions-stuff/code/HEAD/tree/ Official Angrylion RDP] - A software-rendered, hardware-accurate plugin, developed by angrylion (though derived from MAME, much like z64gl). This is the most accurate N64 video plugin in existence, emulating almost* every facet of the N64's RDP precisely and thus making it capable of playing almost every single game in the N64 library with no issues, fixing even notorious cases such as the ''Pokémon Snap'' red dot and the ''Body Harvest'' bridge. This, however, comes at the cost of insane CPU requirements while making games look like, well, N64 games running on real hardware, which means native resolution, no widescreen, no hi-res textures - just the N64 in its full, vaseline-covered glory. Since this particular version is single-threaded, uses DirectDraw and is Windows only, it is recommended to use Angrylion RDP Plus or ParaLLEl-RDP instead, which offer much more reasonable performance. Only try it out if you have a tricked-out rig and want to test your CPU's mettle, or if you can compile it from source and need it for testing/debugging purposes, as the latest updates are always made to this version first.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/55481-angrylion-s-Per-Pixel-RDP-with-OpenGL HatCat/angrylion's Pixel-Accurate N64 Plugin] - This is a fork of Angrylion's RDP, done by HatCat. It has some optimizations not present in the official code, but is outdated and lacking some accuracy improvements and optimizations written by Angrylion. It has the option to disable the VI filters(which gives a speed boost), as well as the ability to set custom resolutions. Also, this version uses OpenGL 1.x instead of Direct Draw and supports Linux. Obsoleted by newer forks such as Angrylion RDP Plus. Below is a gallery comparing how many of these plugins handle Mario Tennis, a hard-to-emulate game with many special effects that few plugins get right. Pay attention to the scoreboard on the top left, the MPH indicator on the top right, the NPCs on the back, shadows below the characters, and the trail and sparkle effects on the tennis ball and rackets. Only GLideN64 and the Angrylion-derived plugins emulate it correctly: <gallery widths="300" mode="packed">Mario Tennis Rice.png|Mario Tennis running on ParaLLEl-N64 using Rice. Missing various effects, heavily glitched court.Mario Tennis Glide64.png|Mario Tennis running on ParaLLEl-N64 using Glide64. Missing various effects and shadows, some glitches.Mario Tennis glN64.png|Mario Tennis running on ParaLLEl-N64 using glN64. Missing various effects; shadows are present, but glitched.Mario Tennis GLideN64 HLE.png|Mario Tennis running on Mupen64Plus-Next using GLideN64 in HLE mode with 16xMSAA. Minor text cutoff on bottom of scoreboard.Mario Tennis GLideN64 LLE.png|Mario Tennis running on Mupen64Plus-Next using GLideN64 in LLE mode with 16xMSAA. Minor text cutoff on bottom of scoreboard. Has slight polygon jitter not present in HLE.Mario Tennis ParaLLEl 1x.png|Mario Tennis running on Mupen64Plus-Next using ParaLLEl-RDP at native resolution. Identical to Angrylion, and thus a pixel-perfect representation of real hardware.Mario Tennis ParaLLEl 4x Downsampled.png|Mario Tennis running on Mupen64Plus-Next using ParaLLEl-RDP rendering at 4x resolution, then downsampled back to native resolution.Mario Tennis ParaLLEl 4x.png|Mario Tennis running on Mupen64Plus-Next using ParaLLEl-RDP rendering at 4x resolution. Has very slight polygon jitter, though less than GLideN64 in LLE.</gallery> <nowiki>*</nowiki> There is at least [https://sourceforge.net/p/angrylions-stuff/tickets/10/ one known, relatively minor graphical glitch in Pokemon Snap] (go figure) using Angrylion that requires currently-unimplemented cycle-accurate behavior to fix without resorting to hacks.

*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/27610-Audio-v0-56-WIP2-Download-Feedback Azimer's HLE Audio] - This popular HLE audio plugin boasts high compatibility. Version 0.56WIP2 is old as hell, but it is the tried and true standard to which audio plugins are compared against. Recently, [https://github.com/Azimer/AziAudio Azimer open sourced his plugin], and there are were plans to integrate it into Project64 and eventually replace Jabo's as its official audio plugin, though this has yet to happen. The While the latest development versions have a few issues, howeverit now works in LLE, and has integrated code from Mupen64Plus's HLE RSP plugin, allowing it to work with the Factor 5 and BOSS games even in HLE.*[http://forum.pj64-emu.com/showthread.php?t=3644 Shunyuan's HLE Audio] - An audio plugin, apparently based on 1964Audio and HatCat's RSP plugin. Can run in both LLE and HLE modes despite the name, though the HLE mode just makes it run a an outdated, baked-in version of HatCat's RSP, which makes it not a true HLE plugin. Has been abandoned after charges of just taking others' code without revealing a source. If games run at a weird speed using this plugin, go to the ROM's Game Settings, and disable Fixed Audio Timing and Sync using Audio. Despite Though it worked surprisingly well despite its Frankenstein nature, it actually works surprisingly well, although modern development versions of Project64 no longer work with it, apparently due to it depending on a bug that has now been fixed. As such, it is probably better to use Azimer's plugin instead.

*Jabo's DirectInput Project64 Input - Comes with Project64, but now removed in favor as of NRage Inputthe latest versions. It isnVery simple input plugin which looks suspiciously a lot like Jabo't too bads, but it may have some compatibility problems with some controllers. Should work just fine with the keyboard if you're one of those masochists who emulates without a controller. Only standard controller emulation with nothing attached to it. As usualat least has XInput support, do not expect any updateswhich is nice.

===Recommended Plugins===*Zilmar's Project64 RSP - Comes with Project64, and until recently was usually known simply as zilmar's RSP. Very Reasonably accurate, quite fast in Recompiler mode(enabled by default), and will work fine for every gamethe majority of games, only having issues with a few games in LLE. The version included in Project64 2.x and beyond can work with both LLE and HLE plugins by toggling the relevant options in the Plugins settings menu. This plugin is exclusive to the zilmar spec.*Mupen64Plus HLE RSP - Comes with Mupen64Plus. Based off of the old Mupen64 HLE RSP plugin, but much improved. Though it is only compatible with HLE audio and video plugins, when paired with GLideN64, it can play almost every single N64 game without issues, and it now has MusyX support as well for games that used it. If you wish to use it with Project64, a zilmar-spec port is available and can be obtained by using [https://github.com/Rosalie241/BetterMajorasMaskInstaller/releases/tag/4.0.2 this installer]. It works out of the box with both the default Project64 Audio plugin as well as Azimer's, but it will not work with Jabo's, as that is a pure LLE audio plugin and requires LLE RSP emulation.*[http://www.emutalk.net/threads/56919- quot-Static-quot-RSP-Interpreter-Plugin "Static" RSP Interpreter/CXD4 RSP] - Made by HatCat/CXD4 and originally released in [http://forum.pj64-emu.com/showthread.php?t=3618 Project64 Forum]. Comes with some forks of Mupen64Plus as well as both libretro cores, and is included in [https://64dd.org/downloads.html this build] of Project64. For whatever reason, the zilmar-spec version usually goes by Static Interpreter, while the Mupen64Plus-spec and libretro versions go by CXD4. As of the most recent release version, it is one of the most accurate RSP plugins, though Project64 RSP in Recompiler mode as well as ParaLLEl-RSP both trump it in speed. It can take advantage of SSSE3 for greater performance, though it also comes in SSE2 and non-SSE variations in case your PC does not support those instruction sets. In both the zilmar and Mupen64Plus versions (though not in libretro, it seems), it is capable of working with both HLE and LLE audio and video plugins via the following settings:**Simulate RSP graphics from external plugin - Check if using an HLE graphics plugin, uncheck if using LLE**Simulate RSP audio from external plugin - Check if using an HLE audio plugin, uncheck if using LLE**Force semaphore locking - Check to fix issues with Mario no Photopie. Only works with Project64 2.x and beyond.*ParaLLEl-RSP - A fast and accurate RSP written by [https://github.com/Themaister/parallel-rsp Themaister], though it borrows heavily from both CXD4 and CEN64's RSP code. It is about as accurate and compatible as the Static Interpreter/CXD4 RSP, while being much faster owing to its inclusion of a dynamic recompiler. It is an RSP option mainly used in the [https://www.libretro.com/index.php/parallel-n64-with-parallel-rsp-dynarec-release-fast-and-accurate-n64-emulation/ ParaLLEl-N64 and Mupen64Plus-Next libretro cores]; however, it is also possible to use it with Mupen64Plus, its forks [[simple64]] and [[RMG]], and now even Project64 as a plugin ([https://64dd.org/downloads.html this version] comes bundled with it). Note that it only works with LLE video and audio plugins, though it is highly recommended if using such. ===Deprecated Plugins===*Mupen64 HLE RSP - Comes with the old zilmar-spec Mupen64. A very fast and compatible HLE RSP plugin. Written by Hacktarux and Azimer. Has issues with some games, particularly those using MusyX microcode. MusyX support was and many other compatibility fixes were later added to the Mupen64Plus version, but those changes have yet to be backported which has now been ported to the zilmar-spec after years of exclusivity on the Mupen64Plus side of things. As such, this versionis officially obsolete.*z64 RSP plugin pack - Largely deprecatedby the Static Interpreter/CXD4 RSP plugin. This set of RSP plugins comes with the z64 video plugin, each with their own purpose:

Project64 comes bundled with the following plugins:*Video: Jabo's Direct3D8, Project64 Video (Glide64 under another name), GLideN64*Audio: Jabo's DirectSound, Project64 Audio*Input: NRage for Project64, Project64 Input*RSP: Project64 RSPShould you wish to use other plugins, they must be downloaded from a third party source and dropped into their respective plugin folder categories in the Project64 directory. Video plugins go under Plugin/GFX, audio plugins under Plugin/Audio, etc. *'''Commonly UsedGeneral Use'''**Glide64 2.0.0.1GLideN64**ShunyuanAzimer's HLE Audio NEW (set to LLE)**"Static" RSP Interpreter or Zilmar's Project64 RSP**Either For the majority of games, the default Project64 RSP plugins should be will work just fine , at least in HLE mode. Should you wish to use GLideN64 in LLE mode (or any LLE video plugin for most games. HatCat's that matter) with the Project64 RSP is slightly more accurate. However, zilmar's is much faster. Keep simply uncheck "Graphics HLE" in mind that Glide64 2.0.0.1 is the same as Glide64 Final. Glide64 2.0.0Plugin configuration screen.1 is just a merge of Glide64Alternatively, GlideHQuse ParaLLEl-RSP, and Glitch64 (which of course the final version has) to be one filethough that only works in LLE, but limits you to certain settings that cannot so GLideN64's HLE mode will be changed unavailable with the emulatorthat plugin.*'''Best Performance'''**Project64 Video or Glide64 Final

**Zilmar's Project64 RSP or Mupen64Plus HLE RSP**Make sure you configure the graphics plugin to show texture enhancement options. Then you'll have an extra tab to change more options. Goto Go to the texture enhancement tab and click on the button that gives the best performance and it should improve framerate once you saved the settings. There's also another button for best texture quality. ThereRecommended for the older zilmar-spec emulators as well (replace Project64 Video with Glide64 Final for those, though you may want to do that even with Project64 should you run into a regression). If you absolutely need more performance, you can try Jabo's no need plugin (specifically version 1.6.1, NOT the buggy version bundled with Project64), though it comes at a cost to touch compatibility. Also, try out the other plugins. Recommended for most emulatorsMupen64Plus HLE RSP if you'd like to eke out that extra bit of performance.

**angrylion's Pixel-Accurate N64 Plugin (Angrylion RDP Plus)

**"Static" RSP Interpreter**If you have a decent quad-core CPU, you can run many N64 games with pixel-perfect graphics at full speed, thanks to the new multithreaded version of angrylion's software plugin. The new Azimer's plugin (still WIP) works good well in LLE. To use the Static Interpreter RSP in LLE, you'll have to run the spconfig.exe that comes with that plugin, and tell it to NOT "simulate RSP graphics from external plugin" (in other words, type "0"). Since there's almost no visual accuracy difference, you may as well use PJ64's ParaLLEl-RSP to get better performance, and/or move to ParaLLEl-RDP outright for even greater speed and upscaling options to boot (though it goes without saying upscaling would no longer be accurate).Conversely, if you want even greater accuracy, disable "Hide advanced settings" under Configuration, then enable "Always use interpreter core" under Advanced, and under Angrylion's options, disable multi-threading and set compatibility to "Slow". Performance WILL crash, but hey, it'll be accurate!

The official releases of Mupen64Plus only come bundled with a handful of video and RSP plugins, namely Glide64mk2, Rice, and the HLE RSP. The developers also maintain forks of the CXD4 RSP and the z64 video and RSP plugins, but they are not included in the official release bundles for some reason. Should you wish to use those plugins or third party ones such as GLideN64 or the ParaLLEl plugins, you must build them yourself or get them from outside sources. Due to this fact, the mediocre nature of the "official" video plugins, and the overall lack of user-friendliness, it may be better to use a fork such as [[simple64]] or [[Mupen64PlusRMG]] has its own set of , though note that simple64 only comes and works with the ParaLLEl plugins which are incompatible , so RMG is a better choice if you wish to use something else, as that comes with more plugins used and allows you to use whichever ones you want.*'''General Use'''**Video: GLideN64 or ParaLLEl-RDP**RSP: RSP-HLE (for GLideN64) or ParaLLEl-RSP (for ParaLLEl-RDP)**Either one of these combinations will enable you to play the vast majority of N64 games while having reasonable system requirements. GLideN64 is faster and has more enhancement options, but ParaLLEl-RDP is much more accurate to the real console. You can also use the CXD4 RSP with GLideN64 if you want, but be sure to set it to pass display lists to the graphics plugin in other emulatorsmupen64plus. Here cfg, else GLideN64 will switch to its LLE mode, which is an overview of not generally recommended setupsto use.*'''Commonly UsedPerformance'''

**RSP: cxd4-ssse3 or Parallel RSP**Glide64mk2 is just Glide64 with additional tweaks and enhancements for use with Mupen64Plus. cxd4 is one of HatCat's many names. The cxd4 plugin is a port of his RSP for zilmar-spec emulators. This appears to be the best combination for use with most games, though toasters may have performance issues.*'''Best Performance'''**Video: Rice**RSP: rsp-hleHLE**These are Mupen64Plus's default plugins. Rice's Video Glide64mk2 is a plugin used based on other N64 emulatorsGlide64 Final, most known for its support for hi-res [[Texture_Packs|texture packs]]and is named so as to differentiate it from the original, now enhanced for Mupen64plusobsolete fork of Glide64 that Mupen64Plus used at its inception. It is not quite up to Glide64GLideN64's level, but it does well enough for many games and is quite fast. The default RSP plugin appears to be just an enhanced port of vanilla Mupen64's RSP. Use this combination if you have a lower end PC and that can't handle the Commonly Used General Use setup. If your device STILL can't handle this setup, try the Rice video plugin, but expect many missing effects, glitches and incompatibilities.*'''Accuracy/Rogue Squadron'''**Video: z64 Angrylion Plus or angrylion's PerParaLLEl-Pixel RDP with OpenGL**RSP: cxd4CXD4-ssse3 or Parallel ParaLLEl-RSP**z64 is a port Any combination of z64gl, a low-level emulation video plugin for N64 emulatorsthese should result in very high accuracy. It comes with its own accompanying z64 RSPTechnically, but cxd4 (a port of HatCat's RSP Interpreter plugin) appears to be more the most accurate and very well optimized. This setup is capable of playing difficult games like Rogue Squadron Angrylion combined with very few graphical glitches CXD4, but the difference between these and faster than on Project64 the ParaLLEl plugins is almost negligible, while being a lot slower. Be sure to set the CPU core to bootPure Interpreter for even greater accuracy, along with plummeting framerates.