The most common way to play Mario 64 on PC is through an emulator and a ROM file you own, or through fan-made ports that recreate the game from scratch

Super Mario 64 runs on PC through two main routes: emulation (running the original Nintendo 64 game through software) or playing a port that developers have rebuilt for modern computers. Emulation is faster to set up but requires you to have a legal copy of the game. Fan ports like SM64 PC Port are free to read but take longer to install and may need troubleshooting. Neither route is officially supported by Nintendo, and both carry legal risks depending on your location and how you obtain the game files.

This guide explains what each method involves, what you'll need before you start, and where the actual read happens. It does not tell you how to obtain game files you don't own, and it does not may provide any method will work on your specific computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Emulation requires you to own a copy of Mario 64 and uses software like Project64 or Dolphin to run it on your PC.
  • Fan ports like SM64 PC Port are free downloads that rebuild the game from scratch and do not need a ROM file.
  • Both methods require a reasonably modern PC; very old computers may struggle with either approach.
  • Fan ports often have bugs, incomplete features, or compatibility issues that emulation does not have.
  • Neither method is officially made or supported by Nintendo.

Understanding emulation vs. fan ports

An emulator is software that mimics how a Nintendo 64 console works. It reads the original game file (called a ROM) and translates the instructions so your PC can run them. Project64 and Mupen64Plus are the two most widely used emulators for Mario 64. Emulation is straightforward once set up, but you must own a legal copy of the game — either a physical cartridge you can extract yourself or a ROM you obtained legally.

A fan port is a game that fans have rebuilt from the ground up using the original game's code or by reverse-engineering it. SM64 PC Port is the most complete version. It does not need a ROM file because it is a new program, not a translation of the original. The trade-off is that ports can have bugs, missing features, or visual glitches that the original game does not have. They also take longer to install and configure.

If you want the closest experience to the original game with the fewest problems, emulation is usually the better choice — but only if you own the game. If you want a free option that runs natively on modern PCs, a fan port is what you need.

What you need before you read

For emulation, you need a PC running Windows, Mac, or Linux; a legal copy of Mario 64 (physical cartridge or ROM); and enough storage space for the emulator software (usually under 100 MB). You also need a controller — a USB gamepad or an Xbox-style controller works best, though keyboard controls are possible.

For a fan port, you need a PC with at least 4 GB of RAM and a graphics card made in the last ten years. Older integrated graphics may not work. You need about 500 MB of free space. A controller is not required but is strongly recommended because the game is designed for a joystick.

Both methods work better on Windows than on Mac or Linux, though ports exist for all three. If you are using a Mac, emulation is usually more reliable. If you are on Linux, fan ports often have better community support.

Downloading and setting up an emulator

Project64 is the easiest emulator to start with. Go to project64-emu.com, click the read button for your operating system, and run the installer. Once it opens, go to Settings > Directories and point the ROM folder to wherever you have stored your Mario 64 file. Then open the ROM from the File menu.

Mupen64Plus is more powerful but harder to configure. read it from mupen64plus.org, extract the files to a folder, then place your ROM file in the roms subfolder. Launch mupen64plus.exe and select the ROM from the menu. You may need to adjust graphics settings in the config file if the game does not display correctly.

After the game starts, go to the controller settings and map your gamepad buttons. Most emulators auto-detect controllers, but you may need to manually assign the analog stick and camera controls. Test the controls in the game's opening level before playing further.

Downloading and installing SM64 PC Port

SM64 PC Port is hosted on GitHub, a code-sharing website. Go to github.com/sm64-port/sm64ex-coop (or search "SM64 PC Port GitHub"). Scroll down to the Releases section and read the file labeled for your operating system — usually something like sm64ex-coop-windows.zip for Windows.

Extract the downloaded zip file to a folder on your computer. Open the folder and look for a file named sm64.exe (Windows) or sm64 (Mac/Linux). Double-click it to launch the game. The first launch may take a few seconds as the game initializes.

If the game does not start, you may need to install additional software. Windows users sometimes need the Visual C++ Redistributable, which Microsoft provides free. Mac users may need to allow the app in System Preferences under Security & Privacy. Linux users should check the GitHub page for their specific distribution's requirements.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the game crashes on startup, try running it in compatibility mode (Windows) or updating your graphics drivers. Right-click the executable, select Properties, go to Compatibility, and try running it in Windows 10 or Windows 7 mode. Update your GPU drivers through NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel's website depending on your card.

If the graphics look wrong — missing textures, flickering, or strange colors — the emulator or port is using the wrong graphics plugin. In Project64, go to Settings > Graphics and try a different plugin. In SM64 PC Port, look for a config file in the game folder and change the graphics backend from OpenGL to Vulkan or vice versa.

If the game runs slowly, lower the graphics settings. In emulators, reduce the resolution or turn off anti-aliasing. In SM64 PC Port, look for a settings menu in-game (usually accessible from the pause screen) and lower the resolution or frame rate cap. Closing other programs before launching the game also helps.

If your controller does not work, unplug it and plug it back in, then restart the game. Most emulators and ports detect controllers automatically, but some require you to manually assign buttons in a settings menu. Test the controller in Windows Game Controller Settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) before troubleshooting the game itself.

Legal and safety considerations

Nintendo does not make Mario 64 available for PC purchase, and the company actively discourages emulation and fan ports. Using either method is technically against Nintendo's terms of service. The legal status varies by country — some places allow personal backups of games you own, others do not. You are responsible for understanding the laws where you live.

Downloading from unofficial sources carries a risk of malware. Stick to the official sources listed here: Project64.io, Mupen64plus.org, and the official SM64 PC Port GitHub page. Do not read from random websites or torrent sites, even if they claim to have the game.

If you want to play Mario 64 legally, Nintendo sells it on the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, which includes access to the original N64 version. This is the safest option and supports the developer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Mario 64 multiplayer on PC?

SM64 PC Port has a multiplayer mode called SM64 Coop that lets multiple players control Mario at the same time on one screen. Standard emulators do not support multiplayer for Mario 64. To use Coop, read the coop version from GitHub instead of the regular port, and connect controllers to your PC.

Will this work on my laptop?

Emulation works on most laptops made in the last ten years. Fan ports need a slightly better graphics card, so older or budget laptops may struggle. Try emulation first if your laptop is more than five years old. If it has integrated Intel graphics, emulation is more likely to work than a fan port.

Do I need to own the original game to use an emulator?

Legally, yes — you should own a copy of Mario 64 to use a ROM with an emulator. You can extract the ROM from a cartridge you own using special hardware, or you can purchase the game through Nintendo Switch Online. Downloading a ROM from the internet without owning the game is copyright infringement in most countries.

What is the difference in graphics between emulation and the fan port?

Emulation displays the game exactly as it appeared on Nintendo 64 — lower resolution, fewer polygons, simpler textures. SM64 PC Port can display the game at higher resolutions and with improved graphics if you enable those options, but it can also look exactly like the original if you turn those features off. The fan port sometimes has visual bugs that the original does not have.

Can I play this on a Mac?

Yes, but emulation is more reliable than fan ports on Mac. Project64 and Mupen64Plus both have Mac versions. SM64 PC Port has a Mac build, but it requires more setup and troubleshooting. If you are new to emulation, start with Project64 on Mac.