# Nintendo 64

The N64 is one of the more demanding systems to emulate, but Provenance offers strong support through **Mupen64Plus** (RetroArch-based). This guide covers setup, custom texture packs, and optimization.

***

## Basics

| Detail            | Info                                  |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Core**          | Mupen64Plus (RetroArch)               |
| **BIOS required** | No                                    |
| **ROM formats**   | `.z64`, `.n64`, `.v64`, `.zip`, `.7z` |
| **Max players**   | 4                                     |
| **Save format**   | `.eep`, `.sra`, `.fla`, `.mpk`        |

***

## Custom Texture Packs

Mupen64Plus supports **high-resolution custom texture packs** that replace the original low-res N64 textures with community-created HD versions. Games like Ocarina of Time, Mario 64, and GoldenEye have stunning texture packs available.

### Installing Texture Packs

1. Download a texture pack for your game (common formats: `.htc`, `.hts`, or folders of PNG files)
2. Start the Web Server in Provenance (tap **+** or Settings → Import/Export)
3. Navigate to the RetroArch system folder:

   ```
   RetroArch/system/Mupen64Plus/hires_texture/[GameName]/
   ```
4. Upload the texture pack files into the game-specific folder
5. Launch the game — HD textures load automatically

{% hint style="info" %}
Texture pack folder names must match the game's internal ROM name. Check the Mupen64Plus documentation or the texture pack's README for the correct folder name.
{% endhint %}

### Finding Texture Packs

* [**Emulation King Texture Packs**](https://evilgames.eu/texture-packs.htm) — Large collection organized by game
* [**N64 Texture Packs Reddit**](https://www.reddit.com/r/n64/) — Community-shared packs
* [**Mollymutt's Texture Packs**](https://www.mollymutt.net/) — High-quality packs for popular games

### Popular Texture Packs

| Game            | Pack                | Description                   |
| --------------- | ------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Ocarina of Time | Community Retexture | Complete HD overhaul          |
| Super Mario 64  | HD Texture Pack     | Clean, upscaled textures      |
| GoldenEye 007   | GoldenEye HD        | Modernized textures           |
| Majora's Mask   | HD Pack             | Faithful HD recreation        |
| Mario Kart 64   | HD Pack             | Updated tracks and characters |

***

## Core Configuration

Access advanced Mupen64Plus settings through the RetroArch interface:

1. Launch an N64 game
2. Open the **pause menu**
3. Select **RetroArch Settings**

### Key Settings

| Setting                   | Options                   | Recommendation                                 |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Resolution**            | Native, 2x, 4x            | 2x for most devices, native for older hardware |
| **GFX Plugin**            | GLideN64, Angrylion, Rice | GLideN64 (best balance of speed and accuracy)  |
| **RSP Plugin**            | HLE, LLE                  | HLE (faster), LLE (more accurate)              |
| **Framebuffer emulation** | On/Off                    | On (fixes graphical glitches in many games)    |
| **Texture filtering**     | None, xBRZ, 3-point       | 3-point (authentic N64 look)                   |

***

## Performance Tips

The N64 is one of the more demanding systems:

* **Newer devices recommended** — iPhone 11+ / iPad Air 3+ for smooth performance
* **Use the Release build** if building from source — Debug builds are 5-10x slower
* **Lower resolution** if needed — Drop from 2x to native in RetroArch settings
* **Close background apps** — Free up RAM for the emulator
* **Disable HD texture packs** — They look great but increase memory usage and loading times

***

## Known Quirks

<details>

<summary><strong>Some games have graphical glitches</strong></summary>

N64 emulation isn't perfect. Try different GFX plugins (GLideN64 vs Rice vs Angrylion) in RetroArch settings. Some games work better with specific plugins.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Controller Pak saves not working</strong></summary>

Some N64 games use the Controller Pak (memory card) instead of EEPROM/SRAM. Make sure the core's Controller Pak emulation is enabled in RetroArch settings → Options.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Audio crackles or pops</strong></summary>

Increase the audio buffer size in RetroArch settings → Audio. This trades slight audio latency for smoother playback. Also ensure no background apps are competing for CPU.

</details>

***

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help? Ask on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).
{% endhint %}