Walkthrough: How to Play Nintendo Classics on your PC

by Ian Wrigley , Simon Brock on Apr 28, 2008

Tags: Games | Nintendo | emulator

7 Comments

If you're stuck at home on a rainy day, we have a recipe for some gaming nostalgia that may just bring back some memories.

Emulators like Project64 let you try old-school games on your PC. Sure the graphics don't compare with today's blockbusters, but there's something about the gameplay that doesn't get old.

Here's how you do it:

[NOTE: a word of warning before you get started - as with any downloads, be sure to have up to date anti-virus, antispyware, and firewalls running before you go running around looking for ROMs.]

1. Download the latest free (v1.6) Project64 emulator from the binaries section of the Project64 site. You’ll also need a game ROM file or two, so use a search engine to look for N64 ROMs. Proceed with caution and run firewall, anti-virus and antispyware software, and prepare for pop-up hell.

2. Once installed, it’s time to configure Project 64. Choose Options | Configure Graphics Plug-In. First, set the resolution: any modern PC will handle 1,024 x 768 at 16-bit, so set this for the full-screen mode and windowed modes.

3. One of the pleasures of emulation is using modern hardware to make old graphics look slightly less rough and dated. Set Anisotropic filtering and Full-Scene Antialiasing to 4x and tick the first two checkboxes below. You can always adjust settings later if you experience performance issues.

4. Now you need to configure your controller (Options | Configure Input). You can use the keyboard or a joystick, but an analogue controller will make your experience more authentic. Select Controller (Gamepad) from the pull-down.

5. Calibrate the controller by clicking the button to the right of each input, then press the appropriate button or move the relevant pad/analogue stick in the correct direction. Finally, select Memory Pak from the pulldown, select Save Profile and save your setup.

6. Now to load a Nintendo game. Unzip your ROMs to an easily located folder, then select File | Open ROM and navigate your way there. Select the ROM file, click Open and the game in question will start.

This article appeared in the January, 2008 issue of PC Authority.

Ads by Google

Comments: 7

Pacman Apr 28, 2008 2:30 PM	I love emulators. Great stuff! Comment made about the PC Authority article: Walkthrough: How to Play Nintendo Classics on your PC? If you're stuck at home on a rainy day, we have a recipe for some gaming nostalgia that may just bring back some memories. What do you think? Join the discussion.
steve_666 Apr 29, 2008 2:22 PM	why worry about graphics when u have gameplay. you can have the best looking game in the world but if gameplay sucks then who's going to play it.
megsonc Jun 30, 2008 2:13 PM	I know that the Project64 is a freeware application, however, where does this sit in terms of copyright with regard to downloading the ROM files. Aside from that, you could look at FreezeSMS (Master System), ZSNES(SNES) or even some GameBoy or Sega Genesis emulators. Plug in a USB Joypad and off you go :) You will always be able to find ROM files for any type of emulator, the challenge is finding a good emulator.
butterz Aug 3, 2008 3:29 PM	i remember old school game boy advance emulators and playing pokemon! :P, also had the N64 and had smash bro's so funny, good times
Nat.W¿LL¿ Aug 3, 2008 3:51 PM	frogger???:O pacman??:O
Alistor Aug 10, 2008 1:54 PM	megsonc wrote: I know that the Project64 is a freeware application, however, where does this sit in terms of copyright with regard to downloading the ROM files. ROMs themselves aren't legal, read up on this; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROM_image#Legal_status Edited by Alistor: 10/8/2008 01:57:00 PM
krazikiwi Aug 16, 2008 8:37 AM	yea, since my n64 died i have really missed mario64. i just loved getting all those stars.