Gopher64

Gopher64 is a free, open-source Nintendo 64 emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. It supports local and online multiplayer, including server-based netplay for one to four players, as well as homebrew software. Graphics options include upscaling and a CRT shader; emulation features include CPU overclocking, cheats and save states. RetroAchievements is supported, though enabling it sends some data to RetroAchievements systems. During online netplay, the server records the user's IP address and basic session details—the game title and session name—for operational purposes; no additional personal data is collected or stored. The source code is licensed under GPLv3. Listed input options include keyboards, Xbox and PlayStation controllers, gamepads and joysticks. Downloads are listed for all four supported platforms, with Flathub and Homebrew also noted for Linux and macOS. The maker links a wiki and Discord for support. There is no game compatibility list; game-specific problems can be raised through GitHub issues.

Gopher64 combines core emulation options with homebrew and multiplayer support across four platforms. Consider the stated netplay and RetroAchievements data handling, and check GitHub issues for game-specific problems.

Gopher64 may suit Nintendo 64 players seeking an emulator with save states, cheats, homebrew support or multiplayer. It also fits users comfortable checking GitHub issues for game-specific compatibility questions.

Gopher64 is a Nintendo 64 emulator for Android, Linux, macOS and Windows. It suits players who want cross-platform N64 emulation with netplay, homebrew support and visual options. Its free, open-source offering covers a useful set of core features, though game-specific compatibility may take some checking.

Overview

Gopher64 combines standard emulation tools—savestates and cheats—with CPU overclocking emulation, high-resolution rendering and a CRT shader. That gives players room to adjust both performance and presentation, while support for homebrew broadens its use beyond a library of commercial games.

Multiplayer is a notable part of the package: the itch.io listing describes one to four players and both local and server-based networked play. Netplay does have a privacy tradeoff: the server logs users’ IP addresses and basic session information, including game title and session name, for operational purposes. No additional personal data is collected or stored.

Key features

• Graphics: Upscaling and a CRT shader let players choose between sharper output and a display treatment associated with older screens.
• Emulation controls: CPU overclocking emulation, cheats and savestates offer flexibility for play, though the maker does not provide a compatibility list.
• Multiplayer and homebrew: Local and online play, alongside homebrew support, make Gopher64 more than a solo-game emulator.
• RetroAchievements: The feature is supported, but enabling it sends some data to RetroAchievements systems.

For game-specific trouble, the maker points users to GitHub issues. That is a practical route to investigate problems, but players looking for a single compatibility guide will need to do more individual checking.

Pricing

Gopher64 is free and open source, with its source code licensed under GPLv3. The “Name your own price” download is free and includes the downloadable emulator. There is no paid tier or free-trial decision to weigh; the tradeoff is that compatibility may vary by game.

Platforms

Gopher64 supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Downloads are offered for all four, with Flathub also pointed to for Linux and Homebrew for macOS. The Windows release has free code signing provided by SignPath.io, using a certificate from SignPath Foundation.

Input options listed on the itch.io page include keyboard, Xbox controller, gamepad, joystick and PlayStation controller. The maker also links a wiki and Discord for support.

Who it's for

Gopher64 is a sensible fit for N64 players who want a no-cost emulator across desktop and Android, especially those interested in netplay, homebrew, cheats or adjustable graphics. It is less suited to players who require a published compatibility catalogue before choosing games, or who do not want session information and an IP address logged during online play.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Four-platform support makes it usable across Android, Windows, macOS and Linux without choosing a platform-specific alternative.
• Pros: Netplay, local multiplayer, homebrew, savestates and cheats cover more than basic single-player emulation.
• Pros: Upscaling and a CRT shader give players distinct visual options.
• Cons: There is no game compatibility list, so players may need to consult GitHub issues for individual titles.
• Cons: Netplay logs IP addresses and basic session details for operational purposes.
• Cons: Enabling RetroAchievements sends some data to its systems.

Alternatives

Nintendo 64 Emulators is the broader category for comparing options.

• RetroArch is another free, open-source choice, with support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows; choose it if that broader platform range matters.
• M64Plus FZ Emulator is Android-only and free with optional in-app donations; its netplay server is limited to Pro, so Gopher64 is the better fit if free netplay is a priority.
• Provenance is an open-source option for iOS and macOS, with its free plan available when sideloaded or built from source.
• Virtual Jaguar is a free open-source emulator core for multiple platforms, but requires a Libretro frontend such as RetroArch.
• Delta is a free app with in-app purchases for iOS and macOS.
• N64Wasm is a free alternative for iOS, self-hosted use, web and Windows.
• CEN64 is a free open-source option for Linux, macOS and Windows; Mac users must build from source, and it requires PIF data and ROM files.
• n64js is a free web-based alternative.

Verdict

Choose Gopher64 if you want free N64 emulation across desktop and Android, with netplay, homebrew and useful graphics and gameplay options in one package. Look elsewhere if you need a published compatibility list or want online play without IP and session logging.