N64 Recompiled Is Planning Its Handiest 365 days Yet In 2025
Unofficial PC adaptations to obtain modifications & performance enhancements
- by Alana Hagues
At this point, you are probably quite familiar with N64 Recompiled, which, in simple terms, allows N64 games to run on PC by executing the game’s code natively on your target platform. Recently, we have seen Majora’s Mask achieve a “PC adaptation” thanks to this project.
It seems that developments are progressing significantly, as Wes Fenlon, author of the publication Readonly Memo, has interviewed the creator of the program, Wiseguy, to explore what’s on the horizon in a “re-launch” (as reported by Android Authority).
Nearly a year after previously speaking with Wiseguy, Fenlon has posted an update on his blog, hinting at what’s to come from Wiseguy and N64 Recompiled. The main highlight is a new modding framework, which has reportedly been under development for the past year.
Some modifications are already accessible through the usual channels — revamped controls for Epona, an aiming reticle for the bow, and tools for assisting with text content alterations are just a few of the mods available. There are also some rather amusing ones, such as Dabbing Link. Just what Majora’s Mask needs, right?
While Decompilation projects have supported modding for a while (just take a look at what you can find in Star Fox 64 on PC, for example), Wiseguy has been working to create a full system that can also load mod code.
“This evolved into a system where mods could interact complexly with each other,” Wiseguy informed Fenlon, which would allow mods to share APIs with different modifications. In essence, “any common adjustments that multiple mods may require can be combined into a shared dependency.”
In conjunction with this, Wiseguy has also developed a new backend for the recompiler — which means mod files can be compatible with any platform. Additionally, macOS support is on the way.
Another major improvement on the way is a significant performance enhancement, which Wiseguy has been collaborating with contributor Dario on. Graphics optimization and focusing on lower-end hardware, alongside the Steam Deck, have been the primary focus. While Recompiled is functional on most systems, this is a welcome upgrade for those not utilizing top-tier hardware.
Before these exciting updates are released, Wiseguy is currently putting the finishing touches on the mod management user interface. So if you’re eager to swap out your Links for Princess Peach or Yoshi, it seems you won’t be waiting too long.
While Majora’s Mask’s unofficial PC version was launched last year, as part of the Zelda 64: