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Smash 64 Netplay Guide

To play Smash 64 online, follow the steps below. You'll be using an N64 emulator called Project64KSE, which comes with the Kaillera netplay system built-in. To use an N64 controller, you'll need a Raphnet V3 USB adapter; you can also use any USB controller or a keyboard.

1. Download the Emulator

Download Project64KSE below and extract it. Other emulators and versions are not compatible, so make sure to get it from this link.

Download GitHub

2. Obtain the Smash Bros. ROM

You must legally obtain your own ROM. This site does not endorse or condone piracy. Do not ask how to obtain a ROM in Discord.

ROM Patching

If you're looking to play Smash Remix or 19XX, first obtain the normal ROM, then use our online Remix or 19XX patcher to modify your ROM.

3. Configure your ROM Directory

Open Project64KSE.exe and select your ROM directory (where your ROM is located).

rom directory selection

4. Select your Plugins

Plugins are selected in Options -> Settings -> Plugins. You can configure each plugin through Options -> Configure Plugin.

Graphics

GLideN64 Public Release 2.0 Recommended OpenGL

Correctly renders most things in-game and does not crash the emulator when ending emulation.

GLideN64 Public Release 4.0 OpenGL

The most accurate and best looking plugin, but usually crashes the emulator when ending emulation. resolution

When configuring the plugin, set Full screen resolution to your monitor's native resolution, and aspect ratio to 4:3.

Jabo’s Direct3D8 1.6 DirectX

Older plugin that uses less resources than GLideN64, but has visual glitches, such as not showing invincibility. Only use if you can’t run GLideN64 or OpenGL.

Audio

Azimer's Audio v0.30 (Old Driver) Recommended

Standard audio plugin.

audio plugin configuration

It is recommended to reduce Buffer Size to the 2nd tick (see image) so game audio is less delayed. This is not saved and must be done every time the game is launched.

No Sound

Simple audio plugin that disables sound entirely.

Controller

If your controller can plug into an N64, you'll want a Raphnet N64 to USB adapter. Select the raphnetraw 1 player NET version controller plugin. No configuration required!

If you have any other N64 to USB adapter, you'll need to select an N-Rage input plugin and configure your bindings manually.

If you have a GameCube to USB adapter, follow the instructions on the GameCube Controller Configuration page.

If you have a GameCube to N64 adapter for console play, you can connect it to an N64 to USB adapter for maximum accuracy and follow the N64 Compatible Controllers instructions above.

To use keyboard, first choose N-Rage's Direct-Input8 1.61 as your input plugin. Then go to Configure Controller Plugin:

  1. Check Raw Data. If you skip this step, Netplay will not work!

  2. Press Assign Keys. In the top right, choose "Keyboard".

  3. Bind your keys according to preference and choose Apply.

If you're using Windows 7, select N-Rage as your controller plugin, then choose Configure Controller Plugin and set your bindings as you like. Ensure RawData is checked under controller pak settings

If you're using Windows 8 or newer, you may need to download a premade N-Rage config file. See the Xbox Controller Configuration page for details.

5. Start Netplay

Ethernet Highly Recommended

Use a wired Ethernet connection when playing netplay. WiFi connections are inherently unreliable and will frustrate you and your opponents.

Change mode dropdown Launch Netplay with File -> Start Netplay. Use the Change Mode dropdown to select between Server or P2P (Peer to Peer). Peer to peer connections are more stable, but require one player to port forward in order to host. See the P2P Setup page for help setting up port forwarding.

The regional Discords linked in the sidebar are a great way to find opponents for P2P matches.

  1. Start Netplay. Server mode is the default.
  2. Select the server to join. A full list of servers can be found by clicking Master Servers List.
  3. Host or join lobbies to play
  4. Host starts game

Up to 4 players can play in server matches.

  1. Start Netplay. Click the Change Mode dropdown and select 1. P2P.
  2. Host must have ports forwarded and provide external IP to other player
  3. Host selects the game and clicks Host.
  4. Client chooses the Connect tab, enters the Host's IP in the Peer IP box, and connects.
  5. Both players tick Ready to start the game

Only 2 players can play P2P.

The higher your ping to the server or your opponent, the more frames of delay you'll have. Most players play on 3 frames or less. After playing online, you must restart the emulator before playing a different player or if a new player joins the lobby. Servers may sometimes go down and active servers may be found on the master server list.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I try to play online, player 1 works fine, but player 2 can't move.

This is usually an issue with raw data or controller config. First, launch the game in singleplayer and make sure your controls work locally. Next, verify that players using the NRage input plugin have RawData enabled.

raw data enabled

Warning - External Plugins

The input plugins included in Project64KSE were chosen for their compatibility. If you're trying to use an input plugin you got elsewhere, it's likely not compatible with raw data and the cause of the issue!

Finally, make sure both players restart their emulators whenever they change opponents.

When I launch the emulator, I get a warning saying raphnetraw: Adapter not detected.

raphnet error message

This error occurs when you have the Raphnetraw input plugin selected, but you don't have a Raphnet adapter plugged in. If you don't own a Raphnet v3 USB adapter, press OK, then go to Options -> Settings -> Plugins, and follow the instructions in Step 5 to choose a different plugin for your keyboard or controller.

If you do have a Raphnet adapter, check the cable connection on both sides, and make sure the adapter management tool is not running.

When I launch the emulator I get a dll error, like Current GFX dll could not be used or Could Not load RSP plugin

These errors occurs when the emulator fails to load its plugins, and can have multiple potential causes. Try opening Options -> Settings -> Directories, and making sure the Plugin Directory points to the Plugin folder where you installed the emulator. After settings the plugins directory, open Options -> Settings -> Plugins and reselect all plugins, then restart the emulator. See step 4 if you're not sure which plugins to use.

If the emulator still fails to load the RSP plugin, then something on your system may be preventing it from loading; check to see if any anti-virus program is blocking access, and make sure the emulator is in a directory owned by your user.

My game runs fine, but the audio is delayed or stuttering.

Follow the instructions in the Azimer's section above. Yes, it's annoying to set the Buffer Size every time, unfortunately this is hard to fix.

I followed the Azimer's instructions but my audio is still bad.

Audio quality issues, such as stuttering or popping, is a known issue with the Azimer plugin. At the moment it's the best option we have. Because KSE is based on the Project64 1.4 core, it is completely incompatible with many modern audio plugins.

There may be a better audio plugin that is compatible, but it may have its own unique issues and would require both performance and desync testing before it can be added. If you're willing to spend the time finding, testing, or writing a better audio plugin, you can discuss it in the Smash 64 Discord.

My game feels laggy. Is there any way to reduce input delay?

The first step is to launch the game from the main menu and check whether you're experiencing the input delay during local (non-netplay) games, or only when playing online.

If you're experiencing delay locally, try playing in full screen mode, as new version of Windows apply forced vsync to windowed applications which sometimes causes issues. You can use Alt+Enter to go fullscreen, or go to Options -> Settings -> Options and enable "On loading a ROM go to full screen". If you're using Glide as your graphics plugin (recommended), ensure Frame Buffer emulation is disabled but opening Options -> Configure Graphics Plugin -> Frame Buffer and make sure Emulate Frame Buffer is unchecked.

If you only experience delay when playing online, there are a variety of options for improving your network connection. Make sure to play on ethernet, not wifi. If possible, play using P2P rather than server, or look for a server close to you using the server list. When hosting P2P, you can try entering a higher delay in the Enter custom frame delay box. For example, if the connection is jittery on 1 frame, try forcing a 2 frame delay. The same effect can be replicated on server by spoofing a higher ping. If you frequently experience lag, you may want to investigate your network for bufferbloat.

I'm trying to configure a USB controller, but when I press a button, nothing happens.

This is an issue with N-Rage on newer version of Windows. See the Xbox Setup Instructions for more information.

My question isn't here.

If you are still having problems with netplay, ask in #help in the Smash 64 Discord.

Additional Guides