Pyrite64 is an open-source game engine and visual editor designed to simplify development of native games for the Nintendo 64. Created by developer HailToDodongo, the project aims to remove much of the complexity traditionally associated with N64 homebrew while still targeting real hardware rather than emulation-only experiences.
Purpose and Design Goals
Pyrite64 was built to modernise the N64 homebrew workflow. Historically, creating software for the console required navigating ageing SDK documentation and complex toolchains. The engine’s goal is to provide a more accessible pipeline while remaining compatible with authentic N64 hardware.
Key design intentions include:
- Enabling development of true N64 binaries, not “N64-style” games
- Avoiding proprietary Nintendo SDKs
- Streamlining environment setup and asset integration
- Providing modern-style tooling for level creation and scripting
Technical Foundation
Under the hood, Pyrite64 is built on established open-source N64 libraries:
- Libdragon — provides low-level access to N64 hardware
- tiny3d — handles 3D rendering functionality
By relying on these components, the engine stays legally safe while still targeting original hardware capabilities.
Editor and Workflow
Pyrite64 includes a self-contained editor and toolchain manager intended to reduce setup friction. The typical workflow involves:
- Creating a project within the editor
- Building levels using tools such as Blender and Fast64
- Importing assets through the integrated asset manager
- Implementing gameplay via C++ scripting and node-based logic
- Compiling to run on real N64 hardware or accurate emulators
The bundled toolchain automatically manages compilers and dependencies, removing much of the manual configuration previously required for N64 development.
Rendering and Graphics Features
Although constrained by original hardware limits, Pyrite64 supports a range of modern-style visual techniques adapted for the N64, including:
- HDR-style rendering pipeline
- Bloom effects
- Real-time lighting features
- Optimised 3D rendering suitable for the console
These features are designed to push the hardware while remaining performant on authentic systems.
Hardware and Compatibility
Projects built with Pyrite64 are intended to:
- Run on original Nintendo 64 consoles
- Work with accurate N64 emulators
- Produce genuine ROM outputs
This focus distinguishes the engine from tools that merely mimic the N64 aesthetic on modern platforms.
Open-Source Status
Pyrite64 is released publicly on GitHub, allowing developers to:
- Inspect and modify the source code
- Contribute improvements
- Build independent N64 homebrew projects
The open nature of the project is intended to support the growing N64 homebrew community.
Example Usage
The engine has already been used in homebrew demonstrations such as Cathode Quest 64, which showcases advanced lighting and rendering techniques running on the N64 via Pyrite64.
Current Position in the N64 Scene
Pyrite64 represents part of a broader movement to modernise development for legacy consoles. By combining contemporary tooling with open-source libraries, it lowers the barrier to entry for creating new Nintendo 64 software while preserving authenticity to the original hardware.
Summary
Pyrite64 is a modern open-source N64 game engine and editor that:
- Targets real Nintendo 64 hardware
- Uses Libdragon and tiny3d
- Provides an integrated modern workflow
- Avoids proprietary SDKs
- Supports advanced but hardware-appropriate graphics
Its primary contribution is making native N64 development more accessible without sacrificing accuracy or legality.
Check out the projects GitHub here.