Star Fox 64 PC Port Hits Beta, Showcased by Speedrunner Rakanai
Entry information
Published on: November 25, 2024
Description
A long-anticipated native PC port of the classic Nintendo 64 game Star Fox 64 is nearing release, with a beta version recently showcased by renowned speedrunner Rakanai.
Developed by Sonic Dreamcaster and Samplywx, this project aims to bring one of Nintendo’s most celebrated rail shooters directly to PC for the first time, building on the community-driven momentum seen in the wider Nintendo 64 homebrew and preservation scene.
The announcement of the Star Fox 64 PC port beta was first made public on the Harbour Masters 64 Discord server, a gathering place for developers collaborating on N64-to-PC projects.
The beta demonstration quickly followed on Rakanai’s livestream, where the speedrunner detailed the port's enhancements and new features.
The live showcase, which has since been uploaded as a video-on-demand (VOD) on YouTube, offered an in-depth look at the technical improvements ahead of the planned December release.
Among the standout features highlighted by Rakanai are support for uncapped framerates, comprehensive controller remapping options, and the ability to disable Level of Detail (LOD) reductions—ensuring models maintain their full detail at all distances.
Additionally, the port offers built-in debug tools, accessible cheats, and quality-of-life improvements aimed at both newcomers and the dedicated Hit+ 64 community.
Such features reflect the developers’ commitment to delivering a version of Star Fox 64 that leverages the power and flexibility of modern PC hardware, while respecting the original gameplay experience on Nintendo 64 and subsequent platforms like Nintendo Switch and the eShop.
However, as noted during Rakanai’s stream, the port is still a work in progress.
"There are still a few bugs to iron out before release," Rakanai explained, referencing issues such as currently non-functional multiplayer and ongoing graphical errors in the desert stage Titania.
The development team is actively addressing these concerns, and players can expect further refinements in the coming weeks as the launch target approaches.
The beta’s demonstration signals a significant milestone for the project, which has generated considerable interest among fans of both Star Fox 64 and classic Nintendo games in general.
As with similar ports, it’s important to note that users will need to provide their own legal copy of the original ROM to play the game on PC.
Star Fox 64, originally released for Nintendo 64 in 1997 and later re-released on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch via the eShop, remains a benchmark in the rail shooter genre.
The PC port by Sonic Dreamcaster and Samplywx stands as a testament to both the enduring appeal of the title and the dedication of the fan development community.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project advances towards its official launch.
