--fullscreen --skip-intro --no-audio # (use separate timer) --deadzone 0.05 --vsync 0 If you are using Project64, the sm64config.txt syntax changes entirely. Instead of flags, it uses an INI-like structure. You rarely edit this manually, but here is what a critical fix looks like:
# SM64 Config File --windowed --resolution 1280 720 --framerate 30 --no-audio # --skip-intro # --enable-texture-dumping Let’s break down the essential parameters. | Argument | Syntax | Effect | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | --windowed | (none) | Launches in a resizable window. | | --fullscreen | (none) | Launches in exclusive fullscreen mode. | | --resolution | --resolution W H | Sets render resolution. Example: --resolution 3840 2160 for 4K. | | --framerate | --framerate N | Crucial. Native SM64 runs at 30 FPS. Setting --framerate 60 doubles the game speed (physics break). Use --framerate 30 or --framerate 40 . | | --no-vsync | (none) | Disables vertical sync (reduces input lag, causes screen tearing). | | --filtering | --filtering N | 0=Nearest neighbor (pixelated), 1=Linear (blurry), 2=Anisotropic (sharp). | Audio Settings | Argument | Syntax | Effect | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | --audio | --audio [backend] | Forces audio engine. Use --audio sdl2 or --audio(openal) . | | --buffersize | --buffersize N | Audio buffer size in frames. Increase (e.g., 2048) to fix crackling. | | --sample-rate | --sample-rate N | Default is 44100. 48000 often reduces digital hiss. | Input & Controllers | Argument | Syntax | Effect | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | --dsu | --dsu IP PORT | Enables DSU Client controller (for Motion control/gyro on PC). | | --deadzone | --deadzone 0.0-1.0 | Stick deadzone. Default 0.3. Lower to 0.1 for pro controllers. | | --input | --input N | Override controller mapping index. | Debug & Advanced Features | Argument | Syntax | Effect | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | --skip-intro | (none) | Skips the Nintendo logo and file select cutscene. | | --cheats | (none) | Enables built-in cheat menu (requires separate cheat file). | | --enable-texture-dumping | (none) | Saves every loaded texture to texture_dump/ (modding tool). | | --enable-texture-cache | (none) | Caches custom textures to RAM for faster loads. | | --profile | --profile N | Logs performance metrics to console. | Real-World Use Cases for sm64config.txt Case 1: 4K Ultra-Wide with 60 FPS (Split-Screen mod) If you are using the sm64ex-coop version, you can force ultra-wide: sm64config.txt
--fullscreen --resolution 3440 1440 --framerate 60 --geometry 3440 1440 Warning: Standard SM64 will run 2x speed at 60 FPS. Use the patch first. Case 2: CRT/Pixel-Perfect Mode on an OLED To emulate a Sony Trinitron look (sharp pixels, no blur): | Argument | Syntax | Effect | |
--windowed --resolution 640 480 --filtering 0 --no-vsync --framerate 30 --sdl-scaling 4x If your SM64 port sounds like popping popcorn: Example: --resolution 3840 2160 for 4K
--audio sdl2 --buffersize 2048 --sample-rate 44100 --latency 0.05 Speedrunners want low lag and no distractions:
✅ (e.g., --resolution 1920 1080 ). ✅ Framerate is set to 30 (unless using a physics unlock patch). ✅ Audio buffer is adequate ( --buffersize 1024 or higher). ✅ Deadzone matches your controller (test with --deadzone 0.2 ). ✅ No duplicate flags (the last line overrides previous ones).
To the average user, this might look like just another configuration dump. To a power user, sm64config.txt is the control panel for rendering, input latency, audio sync, and graphical fidelity. Misconfigure it, and your game crashes. Tweak it correctly, and you can run Mario at 4K resolution with custom textures and wide-screen hacks.