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Definition
A Z64 file is an image file that contains data from a Nintendo 64 game; this type of game image file is also known as a ROM image file. The data in a Z64 file is identical to the data that was present on the original game cartridge. The data in Z64 files is functionally equivalent to other Nintendo 64 file types such as the N64 file type, although there may be certain differences in how the cartridge data is packaged.
Creation
Z64 files are created using a device of Taiwanese origin called the Z64. The device is capable of loading Nintendo 64 cartridges into memory and then storing them on a 750 megabyte ZIP disk. Since Nintendo 64 game cartridges are usually 256 megabytes in size, you can store up to two games at a time on a ZIP disk in this manner.
Applications
To open a Z64 game image file you must install a Nintendo 64 emulator on your computer. Mac users can run Z64 games using the Sixtyforce or Mupen64 applications. Windows users have more options, as the files can be opened using the 1964, Daedalus, Mupen64, Nemus64, Project64, SupraHLE and UltraHLE emulators. These emulators can also run Nintendo 64 games encoded with other file extensions like .N64.
Legal Considerations
If you download a .Z64 game image file from a third-party website then you may be in violation of local or international copyright laws. Nintendo 64 game data is copyrighted by the maker of the game and you can be held responsible for illegally procuring such copyrighted material. If you own the original Nintendo 64 game cartridge then it is legal to download and run a Z64 file containing that game.