PhobosLab Has Released Xibalba 64 for Nintendo 64
The new first-person shooter runs on original hardware and arrives alongside the ModRetro M64 console.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Gaming
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Developer PhobosLab has launched Xibalba 64, a new first-person shooter designed specifically for the original Nintendo 64 console. The game operates on authentic hardware without emulation, maintaining a consistent performance of 60 frames per second.
Why it matters
This release represents a rare expansion of the Nintendo 64 library, providing a new experience for players using 1990s-era consoles. By utilizing open-source tools instead of legacy licensed kits, the developer has bypassed traditional barriers to hardware development.
Xibalba 64 is available for $49.99, while the ModRetro M64 bundle featuring the game costs $179.99. It is the second physical release of a new Nintendo 64 title since 2002, following Xeno Crisis in 2023.
The players
PhobosLab
This independent developer is responsible for creating and releasing Xibalba 64.
ModRetro
This company manufactures the M64 console and maintains the platform where the game is rated.
The details
The developer built the physical cartridge using the standard N64 read format after performing a complete rewrite of a 2014 WebGL demo. By avoiding official Nintendo development kits in favor of open-source tools, the team successfully optimized the title to run natively on the original console architecture.
Timeline
The original WebGL demo was created in 2014.
Xeno Crisis was released as the first new N64 game in 2023.
Xibalba 64 was officially released in September 2026.
Roadmap
The arrival of Xibalba 64 follows the 2023 release of Xeno Crisis, signaling a modest revival of physical software development for the Nintendo 64. This trend highlights the ongoing demand for native-running games on classic consoles rather than relying on modern emulation.
Players can purchase the standalone cartridge for $49.99 or opt for the complete ModRetro M64 bundle for $179.99. Owners of the original console will require the physical cartridge to play, as the game utilizes standard N64 read formats.
The takeaway
Enthusiasts of retro hardware should prioritize native-running titles to experience the best performance without the latency issues sometimes associated with emulation. The successful launch of Xibalba 64 demonstrates that open-source development tools can effectively bridge the gap between modern programming and vintage console architecture.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape for classic console software, visit the Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ScreenRant.
Live Poll
Would you pay nearly $50 for a brand-new game on a 1990s video game console?
