The Nintendo 64 is still getting new games in 2026, and one of its latest releases is already earning near-perfect reviews. Even more surprisingly, this isn’t a game that requires an emulator or a modern console to play. Anyone with an original Nintendo 64 can insert the cartridge and play it just like they would games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or any other title from the system’s original library.
Of course, the Nintendo 64 has remained popular among retro gaming enthusiasts for decades, with its distinctive graphics and library of classic games still attracting plenty of attention. However, most modern Nintendo 64 games involve bringing older releases to newer hardware, whether through Nintendo Switch Online or other forms of emulation, but developing something new for the original console is another matter entirely.
Xibalba 64 Has Near-Perfect Review Scores
Developed by PhobosLab, Xibalba 64 is a new 2026 game released for the Nintendo 64 and ModRetro’s M64 console, and it has a near-perfect review score of 4.8/5 from customers. While the game was part of the M64’s launch game lineup, its physical cartridge is also fully compatible with original Nintendo 64 hardware, including support for the system’s Rumble Pak. Players don’t need to purchase ModRetro’s new console to experience it, making Xibalba 64 a genuine addition to the Nintendo 64 library so long after the original system was discontinued.
As for the game itself, Xibalba 64 is a retro first-person shooter inspired by classic games like Doom 64, Quake, and Hexen. Players fight through ancient ruins, jungles, and futuristic facilities while dealing with enemies, hidden passages, and traps befitting its Mayan underworld setting. Meanwhile, the low-poly graphics and soundtrack help it fit alongside the Nintendo 64’s original library. The campaign lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, although there’s also 4-player Deathmatch and 2-player cooperative multiplayer for those looking to spend more time with the game.
Xibalba 64 launched with an impressive 4.9 out of 5 customer review rating, and that score has barely changed since release. The game currently sits at 4.8 out of 5 on ModRetro’s store, a decrease of just 0.1 points despite receiving additional reviews. Players have praised its classic shooter gameplay, weapon design, and the novelty of getting an entirely new Nintendo 64 game in 2026. Some have compared it favorably to Doom 64, while others have highlighted its level design and overall presentation. There have been some minor criticisms, including a relatively slow beginning, but the reception has remained overwhelmingly positive.
ModRetro’s M64 is designed to bring the Nintendo 64 experience to modern hardware, but the fact that its games also work on original consoles makes the project particularly interesting. And with Xibalba 64 maintaining a 4.8/5 rating, it seems this particular trip back to the 1990s has gone over pretty well.
