I'd be curious if i could use one of these http://www.amazon.com/May-Flash-Controller-Adapter-Nintendo-64/dp/B002B9FIUU/ref=pd_sim_vg_9 ... I still have all my N64 stuff. =) I could just play it on my n64 but thats no fun right?
I personally use this adapter and an actual N64 controller. I also own an N64 and play games on that (but can only stream PC, so can't stream console). It's really nice because I can use the same controller for console and emulator. I used to run with this controller, and it worked great, but I didn't like it because it was awkward when I played on console with an N64 controller. I know there are also a lot of emulator streamers that just use an Xbox 360 controller because they have native support with windows. Basically, use whatever is comfortable for you.
I just Google "___ N64 rom" and take either the top or second result. There's not really going to be a "safe" way to download roms because it's illegal and nobody is there to regulate it. It's always going to be a risk, but it usually isn't. At least I've never had any problems.
Amazon.com has the best prices I've seen. The only real competitors to that I can think of would be local game stores, which would still be more expensive, but the price is close when you add shipping costs.
Just an update, bought a retrolink controller. Very displeased with the quality. But I guess you get what you pay for. Copy/Paste because I'm lazy.
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I've had it for two days now and I'm EXTREMELY disappointed. When I first started using it, it was pretty good for the price, my only complaint was that the Z trigger felt weird, like it had sticky gunk in it or something. No big deal.
Fast forward 2 days, with about 3-4 hours of use out of the controller. The stick is starting to break, and the dpad requires excessive force to get to respond. I give it a week until this thing is in the trash.
So those of you wanting to get this for an emulator setup, don't. Don't buy ANY knock-offs on that note. What you need is an official nintendo controller (Which are pretty damn expensive on amazon, so I suggest hitting up craigslist), and one of these (http://www.amazon.com/May-Flash-Controller-Adapter-Nintendo-64/dp/B002B9FIUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399209181&sr=8-1&keywords=n64+adapter) adapters. That's what I'm going to do now.
tl;dr, I should have trusted the negative reviews.
I've tried some of the usb controllers and wasn't satisfied. They're often too light-weight or the buttons aren't as responsive, or some little nagging thing. Personal recommendation would be to go for the real deal and get an N64 to usb Controller Adapter or two. They're surprisingly easy to use (nearly plug-and-play, but you need to configure the emulator settings so it knows which is controller 1, controller 2, etc.).
That being said, it sounds like you might be happier getting the real deal hardware. Nothing will feel spot on compared to the original hardware. Plus, if it sounds fun for your bachelor party, who's to say it can't be something fun to do any other time you're all together in the future, right?
Congrats on getting hitched; hope it goes well for you.
Check out the "playing online" tab: (http://smashboards.com/threads/smash-64-index-read-here-first.350305/)
Pretty sure this is the adapter I have, most of them work fine though (https://www.amazon.com/MAYFLASH-N64-Controller-Adapter-Pc/dp/B002B9FIUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467744522&sr=8-1&keywords=mayflash+n64)
and i have used it in the past and had no problems
One like this
