Nintendo 64 · 1996
Super Mario 64
Mario collects stars across Peach's Castle in the N64's flagship 3D platformer.
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- Platformer
- Released
- 1996
01
Overview
The player controls Mario in a 3D open-world environment spread across themed areas inside and around Peach's Castle. Star-based collection replaces linear levels, letting players explore in a non-linear order. The game supports up to two players, with the second player controlling a secondary character, and a Controller Pak is required for saving progress.
02
Why it matters
It defined the template for 3D platforming that many later titles followed. As the N64's launch flagship, it anchored the console's first-party identity.
03
The physical edition
A typical complete copy includes the game cartridge, instruction manual, and box, with the box usually displaying the N64 logo and star imagery. Regional editions vary in packaging layout and language, so check the specific version you are buying.
04
Playing it today
It runs natively on N64 hardware and is included on Nintendo 64 Virtual Console for Wii, so any of those setups can play it. A Controller Pak is required on N64 hardware to save progress.