About this game
Super Mario 64 was the Nintendo 64's Japanese launch title and one of the most consequential games ever made. It invented the language of 3D platforming: a freely rotating camera, analogue-stick movement through a three-dimensional world, and a hub structure that let the player choose their path. Every 3D platformer that followed owed it a debt. Development began in September 1994 under Shigeru Miyamoto with a team of fifteen to twenty people — and concluded exactly as the N64 launched.
Key Features
Free-roaming 3D movement via the N64's analogue Control Stick. Rotating camera system — revolutionary for home consoles in 1996. 15 worlds inside Princess Peach's castle, accessed by collecting Power Stars. 120 Power Stars total, each tied to a specific challenge within a level. Variable movement speed based on stick pressure — creeping, walking, running, long-jumping. Wing Cap, Vanish Cap, and Metal Cap power-ups that transform Mario's abilities entirely.
The Story Behind
When Super Mario 64 launched in June 1996, no home console game had ever asked a player to navigate a continuous 3D world with an analogue stick. The prototype, shown at Nintendo Space World in November 1995, depicted Mario running through a 3D environment at roughly 50% completion. By E3 1996, it was finished. The game sold 11 million copies worldwide and defined what a launch title could be. For many players, the moment Mario emerged from the castle and stepped into the open world of Bob-omb Battlefield was the moment 3D gaming became real.
Tricks & Tales
The game's famous BLJ (Backwards Long Jump) — a glitch that exploits the physics engine to build infinite speed — was discovered by speedrunners and has become one of the most studied glitches in gaming history. Mario's face on the title screen can be grabbed and deformed with the cursor — a tech demo that became a cultural moment. Composer Koji Kondo wrote music for each world to shift with the gameplay state — the tempo of "Bob-omb Battlefield" changes when you enter a pipe. The Wing Cap theme is the same melody as the ground theme from the original Super Mario Bros., in a major key.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released worldwide. Japanese cartridge plays on Japanese N64 and region-free modified units. The Japanese version (June 1996) predates the North American version (September 1996) by three months. Minor regional differences in text and some graphical details.
Maintenance Tips
N64 cartridges benefit from periodic contact cleaning — isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab applied to the cartridge edge connector. The N64 console's cartridge slot pins can become oxidised over time; a few clean insert-and-remove cycles with a cleaned cartridge usually restores contact. The Expansion Pak slot on the console body is often filled with the standard Jumper Pak from factory; ensure it is seated firmly as a loose Jumper Pak can cause display issues.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
Memories from around the world
Be the first to share a memory of this game. When memories are approved, they will appear here — with reactions from players around the world.
This is where memories shared by players from around the world will appear. Coming in Phase 2.