User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 468 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 25 out of 468
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  1. Apr 29, 2019
    10
    There's not much I can add to the already innumerous reviews I'm sure there are describing this game.
    All-in-all, this is the definitive version of Super Mario 64 you can play.
    More Stars, more characters, more content in general.
    Some complain about the control scheme, but if you grew up with this or've yet to play the OG Super Mario 64, that's literally a nonissue.
  2. Nov 11, 2010
    9
    I have played both versions of Super Mario 64 and gotten 100% on each, and honestly I think that this version is actually better in terms of design. There were some god-awful character designs in the original, and the graphics are much improved. The controls are annoying, but otherwise this is an awesome port of a classic.
  3. Mar 16, 2015
    10
    Der Vorgänger war schon gut genug , aber dieses Spiel konnte nochmal einiges mehr bieten ! Allein die 30 neuen Sterne konnten mich schon überzeugen ! Der Stick hat mir nicht gefehlt , da ich mit dieser Steuerung auch sehr gut zurechtkam ;3
  4. Oct 21, 2017
    8
    This is the best way to play Super Mario 64. Not as an N64 game, but just this game in general. Yes, having to use the D-pad is a bit different, but the N64 version already feels like it was meant to use the D-pad anyway, probably cause it was originally meant to be an SNES title. Now there's the 3DS and the Wii U (via Nintendo Network), so the D-pad problem is solved, if you prefer theThis is the best way to play Super Mario 64. Not as an N64 game, but just this game in general. Yes, having to use the D-pad is a bit different, but the N64 version already feels like it was meant to use the D-pad anyway, probably cause it was originally meant to be an SNES title. Now there's the 3DS and the Wii U (via Nintendo Network), so the D-pad problem is solved, if you prefer the stick. There's just too much to this game to call it "not as good" as the N64 version. To me, it's the other way around. Some stuff is still a pain to control like the N64 version, but this one is about 5 times better. Expand
  5. Nov 18, 2022
    9
    Best 3D Mario game.
    Incredible mechanics, replayability, content, etc...
    Its really peak Plataformer Mario and I hope they port/remaster this game for a new console sometime in the future.
  6. CazC.
    Jun 22, 2007
    10
    Absolutely amazing game. You get to play as your favourite character this time instead of just Mario and quite frankly the moves that some of the others can do makes Mario look untalented! New levels added, extra stars, more fun glitches such as being able to swim under the castle and even mega addictive mini games; especially Luigi's card games! This is definately a game worth Absolutely amazing game. You get to play as your favourite character this time instead of just Mario and quite frankly the moves that some of the others can do makes Mario look untalented! New levels added, extra stars, more fun glitches such as being able to swim under the castle and even mega addictive mini games; especially Luigi's card games! This is definately a game worth adding to your collection, 100% guarenteed to enjoy this game even if you don't like other mario games! Expand
  7. Nov 16, 2011
    9
    "Mario 64" is definitely one of the best DS game i've ever played up to date. It's a unique platform adventure that's not 2-D (oh joy!) and gives you tons of fun, challenging stuff to do. Overall a game any person of any age would enjoy. Must Buy!!!
  8. BenB.
    Mar 18, 2005
    10
    Being my first ever ds game...jumbing on walking mushrooms,playing as our moustahced heros, playing as yoshi, collection stars and coins, has never been so fun, all those that dont like this game are losers screw u all those that dont like this game!!! ( i sent a full review of this game to a magazine hopefully ill make it to reader reviews page)
  9. INeedACoke
    Jan 15, 2005
    8
    Ok since every one else has adressed all the other issues in their reviews im not going to go over all of them. The one ill do is the conrol... now lots of people say that the controls suck or are disappointing, but omg other than that this game is great port with extras and some new stuff... Now the controls for this game i will say are...average. I cant beleive people who are giving thisOk since every one else has adressed all the other issues in their reviews im not going to go over all of them. The one ill do is the conrol... now lots of people say that the controls suck or are disappointing, but omg other than that this game is great port with extras and some new stuff... Now the controls for this game i will say are...average. I cant beleive people who are giving this a bad score cuz o bad controls... omg deal with it, its not that hard to do. the controls are the best possible considering no analog stick. So with the controls the D-pad is just fine its not going to make you die SO much that you cant play. Expand
  10. MycoyW.
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    Nice game with very nice touchable minigames!
  11. [Anonymous]
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    This game is so awesome! It gave me so much fun! Some ppl say (This game is for little babeys Im gunnu go play GOD OF WAR!) Heck, this game is fine without blood! I think if you got a DS get this game, and if you do not have a DS get one, And get this game!
  12. May 14, 2013
    8
    Super Mario 64 DS is a decent addition to what seems like a system that has a less appealing platformer roster compared to other Nintendo systems. If you are new to the series or new to Mario 64 this is a great game to start on. It includes pretty much the original game but you get so much more such as the multiple types of gameplay with the different characters, mini games and improvedSuper Mario 64 DS is a decent addition to what seems like a system that has a less appealing platformer roster compared to other Nintendo systems. If you are new to the series or new to Mario 64 this is a great game to start on. It includes pretty much the original game but you get so much more such as the multiple types of gameplay with the different characters, mini games and improved visuals and sounds. If you are a veteran Mario fan and a old player of the first game you will enjoy this game but you might find the controls a bit too clunky compared to the original game. Despite its short comings to a veteran player, this game is still recommended as it is still enjoyable. Expand
  13. Jul 23, 2019
    8
    Confession time - I've never played Super Mario 64 on the N64. My N64 while one of my favorite systems growing up was on I only owned 10 games for, and sadly that was not one of them. I'd still like to play the original whenever the day comes we get an N64 Classic Edition, but in the meantime, I played the remake on the DS to make up for it as the final portable game in my backlog! And itConfession time - I've never played Super Mario 64 on the N64. My N64 while one of my favorite systems growing up was on I only owned 10 games for, and sadly that was not one of them. I'd still like to play the original whenever the day comes we get an N64 Classic Edition, but in the meantime, I played the remake on the DS to make up for it as the final portable game in my backlog! And it was fun! The classic music and levels were a blast to play in handheld mode, and even though I've been spoiled by Super Mario Odyssey at this point, it was still fun to run around Peach's castle finding hidden secrets and paintings to jump through. I loved jumping back into levels right after finishing them just to see what new stars I could find and things I could do, making this a game I'd love to 100% some day! This classic, even remade, definitely survives the test of time. Expand
  14. JonK.
    Jan 9, 2005
    8
    I read Maria W.'s review and he is right. But also quite wrong. Calling Nintendo "greedy" is a huge leap. Like most people who play games, those who lose want to win. And they get frusterated that people like Microsoft is buying most of the production companies that brought good Nintendo games (ie. RARE). Thus, Nintendo moved into the handheld area, since nobody has done so. They I read Maria W.'s review and he is right. But also quite wrong. Calling Nintendo "greedy" is a huge leap. Like most people who play games, those who lose want to win. And they get frusterated that people like Microsoft is buying most of the production companies that brought good Nintendo games (ie. RARE). Thus, Nintendo moved into the handheld area, since nobody has done so. They brought 3D handheld!!! So Maria W., just wait for good games like any console. Super Mario 64 is great I find. I haven't played it in many years, so playing it again, AS YOSHI, is good! I forgot most of the maps, stars, etc, so it's like a new (not brand-new, but new) game. And it is! There are new stars! New secrets! Super Mario 64 was the best game for N64 and it's a great one for the DS. But I apologize on Nintendo's behalf, that it's not GTA: SA or Half-life 2. Expand
  15. JohnnyG.
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    Was fun but i cant get the last star.
  16. DanielH.
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    This game is sweet the best of the best for mario .....rock on!
  17. RecardoB.
    Feb 17, 2007
    9
    Very good port with new levels and characters to play. DS controls can be very frustrating at times, but game play is fun.
  18. AnonymousMC
    Jul 10, 2008
    9
    A very good remake for the nintendo ds of the original super mario 64 Its like an upgraded or modified version of the original super mario 64 because there are 30 more secret stars and you can unlock characters like wario and luigi and in the beginning you play with yoshi!! The game is almost flawless only the controls can be frustrating at times.The game is very long and has niceA very good remake for the nintendo ds of the original super mario 64 Its like an upgraded or modified version of the original super mario 64 because there are 30 more secret stars and you can unlock characters like wario and luigi and in the beginning you play with yoshi!! The game is almost flawless only the controls can be frustrating at times.The game is very long and has nice graphics and sound and gameplay and it has multiplayer and it makes use of the touchscreen for camera control and moving your character. The minigames are also a lot of fun. Expand
  19. ChrisH.
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    OMG This is the best handheld game ive ever played, it rocks!!!
  20. AB
    Feb 16, 2005
    9
    Every bit as good as the addicting 64 version - and better. Why is this game called Super Mario 64 DS? It should be called Super Yoshi 64 DS. You play as Yoshi until you collect a hat. When this hat is collected you can transfer into the character that corresponds with the color of the hat. Both the controls and the aforementioned quirk made me feel slightly uncomfortable playing Mario 64Every bit as good as the addicting 64 version - and better. Why is this game called Super Mario 64 DS? It should be called Super Yoshi 64 DS. You play as Yoshi until you collect a hat. When this hat is collected you can transfer into the character that corresponds with the color of the hat. Both the controls and the aforementioned quirk made me feel slightly uncomfortable playing Mario 64 DS. Still, despite those minor issues, this game rocks. Expand
  21. JaeC
    Mar 23, 2005
    9
    People might complain about the controls but once you get used to it, it's Mario 64 x10! And you dont even have to carry your bulky N64 and a TV around while you're playing it! They should have made a few more levels though, I mean seriously, at least make the bowser's levels a bit different!
  22. WilliamK.
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    This game is amazing. As soon as you turn it on, you'll be sucked in forever. The changes from are N64 version are mostly good, however there is certainly room for improvement in the touch control. Rainbow Ride is not very easy to get around, but then again, I had problems with the original one. It was a little too short for me. by the end of my first weekend, I had 95 stars, and This game is amazing. As soon as you turn it on, you'll be sucked in forever. The changes from are N64 version are mostly good, however there is certainly room for improvement in the touch control. Rainbow Ride is not very easy to get around, but then again, I had problems with the original one. It was a little too short for me. by the end of my first weekend, I had 95 stars, and finished it in less than 4 days. This will punish you severely for errors but when you finally pull it off, you'll feel like a king. A must for the DS, even if you aren't keen on Mario. Expand
  23. JohnnyW.
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    this game is really fun, but I can't get wario and luigi.
  24. T.DOG
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    1up.com has sh*tty reviews - this game is amazing, and clearly he didn't have the DS long enough to get used to the control scheme. After one day it's just as good as a joystick. This game is a killer!
  25. Trave
    Jan 15, 2005
    10
    Come on now! This game is totally awesome! Sure, it's a replica of the older version, and I don't really care about the extra 30 stars, but truly, this game is a need! 4 characters to play with, extra mini-games ... BUY IT and see : )
  26. ScottH.
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    best mario game so far love it playerbilitys amazing especially because of multiple player options.
  27. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Jan 23, 2005
    9
    This is a great game. The graphics are great for the handheld standards. The game is still great with 30 extra stars, 3 extra characters, and multiplayer. Its a huge game with solid gameplay. Yet there are problems like since the DS has no analog stick and the original did its harder to control Mario/Yoshi/Luigi/Wario which brings me to the big problem the controls are frustrating This is a great game. The graphics are great for the handheld standards. The game is still great with 30 extra stars, 3 extra characters, and multiplayer. Its a huge game with solid gameplay. Yet there are problems like since the DS has no analog stick and the original did its harder to control Mario/Yoshi/Luigi/Wario which brings me to the big problem the controls are frustrating you'll be jumping off cliffs because the controls are too awkward and the camera can get get a little wonky. Yet this is a great game nonethless and the best game for the DS. If you have a Ds this is a must-buy. Expand
  28. JamesJ.
    Mar 10, 2005
    9
    I think this game is like the original 64 game but better in a way because even thought the graphics arnt outstanding its a change from the usual mario with a hint of suspense. LOVED IT!!!.
  29. DanielT.
    Apr 11, 2005
    10
    It was a lot better than the N64 one I liked Yoshi the best it was a great game.
  30. BretS.
    Feb 12, 2006
    8
    A very fun game, basicly the same as the 64 version with more gameplay and 30 more stars to get and what I thought was a lot of fun mini games. I think they should of at least mixed up the storyline a little though.

Awards & Rankings

1
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2004
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 54
  2. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. Within the adventure mode the stylus control is a somewhat weak idea that shifts the learning curve upwards steeply, making a very accessible game a great deal less so. If you stick to digital control - and it's not that precise a game, to be honest - then you'll find Mario 64 DS to be a great title.
  2. Even today it's an absolutely essential gaming experience.
  3. 80
    With a lengthy single player adventure and 3 dozen mini-games to enjoy, Super Mario 64 DS is well worth the cash, despite its minor control issues.