Super Mario 64 DS

 DS
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 468 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 371 out of 468
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 468
  3. Negative: 25 out of 468
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  1. thealexmott
    Mar 26, 2017
    6
    A fantastic game that's incredibly frustrating to control. The first thing you realize is how VITAL the analog stick is for Mario 64. It's a shame that this upgraded version of SM64 has more content but is less accessible.
  2. Diegochocho
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    Muy divertido los mundos, buena jugabilidad y la variedad de personajes y la música espectacular.
  3. ashketchum
    Jun 23, 2017
    8
    Super Mario 64 DS is a DS port of the original Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time. Along with Ocarina of Time, many view it to have set the standard for all 3D open-world games to come subsequently. Personally, 64 DS is one of my favorite video games of all time. The game's worlds are so well designed, that finding eachSuper Mario 64 DS is a DS port of the original Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time. Along with Ocarina of Time, many view it to have set the standard for all 3D open-world games to come subsequently. Personally, 64 DS is one of my favorite video games of all time. The game's worlds are so well designed, that finding each individual star in itself feels like an adventure, and when you get that star, it feels so rewarding. The ability to play as 3 additional characters over the 64 version, as well as various mini-games only add to the games enjoyability. The aforementioned intricate world designs allow for multiple replays of the game to feel extremely satisfying, and I found myself just playing through worlds over and over again. However, nothing is perfect. The touch screen controls designed for the DS were extremely hard for me to get the hang of properly. Also, some sections of the game feel like they have appeared before, and many of the boss battles are pretty repetitive. Despite this, SM 64 DS is undoubtedly, one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had since I started playing video games.… Expand
  4. MrTacoBob
    Sep 3, 2017
    9
    I think the DS version is actually a bit better than the original, now listen the only reason why I think the DS version is better cause it aged well. The levels are amazing as ever and playing as Wario, Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi?! It's awesome!
  5. EdwardG
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    Super Mario 64 is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. With such a prestigious reputation, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed when playing it. It's a very good game, and it is fun, but it's​ been overshadowed by so many games after it. Of course, what it did to revolutionise 3D gaming cannot be denied, but that in itself does not define the quality of this game.Super Mario 64 is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. With such a prestigious reputation, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed when playing it. It's a very good game, and it is fun, but it's​ been overshadowed by so many games after it. Of course, what it did to revolutionise 3D gaming cannot be denied, but that in itself does not define the quality of this game. Super Mario 64 was a milestone in the progression of video games, but although it must have been impressive back in 1996, that doesn't mean it's still just as good today. Games age, and there's nothing wrong with that. People need to accept that what may once have been the best game in existence is no longer amazing. It's still a great game, but nostalgia and the fact that it revolutionised 3D gaming blind people to it's obvious flaws.

    What makes SM64 a great game is it's well designed large levels, which are all unique, atmospheric and charming. Conceptually, the idea of finding stars in each level (and in the hub world) is something I like, so it's a shame finding them is often tedious due to the nature in which you find them - collect 100 coins, collect 8 red coins, go to a location shown on the map. The more time you spend in each level the more apparent the limitations of the technology behind the game become - they aren't really that big and some are quite empty. The levels are creative and even iconic, but there isn't much variety in terms of gameplay as many of the challenges are almost identical. More variety would have been welcome, as would rewards for collecting stars - the lack of a sense of progression is caused by the nonlinear journey and lack of rewards, which in turn means difficulty doesn't scale well and there is little motivation to collect all 150 stars (although I did anyway).

    Ultimately, it's fun. It's just not special enough to warrant such a coveted reputation. It has charm but so does every other Mario game I've played. The reason I didn't love it like I hoped I would is because of the ridiculously high bar set by it's unjustified reputation. I should have expected a fun Mario game, not a masterpiece - it's great, but not as good as it may have been two decades ago, and that's okay. A game this old shouldn't hold up as well as it does, but unfortunately for Super Mario 64, over the 20+ years since it's release, standards have risen and many games have surpassed it. I hope that Super Mario Odyssey will be a successor to this which builds on its many strengths (charm, unique level design, good atmosphere, collectathon formula, fun) and overcomes it's weaknesses (lack of variation in terms of star challenges, somewhat small levels, lack of a sense of progression, few truly special moments). If you go into Super Mario 64 expecting the best game of all time, you will be disappointed. Go into it expecting a fun time and you will be pleased - the same can be said for any Mario game. What was once amazing is now great - which is commendable given its age, but people need to accept that standards have been raised and that SM64 isn't so special anymore. It's easy to recommend this game, especially the DS port that I played that also contains lots of simple but addictive minigames as well as updated graphics.

    Super Mario 64 DS is great - it's charming and most importantly, fun. It's core mechanics are all extremely solid and hold up to this day, and the level design in particular is a highlight despite some levels being small and slightly too empty. The collectathon style is great but many of the stars are found in too similar a fashion. It isn't as amazing as it's reputation would suggest, but it's worthwhile to play due to being very fun and due it being a key piece of gaming history.    … Expand
  6. Kick454
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    One of the few games I actually have nostalgia for. When I was 9, whenever I finished my homework I would pick up my DS and play this game for a while.

    Pros: + Gameplay: Collecting stars is a LOT of fun. The punch and kick moveset Mario had is still in my opinion the BEST moveset he ever had, with Odyssey being REALLY close behind. + Level Design: Really great level design. Plus, the    One of the few games I actually have nostalgia for. When I was 9, whenever I finished my homework I would pick up my DS and play this game for a while.

    Pros:
    + Gameplay: Collecting stars is a LOT of fun. The punch and kick moveset Mario had is still in my opinion the BEST moveset he ever had, with Odyssey being REALLY close behind.
    + Level Design: Really great level design. Plus, the remake's new levels were a blast to run around.
    + Minigames: Why didn't they return in Odyssey, Nintendo?

    Cons:
    - Graphics: I personally prefer SM64's graphics.
    - Resolution: The resolution of the game hurts the graphics a bit too.

    Overall, SM64DS is well deserving of warranting a 9.5/10. It's such a fun game.    … Expand
  7. SuperGamerGuy88
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    This game is super fun! The best way to play super mario 64. So many more characters and ways to play! You should go buy it know GO! GO! KNOW! Overall good game ;)
  8. JohnTheRetard
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Great Super Mario game for the handheld. It is a hard, fun, challenging, and unique Super Mario game. It also looks great.
  9. webster
    Nov 18, 2017
    9
    the only downside is the dead WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK IS THE CONTROLS MAN use the 3ds
  10. Maxttvd
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Melhor Mario de plataforma já feito, um clássico incomparável. Impressionante e refrescante.
  11. SortOfCritic
    Jan 1, 2018
    10
    While I may never be lucky enough to own a Nintendo 64, I can at least enjoy the great game that was Mario 64 for the DS. Mixing great platforming and puzzles with mesmerizing music. Mario 64 will always be good fun
  12. okayokay
    Oct 10, 2018
    8
    rrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllll
  13. Shimmeywill
    Feb 20, 2020
    10
    As someone who did not grow up with the N64, this was my first and only introduction to Super Mario 64 and mah god what a game. Still my favour 3D platformer with fun and creative levels, missions and characters. As one would expect from the most iconic video game character.
  14. Trey82
    Feb 17, 2020
    5
    Summary:
    Controls: Even the 64 joystick didnt do this game justice. A 3d platformer on a 2d screen kinda sucks.
    Sound/music: Fine. New features/characters/areas: Ehhh, they mix 'okay'. Seriously, it feels like symphony of the night when you play as richter or Maria ~ its different, its .. 'okay', but it isnt the way the game is/was supposed to be. Or playing thru modern DLC that just    Summary:
    Controls: Even the 64 joystick didnt do this game justice. A 3d platformer on a 2d screen kinda sucks.
    Sound/music: Fine.
    New features/characters/areas: Ehhh, they mix 'okay'. Seriously, it feels like symphony of the night when you play as richter or Maria ~ its different, its .. 'okay', but it isnt the way the game is/was supposed to be. Or playing thru modern DLC that just doesnt fit with the base game.

    Framerate is consistently bad. It isnt as bad as those dips in framerate like the 64 version, its just not very smooth. Smooth is playing 'Moon' on DS. That thing is SILKY. The touchscreen controls are responsive and useful, considering how inconvenient touchscreen controls are, anyway.

    If you have to get your mario 64 fix while on the go, this will do the job. But like so many DS ports of major titles, it just.isnt.the.same.as.the.real.version.    … Expand
  15. nochianand
    Jul 2, 2020
    9
    This game is a reimagining of a classic and it does a really good job, especially for a 2004 DS game, this is quite impressive. Unfortunately, the lack of an analog stick makes the controls a bit wanky, but they are still quite good.
  16. Mutty99
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    One of the best ports I've ever played. Not boring, adds more to the original N64 experience, and it overall leaves great memories when completed. Absolutely recommended!
  17. Jjdm11
    Mar 23, 2020
    8
    Super Mario 64 ds is the best official way to play the title everything improved except for speed running that aside it is the best way to play the game
  18. Descole
    Apr 6, 2020
    8
    Its a pretty good port of the og game but it doesn't catch the spirit of the masterpiece. For people who haven't experienced the classic its a good way to start it
  19. AsalCristian
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Uno de los juegos de mi vida e infancia. Es bastante fácil tener acceso hacia él y es súper divertido, además de que tienes decenas de horas hasta llegar a conseguir las 150 estrellas que hay.
  20. Sr_PuXiToPuiG
    Jan 3, 2021
    9
    Juegazo. . .
  21. Froggygameplays
    Aug 26, 2020
    9
    Now I bought this version because i don't have enough kidneys to burn on an N64. I have played this game before although i haven't finished the game i still enjoyed what i played. i will say the controls for a 3D game on the D-Pad really don't work well. Because i had that problem i decided to be innovative and play on the 2DS circle pad and let me say that was a smart decision because theNow I bought this version because i don't have enough kidneys to burn on an N64. I have played this game before although i haven't finished the game i still enjoyed what i played. i will say the controls for a 3D game on the D-Pad really don't work well. Because i had that problem i decided to be innovative and play on the 2DS circle pad and let me say that was a smart decision because the 3DS and 2DS both are fit for 3D games. Another reason i got this is because i wanted to try the gimmick aas playing as Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi. So for any of you with money out there, I TOTALLY recommend this game(take my word for it) :)… Expand
  22. ItsDaDoc
    Nov 25, 2020
    9
    Almost everything about this remake has changed for the better. More characters, more stars, and more courses. I've noticed the controls are the thing that most complain about. After playing for more than 50 hours, I can say that while they are a little finicky and difficult, it takes some getting used to.
  23. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    8
    No ofrecía el mejor control debido a las capacidades del sistema, pero qué vas a decir si te portean uno de los juegos más revolucionarios e importantes de la historia a una portátil muy limitada?
  24. deycd
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Es inferior al original por la calidad, pero lo compensa con la variedad de personajes, mejores diseños, y niveles añadidos. Hay quién se queja de los controles, por que la ds no tiene joystick, pero yo no he notado ningún problema en eso. Además, si lo juegas en una 3ds no tendrás ese problema
  25. Veronoobbutpro
    Nov 19, 2020
    10
    this game is the first 3d mario game on handheld console and in my opinion this is better than the original 64 not because there's more stars (150) but because we can play as luigi yoshi and wario and there's a minigame too.
  26. Hravec
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    I love this game, I think it is a lot better than the original in many places. The controls are much more refined in my opinion, using a d-pad may not be the best but it is really not a big problem in my opinion, this game has more content, which includes minigames, multiplayer mode, 30 new stars, 3 new characters and some new places to explore. The graphics may be a bit more pixelated butI love this game, I think it is a lot better than the original in many places. The controls are much more refined in my opinion, using a d-pad may not be the best but it is really not a big problem in my opinion, this game has more content, which includes minigames, multiplayer mode, 30 new stars, 3 new characters and some new places to explore. The graphics may be a bit more pixelated but the models and colours are definitely better than the original. In general I would recommend getting this on over the original.… Expand
  27. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    7
    I really wish that there were analog controls in this game. They added so much, but with one simple change, took so much away.
  28. DrPebba
    Jan 14, 2023
    8
    A great and impressive remake for the time that captures well the feel of the original and adds a bunch of new content
  29. Lossj
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its definitely a remastered edition from the classic one while it ads more stars more stages more bosses and more playable characters. The graphics in this game are much better and thats impressive while the game is on early ds days. Its just the same game with kore content… Expand
  30. ntBagel
    Apr 23, 2022
    7
    I've been a Mario 64 speed runner and have played through the games more times than I can count. So I figured that I just had to play this version of the game. first looking at the visuals it looks a lot better than the 64 version. a lot of the characters are more recognizable and just sharper looking making them really feel like "Mario". The camera is still not the best but I will sayI've been a Mario 64 speed runner and have played through the games more times than I can count. So I figured that I just had to play this version of the game. first looking at the visuals it looks a lot better than the 64 version. a lot of the characters are more recognizable and just sharper looking making them really feel like "Mario". The camera is still not the best but I will say it is a bit better than the 64 one. I like the new content including, the added characters, new levels and new stars within existing levels as well as slight improvements to levels such as tic tock clock. What really hurt this game though was that the controls and movement option were limited and hard to use. one small thing that makes the game feel more restrictive was the inability to wall jump off of a long jump it felt so good to do it in the original game and just feels more restricted in my movement options. another thing I don't like is that this game was made on a console that uses a dpad making it feel very clunky to control a 3D game. also since it uses the dpad that means they had to ad a run button which when holding down makes it really hard to do other actions such as a jump dive rollout. I think this game was greatly made the design is great and what they added had so much time and effort put into and really improved the game. So its really sad form me to say that it was really hard to enjoy the game on the system it was made for. 7/10 (great)… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. 3DAvenue
    85
    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.
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  2. Gamers Europe
    90
    Even today it's an absolutely essential gaming experience.
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  3. PALGN
    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.
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