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. Krossbone
    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. DeVr33z
    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. Vataro
    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. Untitled94
    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. Roscar
    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. JamesR.
    Oct 12, 2007
    6
    I wanted this game as soon as I saw it for the DS and was disappointed. You start off as Yoshi, of all characters, but get Mario right off the bat, so that's ok. What really bugs me is that I would never have noticed how much I needed that analog stick from the N64 to play this game right, and using the stylus just isn't the same. You'll find yourself frustrated at really I wanted this game as soon as I saw it for the DS and was disappointed. You start off as Yoshi, of all characters, but get Mario right off the bat, so that's ok. What really bugs me is that I would never have noticed how much I needed that analog stick from the N64 to play this game right, and using the stylus just isn't the same. You'll find yourself frustrated at really only having one run speed throughout the game. A real shame, but it's all due to the technical limitations of a directional pad. Other than that, this game is great. It's just frustrating to lose so much control.… Expand
  8. grandpajoe6191
    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!!!
  9. SimonS.
    Oct 10, 2005
    4
    Who devised the control system ? I could cry... They've ruined a beautiful game.
  10. 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)
  11. MichaelJ.
    Oct 12, 2005
    4
    I want to like this game. I REALLY want to like it. I just cant play it. It looks great, but ican't play it. who came up with the controls needs a shoe where the sun doesn't shine.
  12. Landoncgaming
    Oct 22, 2018
    0
    this game sucks is terrible the ported stars are harder then the n64 verison.
  13. PaulC.
    Aug 10, 2005
    2
    A poor reincarnation of a good game. If jumping and exploring wasn't your thing eight years ago, this game won't change your mind. I immediately realised I do not posess the right number of fingers in the right positions to play. I found myself playing with my right hand "upside down" on the controls, as that was the only way I could make sense of them. (Yes, I tried all the A poor reincarnation of a good game. If jumping and exploring wasn't your thing eight years ago, this game won't change your mind. I immediately realised I do not posess the right number of fingers in the right positions to play. I found myself playing with my right hand "upside down" on the controls, as that was the only way I could make sense of them. (Yes, I tried all the control options, key and touchscreen) Looks like a good game, but I'd be on a course for the fastest RSI injury on record if I continued to play it. In the UK, this looked like the only game worth even looking at (if your not a fan of strange blocky jumpy puzzle games or poorly realised driving games) - with this unplayable (to me at least) and only Advance Wars Dual Strike on the horizon , i'm beginning to regret buying th DS. One year from initial release, and not a single game available in the UK that I actually want. PC… Expand
  14. B.Mack
    Jan 4, 2005
    4
    Disappointing.
  15. MariaW.
    Jan 4, 2005
    3
    I can't believe i trailed the Nintendo DS hype. Every launch game sucks. Innovative games, yes yes yes... but every DS game is poorly executed. And the best game of the DS is a fricking 8 year ole port, Mario 64. Wich btw is horrible to play with it's other control mechanics. If Nintendo was not greedy for once, they would have included a analog stick. Mario 64 is btw 0.1 out of I can't believe i trailed the Nintendo DS hype. Every launch game sucks. Innovative games, yes yes yes... but every DS game is poorly executed. And the best game of the DS is a fricking 8 year ole port, Mario 64. Wich btw is horrible to play with it's other control mechanics. If Nintendo was not greedy for once, they would have included a analog stick. Mario 64 is btw 0.1 out of 10 innovation. What's next.... A port of the brilliant Ocarina of Time? Forget the ports for christ sake (i already had enough with ports on GBA SP) and work on new things. I am considering selling the DS if i don't see games that make good use of it's "very touted" features. It's a good thing the Gamecube is not a "port filled" gaming machine. Don't believe the DS hype!… Expand
  16. 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
  17. MycoyW.
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    Nice game with very nice touchable minigames!
  18. [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!
  19. BasilZero
    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
  20. dcrappyvillager
    Jul 11, 2018
    4
    I got this game for my birthday, and was quite disappointed. Terrible controls, numerous issues with collision detection. However, the character designs are much better, and the minigames are alright.
    But it doesn't matter because the game sucks. 4/10
  21. iMustang
    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
  22. aiskander
    May 3, 2022
    4
    I don't know the good things in this game. It really didn't do much. The controls are much worse, and while they added new stars, they also removed some. Was it really that hard to keep both in? They did improve the textures, but not the graphics. In fact, they made the graphics worse because I can see pixels everywhere I walk. I wish they improved the boss fight, or the open-worldI don't know the good things in this game. It really didn't do much. The controls are much worse, and while they added new stars, they also removed some. Was it really that hard to keep both in? They did improve the textures, but not the graphics. In fact, they made the graphics worse because I can see pixels everywhere I walk. I wish they improved the boss fight, or the open-world mechanic, or anything that could make the game better. Although characters have special advantages, why is Mario used for everything. You need him for the boss, to wall jump, to race Koopa and everything else. This game needs to be improved for the next remake of Super Mario 64 (and no Super Mario 3D All-Stars doesn't count they added nothing)… Expand
  23. 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
  24. JohnnyG.
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    Was fun but i cant get the last star.
  25. DanielH.
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    This game is sweet the best of the best for mario .....rock on!
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. ChrisH.
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    OMG This is the best handheld game ive ever played, it rocks!!!
  29. 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
  30. JonathanH.
    Feb 2, 2005
    5
    I got the game and the ds for christmas and I have to say I'm disappointed, deeply. the controls on mario 64 ds are just annoying, after playing for just a little while I set it down and haven't felt the need to go back to again. The best thing about the ds is that i can at least play gameboy advance games, I recently bought Zelda, The Minish Cap, and love it completely, I got the game and the ds for christmas and I have to say I'm disappointed, deeply. the controls on mario 64 ds are just annoying, after playing for just a little while I set it down and haven't felt the need to go back to again. The best thing about the ds is that i can at least play gameboy advance games, I recently bought Zelda, The Minish Cap, and love it completely, I've spent hours and hours playing it.… 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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