Super Mario 64is one of the most recognizable and influential video games of all time. As Mario’s first 3D platformer, the title dazzled gamers in 1996 andSuper Mario 64is still played to this day by many. Now one modder has created a fully playable port of the game for PC, without the need for an emulator.
Super Mario 64may be one of the most modded Nintendo games ever, as even recently aSuper MarioOdysseyandSuper Mario 64mod was created. There’s something magical about returning to the Nintendo 64 classic in any way possible. Many modders have emulated and altered the platformer, but this most recent effort may be the most impressive.
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YouTuber Unreal posted a surprise video on his channel showingSuper Mario 64running on a PC, powered by DirectX 12, without the need for an emulator. Emulators allow computing devices to emulate a video game console, and thus its games, on the platform. Many fans use emulators to play classic games that are no longer playable in any other form, or to get by with playing a game that they would rather not re-purchase. Recently, anemulator that was 18 years old shut down due to legal concerns, as sharing roms online is illegal.
The idea of portingSuper Mario 64without the need for an emulating software is quite remarkable. The footage itself in the video is gorgeous and looks more like theSuper Mario 64from players' dreams, and not like what it actually looks like when played on an N64. As this version is playable in 4k and running on new tech, it’s like an HD remake of the game.Nintendo is rumored to be working on an HD remake ofSuper Mario 64, and other 3DMariogames, so this is a nice hint as to what that game could look like.
Another thing this port has going for it is that it was surprisingly dropped over the weekend with no fanfare. In many circumstances, modders will showcase small portions of their new projects and take years to fully finish it, and by then Nintendo will have swooped in and put a stop to it, just likeNintendo shut downMariogames inside of Sony’sDreams.
The download for the new port itself is difficult to find, as fans of it are purposely not sharing it on social media and standard rom sharing sites. They are hoping that Nintendo will stay away for as long as possible. But the Japanese developer usually eventually cracks down, asNintendo put an end to the fan-made Mario Battle Royalelast year as well. Regardless of the moral quandaries, the work that YouTuber Unreal created is extremely impressive.
Super Mario 64is available on the Nintendo 64.
MORE:5 Nintendo 64 Games That Have Aged Well (& 5 That Haven’t)
