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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 is a 1996 3D platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Super Mario 64 is a landmark 3D platform game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996. It was the first fully 3D entry in the Super Mario series.

What it is

Developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo, Super Mario 64 launched in Japan in June 1996, followed by North America in September 1996 and Europe/Australia in March 1997. It was a launch title for the Nintendo 64 in Japan and North America.

Key details

Players control Mario through open-ended courses inside and around Princess Peach's castle. The objective is to collect Power Stars to unlock new areas and ultimately confront Bowser to rescue Princess Peach.

Why it matters

Super Mario 64 is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential video games of all time. It set standards for 3D camera control, movement, and level design, and influenced later Mario titles and many other 3D platformers.

In short

  • First fully 3D Super Mario game
  • Collect Power Stars to progress
  • Landmark title in 3D platforming
  • Highly influential on video game design
Canadian angle

The game was released in the PAL region in 1997, which included Canada through North American Nintendo distribution and retail markets; it is also part of the broader Nintendo legacy that has been highly popular with Canadian players.

Quick questions

What is Super Mario 64?
It is a 1996 platform game by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 and the first Super Mario game built around 3D gameplay.
What is the objective of the game?
Players collect Power Stars, open new areas of Peach's castle, and ultimately confront Bowser to rescue Princess Peach.
Why is Super Mario 64 important?
It is considered a landmark 3D platformer and a major influence on later video game design.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_64
    Supports: Core facts on title, developer, publisher, platform, gameplay premise, release dates, and series significance.
  2. MarioWiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_64
    Supports: Release window, genre, series position, and general game description.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario
    Supports: Super Mario series context and development background.