Super Mario 64 Just Made An Unexpected 2026 Return

2 hours ago 16

Published Aug 5, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT

Paul Farrelly is a Contributing Writer for Screen Rant’s Gaming section and the founder of GeekGasm.org, a site dedicated to celebrating all things gaming, from triple A blockbusters to weird and wonderful indie hits. Based in Louth, Ireland, Paul has spent years writing about games, pop culture, and tech, turning his lifelong love of gaming into a career that lets him talk (probably too much) about what makes this industry so endlessly fascinating.
He’s previously written and collaborated with several entertainment outlets, including LADbible, gaining a wide perspective on how gaming fits into today’s pop culture conversation. His work blends genuine enthusiasm with thoughtful analysis, exploring how design, storytelling, and community have made gaming one of the most creative mediums around.
When he’s not glued to a controller or keyboard, Paul’s usually spinning vinyl, plotting his next horror marathon, or debating which Resident Evil entry really reigns supreme.

2026 has already been a busy year for everyone's favorite portly plumber, and it doesn't look like things are going to slow down anytime soon for Super Mario 64. After the success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Mario is well and truly in the public eye this year. But, as far as gaming goes, it's been over a year since the release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it feels like we're overdue a new Mario experience in the gaming world.

Well, instead of getting a new gaming experience, we're getting an old one and it's an absolute banger. It's not on a platform you'd have ever imagined. Thanks to Reticent over on X, we've learned of a new version of an old game that would bring joy to even the most blackened of hearts. It may even help to revive this old classic and gift it to a new generation of gamers. It's time to flip open your 3DS (if you can remember where you left it) and experience Super Mario 64 all over again in 2026.

Super Mario 64 In 2026?

Yes, thanks to the recent decomp of SM64, a port of Super Mario 64 is now available to play on your Nintendo 3DS. Users should be aware that you should own the original game first and only use ports like this for backup purposes, but getting to play this gem on the Nintendo 3DS feels almost magical. Better yet, it utilizes both screens and runs at a glorious 60fps on the 3DS. The Super Mario 64 port is available to download for free on GitHub.

Playing a game that released back in 1996 on more modern hardware is joyous and Super Mario 64 still holds up well today. In fact, it's one of the best Nintendo 64 games ever, and it's clear to see why. With no sign of a Super Mario Odyssey 2 yet (wouldn't that have made a great tie-in with the Christopher Nolan movie... Nintendo if you're listening), we'll just have to content ourselves with playing this classic while we wait for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake to launch later this year.

Super Mario 64 On 3DS Works Brilliantly

The move from the rather creaky old N64 to the 3DS is inspired as the hardware can more than handle Super Mario 64. The dual screen allows you to have the in-game map always on display while the gorgeous LCD screen pumps out the gorgeous platformer at 60fps with no stutter. The controls feel as tight as they did back when the game launched and getting a portable on the go version of Super Mario 64 feels great. The pursuit of just one more star suits short play sessions but may also keep you playing well into the early hours.

With the wait for a new Super Mario game feeling like an eternity, it's great to see older titles getting such love and support. 2026 has given us Super Mario Sunshine on PC and now Super Mario 64 on the 3DS. Hopefully, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake will be such a smash hit that Nintendo will consider remaking all their classics. Who wouldn't love to play a modern Super Mario 64 or a Conker's Bad Fur Day remake on the Nintendo Switch 2? Fingers crossed for 2027.