Super Mario 64 Returns With Co-Op And Overhauled Visuals

Published Sep 12, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Super Mario 64 is a platform title developed for the Nintendo 64 and marking the first Super Mario entry to feature 3D graphics. Being met with critical acclaim, it was praised for its level design, ambition, visuals, and gameplay and went on to become the best-selling Nintendo 64 game of all time.

Now regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, with many believing it served as a major inspiration for the 3D platformers that came after, Super Mario 64 was remade for the Nintendo DS in 2004, but other than that, it is yet to receive a modern-day makeover.

Whilst Nintendo may be busy on its various other franchises, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake, projects like a modern-gen Super Mario 64 remake may be the least of its worries, but worry not, as there is a way to experience the beloved platformer like never before.

It was back in May 2020 that an unofficial PC port for Super Mario 64 was released, and over the past six years, fans of the port have been coming up with ways to improve it even further and, as such, modders have created three of its most substantial mods: Ray Tracing Mod, Co-Op, and the Render96 HD Texture Pack.

Each offering slight improvements to both the look and gameplay of the Super Mario 64 PC port, there is even more exciting news as, for the first time since both the port and mods were created, they are all now compatible with each other, making the ultimate way to experience the beloved Nintendo classic.

Whilst the Ray Tracing mod is pretty self-explanatory, adding real-time ray tracing to the game, which would not have been possible back in 1996, the Render96 HD Texture Pack aims to add a brand-new style to Super Mario 64, more specifically, one that matches the game's original promotional material. Last but not least, the Co-Op mod will allow you and friends to team up to tackle Super Mario 64's various levels by syncing every level and object for up to 16 players.

In this YouTube video, you can see all three of the mods in action for the Super Mario 64 PC port, and it is safe to say that the 1996 title has never looked better, whilst still maintaining its original magic. As such, fans took to the comments to share their thoughts.

"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" One comment read. Another said, "This gives me the same feeling I first had as a kid. Crazy."

Better yet, this ultimate Super Mario 64 experience is completely free to recreate, marking the perfect way to celebrate 30 years since its original launch.