New Super Mario Bros. vs Super Mario 64
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Super Mario 64 redefined 3D gaming when it launched in 1996, inviting players to guide Mario through Princess Peach’s castle and its many magical worlds. With its revolutionary analog controls and open‑world design, the game set a new standard for platformers and adventure titles. Even decades later, the game’s charming level design, memorable music, and timeless challenge continue to captivate both new players and nostalgic fans, cementing its place as a cornerstone of video game history.
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Groundbreaking 3D movement and camera control
- Rich variety of worlds and challenges
- High replay value with hidden collectibles
- Timeless charm and iconic music
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Controls can feel stiff on some modern controllers
- Limited multiplayer options, single‑player only
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Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer default choice with a higher critic score and cooperative multiplayer, whereas Super Mario 64 offers a pioneering 3D single-player adventure.
Key differences
- •Super Mario 64 is a 3D open-world adventure with 15 distinct worlds, while New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scroller featuring over 80 levels across eight worlds.
- •Super Mario 64 is strictly single-player, whereas New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players in local cooperative or competitive multiplayer.
- •New Super Mario Bros. has a higher critic score of 95/100 compared to Super Mario 64's score of 89/100.
- •Super Mario 64 was released in 1996, while New Super Mario Bros. was released in 2006.
- •Super Mario 64 introduces 3D movement and power-ups like the Wing Cap and Metal Cap, while New Super Mario Bros. features power-ups like the Fire Flower and Mega Mushroom.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. scores higher with 95/100 and offers over 80 levels with tight, responsive classic controls.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided facts for either game.
Price & value
Both games share the exact same one-time paid pricing model with an MSRP of $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players locally in co-op or competitive modes, unlike single-player Super Mario 64.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels and secret exits, while Super Mario 64 features 15 distinct worlds and hidden collectibles.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Mario 64 has a PEGI 3 rating, whereas New Super Mario Bros. has a PEGI 12 rating (both share ESRB E).
Graphics & performance
Both feature charming but dated graphics, but New Super Mario Bros. features a dynamic camera adjusted to level size.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Players looking for classic side-scrolling platforming with local four-player multiplayer and a higher critic score.
Choose Super Mario 64 if…
Players wanting a groundbreaking 3-D Mario adventure with freedom of movement and single-player exploration.
Common questions
How much do both games cost?
Both games have a one-time paid MSRP of $59.99.
Can I play multiplayer in Super Mario 64?
No, Super Mario 64 has limited multiplayer options and is single-player only.
Which game has a higher critic score?
New Super Mario Bros. has a critic score of 95/100, while Super Mario 64 has a critic score of 89/100.