Mario
The playable hero who explores Peach's Castle, collects Power Stars, and confronts Bowser.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Stick | Move Mario The analog direction and tilt affect movement speed. |
|---|---|
A | Jump Press again in the air for chained jumps; timing enables higher jumps. |
B | Punch, kick, or interact The action depends on Mario's movement state and nearby objects. |
Z | Crouch or ground-pound Press Z in the air to ground-pound; press Z while moving to crouch. |
R | Center or adjust the camera Camera behavior depends on the current area. |
C Buttons | Adjust the camera The four C Buttons move or zoom the camera where permitted. |
Combos and sequences
AAA | Triple jump Perform three timed jumps while continuing forward. |
|---|---|
AZ | Ground-pound Jump, then press Z while airborne. |
ZA | Backflip Crouch, then jump while stationary or moving backward. |
ZAA | Side flip Crouch while moving in one direction, then jump in the opposite direction. |
AAZ | Long jump Jump while running, then press Z during the jump. |
AB | Dive Jump and press B while moving forward. |
Control notes
The game uses the Nintendo 64 Controller's analog Control Stick and C Buttons.
Some actions change depending on whether Mario is standing, running, airborne, or near an object.
How it plays
How does Super Mario 64 play?
The player controls Mario from a third-person perspective. Each course contains multiple objectives, usually represented by a Star mission, such as defeating an enemy, reaching a difficult area, completing a race, or collecting eight red coins.
Mario can run, jump, swim, climb, punch, kick, ground-pound, and use special caps. Stars open more of the castle and unlock additional courses and boss encounters. The game also includes castle secret areas and several stages focused on races or timed challenges.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Mario 64?
Explore each course before committing to its objective. Learn the layout of warps, red-coin locations, switches, and recovery points, since many Stars can be reached through several routes.
Use the long jump for distance, the triple jump and wall jump for vertical movement, and the side flip or backflip for quick height. In difficult areas, prioritize safe camera angles and collect coins to restore health before attempting a dangerous section.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Princess Peach
The princess whose invitation brings Mario to the castle; she is trapped by Bowser.
Bowser
The principal antagonist, who steals the castle's Power Stars and battles Mario several times.
Lakitu
A Lakitu who follows Mario and operates the game's camera.
Toad
A castle attendant who provides clues and occasionally gives Mario Power Stars.
Yoshi
A secret character found on the castle roof after Mario collects all 120 Power Stars.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockCollect 120 Power Stars, then reach the castle roof to meet Yoshi and receive 100 extra lives plus a special triple-jump message.
Documented unlockCollect 50 Power Stars to open the upper-floor course door and progress toward the later castle areas.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to Toads and inspect castle rooms; their locations and hints often reveal Stars or secret routes.
- 2
Many mission names identify the required task, but the listed objective may still allow multiple approaches.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark 3D platformer with expressive movement, inventive worlds, and substantial replay value.
The camera can require adjustment, especially in narrow rooms and platforming sections.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0