Super Mario 64 Port Brings Local Multiplayer to the Original Nintendo DS

Tobi Friedly has delivered exactly what many fans hoped for but never expected to see on original hardware. The full Super Mario 64 experience now runs on the classic Nintendo DS, and it includes proper local co-op for two players who each bring their own handheld.

Friedly began with a port by Hydr8gon for the DSi, which served as a proof of concept for the N64 game’s compatibility with Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld. That earlier version was only viable for the DSi because it had more capacity, as the original DS models have a ridiculously little 4 megabytes of RAM, which is insufficient to hold all of the game’s assets simultaneously. Friedly solved the problem by using NitroFS streaming, which loads level data, textures, and objects as needed. It took a lot of work to get right, but the entire 120-star adventure is now playable on any DS without frequent crashes or missing sections.

Once single player was stabilized, Friedly focused on multiplayer. A lobby system allows two Nintendo DS consoles to link together. Each device runs its own copy of the game, yet they all share the same universe in real time. You can walk side by side through familiar stages, have a friendly bump, split up to grab stars faster, or simply enjoy the experience together. There is an option to unlock a finished 120-star save file, allowing you to leap right into the most enjoyable stages. Players may even modify Mario’s color so they can tell each other different at a glance, and there’s even an experimental option that lets you swap characters if you want to spice things up.


During development, the sound was polished further, and it now sounds clean and crisp from the DS speakers. Performance is generally satisfactory, adequate for normal platforming and exploring. There are certain parts that are a touch difficult, such as the Bowser fight in the Fire Sea, but the overall game feels like it is working and is enjoyable. The control layout is identical to that of the original N64, however the DS buttons and directional pad have been mapped. The dual screens manage the main 3D action and all accompanying information, allowing you to read anything without having to continually pause. And, like the original, you’ll need a flash cartridge that supports homebrew and NitroFS, as the Twilight Menu is typically used to launch the game.


Getting this port up and running requires some technical know-how. You’ll need to provide your own copy of a legally dumped ROM, which will then be built using Docker and a Makefile and stored on a flash card. Friedly has published the source code and build instructions on GitHub for anyone who wants to try it themselves.
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