Players are fantasizing about what Nintendo has planned for the 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64 later this year. First released in North America on September 26, 1996, Mario 64, an early 3D platformer and the first truly 3D Super Mario game, is an enduring classic and an important piece of gaming history both, even as some of its mechanics have become outdated.
But in the just-under 30 years since its release, Mario 64 has never gotten a proper remake, even as Nintendo starts plumbing its N64 properties for Switch 2 remakes. However, some fans are starting to get their hopes up for its upcoming anniversary.
Reddit user WMulhern88 dared to dream about what Nintendo could do to celebrate Mario 64's anniversary. In a release they called "Super Mario 64: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition," which would consist of "A complete modern remake of the game from the ground up. New HD graphics, updated modern camera (biggest need), updated controls, and a newly recorded symphonic soundtrack (with option to switch back to original soundtrack."
In addition, the release would include the full, original version of Mario 64 for those who don't want to play the remade version, as well as behind-the-scenes content like a making-of documentary, test builds, and concept art. They admit that it's all a bit of wishful thinking, but also that "I know millions of Mario fans would be excited if something like this was announced."
Indeed, many fans in the comments agreed, calling for their own wishlist versions of a Mario 64 remake. Some users would prefer to see the DS version, which included additional content, remade for modern platforms instead. Acrobatic_Buffalo917 called for a remake to use the Mario Odyssey game engine, blending the original N64 version with new content from the DS version, and, on top of that, adding cut content from all versions and brand-new levels, characters, and bosses to boot.
Again, these are lofty wishlists, and it seems like the fans requesting remakes like this are aware of that. Some commenters, however, suggest remakes like these are unnecessary. One since-deleted user suggests checking out the unofficial PC port Super Mario 64 Plus, which faithfully recreates the original game with a series of quality-of-life improvements.
But no matter how much fans want it, a Mario 64 remake seems unlikely. The original version is still available on Nintendo Switch Online, and in a remastered version as part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars Collection. Nintendo will almost certainly mark the Super Mario 64 anniversary in one way or another, but a full-scale remake might be a bridge too far.
