for as much as Switch 2 Still needing its big moment, I didn't expect its initial lifespan to revolve around the N64. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time The Switch 2 is returning in 2026 as a remake, and Star Fox brings Star Fox 64 Returns June 25, 2026 with enhanced visuals, new game modes and online multiplayer. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Nintendo has more classic N64 revivals in mind.
While the most recent Nintendo Direct gave us a more comprehensive look Star Fox 64 Remake and finally confirmed long rumours Ocarina of Time A remake with a short teaser, it dropped a new one Super killed announcement out of the conversation, making it the perfect time to start thinking about one of the N64's other most beloved classics. No need to stop at Nintendo Zelda and Star Fox If it's already treating that era like a major Switch 2 selling point. There is no other obvious candidate Super Mario 64.
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Super Mario 64 helped establish the N64
I, like many others, think not Super Mario 64 Just one of many great Nintendo 64 games. Rather, it's hard to deny that this is a game that builds on the legacy of the N64. According to Nintendo's life-to-date sales data, the N64 ultimately sold 32.93 million hardware units and 224.97 million software units, and considering it was the best-selling game on the console, also sold over 4 million units. Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64 Undoubtedly it was one of the main reasons.
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i know Ocarina of Time Generally treated as the N64's most sacred game, and in a big way Zelda As a fan who got to experience it in its heyday, I completely understand why. I know too Star Fox 64 Still one of the neatest arcade identities Nintendo has ever made. However, when I think of the N64 as a console, Super Mario 64 That's the game that ushered in both of those titles and many other greats.
Mario could run, jump, swim, crawl, climb and dive in places that felt huge at the time. Peach's Castle was a place we wanted to wander around before they knew where the next picture would take us. It made the 3D worlds feel welcome, which is why it still feels like such an obvious Switch 2 candidate.
And Nintendo set the stage for that conversation with one of its biggest announcements during the recent Nintendo Direct. If Ocarina of Time and Star Fox 64 Considered worthy of a remake, I don't see how Super Mario 64 That privilege is denied. Mario is the face of Nintendo, after all, and owes a lot to the N64 and the developer themselves. Super Mario 64.
Super Mario 64 needs more than a visual upgrade
I just tried going back Super Mario 64 Looking for a vintage gaming experience, and it wasn't what I expected. I thought it hooked me right away, and I was perfectly fine admitting that memories of my time with the game would do most of the heavy lifting for what I knew would be undeniable bad spots. Instead, I bounced it after about 10 minutes with no desire to continue playing.
The camera felt awkward, movement took more adjustment than I wanted, and simple navigation sometimes felt more finicky than fun. the idea of Super Mario 64 Still worked on me, but the feeling Super Mario 64 did not So, it turned out to be nothing but a very short old trip instead of the return which I thought would last at least several hours.
The best case for a video game remake is when the classic game's reputation is still great but its archaic gameplay prevents modern audiences from enjoying it and long-time fans from treating it as a short chance to remember. This is exactly the situation Super Mario 64 is inside This classic N64 game is still loved by many fans, but many of them who feel compelled to revisit it are likely to find the game no longer feels worth the investment — and modern Super killed Games make it even clearer.
Like games Super Mario Odyssey and also Bowser's Fury Show how flexible, expressive, and creative 3D Mario can feel now. A Super Mario 64 A remake can still keep everything that made the original while adapting its gameplay mechanics to meet modern standards and present the concepts of today. Super killed The game is a success. It didn't need to be Super Mario Odyssey with a Super Mario 64 the skin; The only thing that does not completely bridge the gap between what it was and what it could be if it was made today.
The best case for a video game remake is when the classic game's reputation is still great but its archaic gameplay prevents modern audiences from enjoying it and long-time fans from treating it as a short chance to remember.
A huge visual and sound upgrade would be expected, of course, but the hard work would be mechanical. I want to see the kind of creative ideas poured into Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario Odyssey was brought into the world Super Mario 64Whether that means more objectives to complete, unfamiliar environmental interactions, or more playful surprises hidden around the world. The trick is adding a modern Mario fantasy without robbing the N64 classic of the simplicity that makes it so easy to love.
Nintendo would be leaving money on the table without a Super Mario 64 remake
This is where the Switch 2 timing starts to feel important. Nintendo has already shown that it's willing to use N64 nostalgia more than subscription-library bonuses to play old games like they used to. Ocarina of Time and Star Fox Both are treated like major Switch 2 releases, which makes Super Mario 64 Feel like an obvious missing piece.
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I keep coming back Star Fox Because its remake makes it Super Mario 64 A difficult question to ignore. i am happy Star Fox Attention is being paid, and this is despite the difficult times Star Fox 64 There's going to be a remake, I'm going to play it. But if that game is allowed to return, Super Mario 64 Should be an easy call.
Super Mario 64 There has never been a modern remake that could make it feel new again for a wider audience. Super Mario 64 The DS was its own interesting version, and Super Mario 3D All-Stars Nintendo brought back the original on the Switch. However, neither is a perfect example of what a Switch 2 remake could be.
I also think Nintendo is leaving money on the table by ignoring this. Nintendo's latest Direct lacks the same titles as major franchises Super killedAnd the absence of main line 3D was killed The holiday window is a strange decision to make. Considering Mario's absence while Nintendo has plenty of other games to show off, there's an opportunity I think should be jumped on.
Ocarina of Time and Star Fox Both are treated like major Switch 2 releases, which makes Super Mario 64 Feel like an obvious missing piece.
A Super Mario 64 The remake gives Nintendo a Mario-sized event without forcing them to rush anything like another 3D original. was killed becomes It will speak to players who grew up with the N64, and it gives younger fans a better way to understand why the game is held in such high esteem. It would also fit into the nostalgia lane Nintendo has already opened Ocarina of Time and Star Fox.
Of course, I still want the new 3D Super was killed More game than any remake. The Switch 2 will eventually need its own root was killed game rather than simply borrowing from the past. Still, Nintendo has already made the N64 part of the console's early story, and Super Mario 64 That is too central to history to ignore.
after Ocarina of Time and Star FoxAnother N64 remake of Switch 2 feels obvious. Nintendo has already chosen two of the console's most recognizable classics. If Nintendo is willing to go back to that era, I don't see how it can avoid it Super Mario 64The game that helped propel it to success.
