How Super Mario 64 DS is BETTER and why nobody is playing it

I happen to be one of the few people stupid enough to stand up for the DS version of Super Mario 64. If you can look past the pretty severe control downgrade, there's a really fun game hiding beneath.
SIDE NOTE
I wish the script came out a little better for this video. I forgot to mention a few things here and there, which is why you see the text pop up every once in a while to fill in details or correct myself. I also kind of downplayed how bad the controls are, they're really bad. But I still do believe that the average player won't notice/care. It's only really the weird people like me that have played the original to death that notice something's way off.

[@izzee9900]

The DS version was my childhood, I played it nearly every day. So nostalgic, especially the Waluigi rumors 😭

[@scarlyrot]

Started playing it when I was 5, around the time it came out. I didn't get the n64 version until like 3-4 years later

[@domarme2776]

Same!!

[@affluenzashot]

"waluigi rumors" omg that's hilarious when considering it used to be "luigi rumors" back in the sm64 days. some things genuinely do not change.

[@bradfordhurt2932]

I used a magnifying glass on that box many times 😂

[@thechugg4372]

Dude the freaking waluigi rumours with the last door to open...

[@crazedlunatic43]

If the remake had been released on the 3DS instead, perhaps it could not only have gotten better controls to take advantage of the analog pad, but better graphics and less audio compression. It's still impressive for what the original DS was able to do, albeit with comprises compared to the N64.

[@arcyarcanine]

The remakes of Zelda 64 and Star Fox 64 pretty much proves that they knew they messed up with remaking an N64 game to the DS and the 3DS was way better for that.

[@HandheldGamer1991]

You can patch it probably. There are patches for pc so i wonder if someone made one for the 3ds so the game uses 360 degres with the analog bump....nob...what the hell was it called slider?!

[@arcyarcanine]

@@HandheldGamer1991 Circle pad

[@jomaq9233]

The DS was more powerful than the N64

[@arcyarcanine]

@@jomaq9233 On paper the N64 is more powerful, but because of how poorly it handled high res textures and how inconsistent other factors like frame rate were; The DS definitely out shines it in stability and texture quality. Basically the DS is just a more refined N64.

[@LucasBadur]

The "'not the 64 controller' section" bit was golden, made me chortle

[@allstarspixel]

it felt like something from scott the woz

[@user-qf9dm2pw9s]

I have chortles

[@dsdude8441]

if you wanna skip the endless stairs, the ds version has its own glitch for that, where you run into a corner to warp high above the place, and then land on the area behind the endless stairs

[@Iosaiv]

They thought they could keep us glitchers out...

[@dsdude8441]

@@Iosaiv They removed the glitches that made it SM64, but they forgot about the glitches that make it SM64 DS. It's actually possible to beat the game without Mario (Well, sorta, the game crashes if you try to load the ending cutscene without Mario unlocked.)

[@IntihaShrestha]

no im a n64 fan

[@Someguyiguess69420]

no yah yah ayahs yahoo tho:(

[@Ad-im1ne]

DS version was such a godsend back in the day. Bus rides, waiting rooms, long road trips, staying at hotels, etc. It kept you with console-level entertainment in what would otherwise be vapid time voids of life.

[@cameroncooper5195]

Amen, and I got Resident Evil 1 at the same time, couldn't believe it (especially since it was Nintendo). Playing on-the-go what would have been at-home, console only games not too long before.

[@ButterfingerBB]

Nice. I didn't have the DS in high school but I'm playing it now as an adult and its amazing still. Handhelds are my favorite.

[@asianck]

Those minigames were also a great addition to the game. So addicting and great to play in short bursts.

[@nolo2gogo]

The DS version is more nostalgic to me but also just adds to the idea of Super Mario 64 so well. A best-of-both-worlds version for Switch would be great.

[@nolo2gogo]

Also, the jokes in this video kill. Great job.

[@CafeCharlie]

@@nolo2gogo Hey thanks man!

[@fabianwhs9891]

nah, you get the original but with frame drops and not adapated aspect ratio, take it or leave it!

[@nicola.innocenti]

They should add Waluigi in it

[@robmalcolm8042]

@@fabianwhs9891 are you talking about the 3ds all stars with sm64, sunshine and galaxy on it for the switch? Sunshine seems to run fine but 64 runs trash in terms of input lag on the switch and that’s with a flash cartridge not even that online crap lol but when I play it on Mupen 64 fz on a android phone with a ps4 controller it’s way more buttery smooth and this is emulated we are talking

[@octobun6135]

I think re-releases of Super Mario 64 really should be a hybrid of this game and the n64 one, having the better analog control of SM64-N64 along with the extra content of SM64-DS. Essentially building off of the foundation of SM64-DS and reintegrating the features of the N64 version.

[@MiniCrew11]

There is a patch that maps the 3DS C-Stick to the 360° touchscreen and the New3DS C-Nub to the directional buttons. Still, the game suffers from DS compressed SFX, low quality background images and an underpowered Wario. So yeah, a rerelease would be nice. Maybe make wario the fastest?? After all, he's always running away with his stolen goods.

[@spittertron4920]

Part of the gimmick of Super Mario DS was using the thumb attachment for the touch screen. People have forgotten about this as it was abandoned pretty quick, but with the original DS you received a lanyard that also had a bead to strap to your thumb to use the touch screen without the stylus. For Mario DS, this feature was programmed to recreate the analogue stick control.

[@larrykoopa64dshacker64]

The DS version deserves more appreciation

[@ninja_raven256]

hard agree tbh

[@Forzamon42069]

The DS version deserves 360 degree movement like the N64 version

[@superkoopa6423]

Yep, I liked the new features the DS version had and the improved Mario walljump

[@AgentMorgan2010]

I played it on 3DS with the circle pad. Same difference, feel-wise.

[@jamesconn5185]

Considering there was only 8 years between the N64 original & the remake it's even more impressive.

[@348tacos7]

No way it was just 8 years that’s crazy. M64DS was my childhood yet the original M64 sounded like an ancient classic that was way before my time

[@facopse]

​@@348tacos7 M64 was my childhood and it felt just as ancient to me when M64DS released in 2004. I think that's because back in the 90s and early 2000s there was a lot more technological progress happening. From 2D to blocky 3D to smooth 3D to realistically shaded 3D. Compare the games from the SNES era to the PS360 era (15 years span), you will see mindblowing changes. But since the PS360 era the changes are rather minor, many of the games of that era still look good nowadays which makes them feel less ancient to us.

[@gielnw9891]

There is only roughly 5 years between Gta 4 and 5, games progress in a way faster time if you speak in years. If you talk about 8 years you actually talk in multiple upgrades in consoles and engines. Also the pc's to create these games go way further in these 8 years.

[@Lucrei.]

Not really, games were progressing at an exponentially faster rate than they are nowadays. This didn't really slow down until the PS4 era

[@belstar1128]

the stuff i was playing in the 90s was way more primitive i was always 10 years behind i was still being impressed by games having a save feature and scrolling

[@clutchtastic_]

The mini games were so cool. Also, I loved the idea of having to rescue everyone and the interesting levels of how everyone could go to every world.

[@LugiThePainDrinker]

I was a kid that’s played Mario since the SNES. We grew up poor, but my parents always made sure us kids had consoles and PCs because my parents saw the future being filled with technology and computers and consoles. They were right. We got a leg up in the field thanks to learning consoles and UI, to even problem solving we learned from games. I remember being around 6 or 7 and beating Paper Mario as well. That’s a game that when I replay I find myself getting stuck sometimes lol. What a way to realize I figured that shit out when I was a child. Absolutely love video games and Mario games especially

[@CafeCharlie]

I kind of understated how bad the controls are. I might make a video some time going much deeper into just why the controls are as bad as they are. But I still defend this version for being a pretty great 3D platformer on a system that has GameBoy controls. Of course the platforming suffers from the control downgrade, but I think that the added content makes up for that, depending on what you're looking for in a game.

[@akaDL]

I can't agree with you on the "goods" outweight the "bads". This game is forgotten for a reason, the controls are unplayable for me and I believe to the vast majority. Moving and Jumping with Mario is what makes Super Mario 64 so fun even to this day, however it's botched so hard because of the awful controls on the DS. Tried using the screen as a analog stick, nop, feels horrible. Then tried to play with the d-pad? Allright, it requires you to hold a button to run, like if I was playing Super Mario World. Also the sore pain on my thumb because of constant ripping on the lame tiny d-pad of the DS made me threw the game on the trash bin. It's really unplayable. I take the n64 joystick night and day over the DS. I kinda wish they re-released it for the 3DS supporting the analog stick...

[@CafeCharlie]

Yeah that's what I meant by "depending on what you're looking for in a game". The N64 version is absolutely a better platformer, so if you're really just looking for super solid platforming, that's definitely the way to go. But if you're playing just to have a good time while on a plane ride or road trip, this game has more to offer. It's kind of a quality versus quantity situation, and I completely get why most people prefer the original. I'll probably make another video or two in the future going more in depth on specific differences, and who knows, maybe I'll change my opinion at some point. Thanks for watching though!

[@akaDL]

@@CafeCharlie I can't say for other people, because, well, I played a lot of SM64 on the Nintendo 64, so I couldn't approach the game without bias. But I can tell for sure, that even casuals or new players of the game as a whole, had insane aumont of pain playing the game. I couldn't resist playing for 10 minutes without taking a break because of pain thanks to the D-pad. I literally forced me to play it for a day, couldn't bare the controls and never booted the game again, and, thankfully, never regreted nor felt I've missed something. I've just bought a new analog stick to my n64 controller and it is a blast to play, can't ever think on going back. So, I believe this remake for the DS was a mistake. I'm also sure Nintendo was quite aware of how bad the controls were, but they were forced to push the game and release it. They tried their best by offering multiple control options, even one limited to original DS bundled accessory that attached a stylus to your thumb so you could make better use of the screen as an analog stick, but, welp, to no avail. They should've aborted the project and released this masterpiece for the 3DS.

[@CafeCharlie]

@@akaDL I really didn't have an issue with the D-pad being uncomfortable. It's pretty much just a standard D-pad that consoles have been using for generations now, maybe it's a little sharper on the edges or something. If the game was such a mistake though, it wouldn't have sold 11 million copies (nearly as many as the original game did). I do really wish that it was ported to the 3DS though.

[@akaDL]

@@CafeCharlie I think being the launch title helps a lot in terms of sales, since DS sold a lot. Not sure if the D-pad on the original DS is better designed, but I played it on DS Lite and it was a nightmare.

[@dannigro8794]

As somebody who was seven years old and got the original version in 1996 and then when I was 15 years old, got nintendo, DS version, I’ll have to say the original was always nostalgic to me, but the DS version added a lot and made the game even better so every so often I’ll come back to the DS version

[@sandiego2380]

I'm like you. and I don't think it necessarily made it better. There are many challenges that were either left out or made easier for collecting the star which made it boring. Having four characters is nice, but if it means that Mario has limited powers as opposed to the N64 version, I'm not sure that's a plus either. Having four characters wasn't as unique as it felt at first. Visually the N64 version looks much nicer, just take the first level with the beautiful green grass in the N64 version as opposed to the ugly green in the DS version. I enjoy the ds version but mainly for the mini games.

[@Mike14264]

This game was how I was first exposed to SM64 in general as a kid. During the later years, I'd try the original N64 game on mobile emulators, PC emulators, even on real hardware once, with a controller with a loose C-Stick for good measure. And then, only two years ago, I found the DS version on a second hand games store. Bought it, and my god, playing through it on my 3DS was a joy. Some of the levels I played on mobile that I wasn't big on, I ended up loving them (touch controls suck big time). When I surfed on a Koopa Shell over lava, I was literally having so much fun, I was smiling all the way through by impulse. This was a game that really made me feel like a kid again, and it's endearingly special to me for that. I know folks aren't big on the D-Pad, but quite frankly? It didn't bug me at all. Especially since the original also had its fair share of annoying quirks, some of which the DA version did rectify. Plus, I love how it looks, it kinda reminds me of PS1 games, and the texture work is pretty good, a lot more vibrant and fitting for quite a lot of areas.

[@mazzb305]

I still remember going into Best Buy and seeing Super Mario 64 on N64 for the first time and being blown away by the 3d gameplay.

[@carlinytc7431]

This game revolutionised gaming

[@aguysanimationsalt]

I grew up playing SM6 DS. I enjoyed it a bunch. Thanks you acknowledging this incredible rare gem.

[@artstylejutsu2004]

Same SM64 DS is the best game i never played.

[@alvallac2171]

*Thank you for

[@pumpkin6192]

@@alvallac2171 or just *thanks

[@tacothedank]

I appreciate the insights here and also in the comments. One thing I didn't see anyone mention (I don't think) is some of the color choices they used for the remaster. It's definitely most evident in Bob-omb Battlefield, where the differences are night and day. The grass is very lightly colored and the path is peach, while the original's is bright green and brown. This of course is just one example.

[@CafeCharlie]

Yeah I'll probably do a video on the graphical differences at some point, that could be pretty fun. Thanks!

[@MizoxNG]

Having the enhancements and additional content from this version ported on top of the original's controls for a future console release would be cool

[@terribletimes902]

The reason SM64 is still relevant is largely because of the speedrunning scene, which is obviously not drawn to the DS version due to the patched glitches, but more importantly the limited range of motion

[@dallas_pandora4206]

Which is sad. They just focus more on beating the game as fast as possible instead of enjoying it. Speedrunners kinda ruined Sm64.

[@shatteredrubyheart9082]

Don't forget mod's bozo

[@wizzysol]

i swear they could make a perfect game/remake and people would still complain

[@flopinator8327]

They need to make one first

[@DaRoachDoggJrr]

@@flopinator8327 exactly lol

[@kallemetsahalme5701]

there is no perfect remake. a remake always loses the spirit of the original. its like if someone now paints a photorealistic mona lisa. even if you make one that looks 1:1 but has extra content its still most likely breaks up the pacing of the original or whatever.

[@jessehouse5466]

@@kallemetsahalme5701 demon souls was a perfect remake

[@HeartlessSeph]

@@jessehouse5466 You can see that contested online, main thing people state is that remake didn't stick to the art design of the original

[@FantasticSamtastic]

My brother and I got into a pretty similar conversation about the DS game not too long ago. It's really too bad that people look down on this game because tbh I think it has a good deal of quality of life improvements that leaves it feeling less janky than its N64 older brother

[@AustynL]

The thing is, though, that the jankiness is a major part of why people love the original over 64 DS. I like the original over the DS version despite playing the latter first because of the better camera controls and better overall physics in the original (and no, I'm not just saying the physics suck in DS because of the bad controls, they're actually bad). 64 DS has its own little set of glitches that give it its own jankiness, but it's not scaled up nearly to the point of how janky the original was, if you get my point. This comment is comprised of my opinion on the matter, followed up by what I've seen other people say about it.

[@illford6921]

The jank is part of SM64 inherently. Mainly, the glitches remove the glitches, and i honestly dont find the game very fun. I dont like either game control wise, and the visuals whikst nice dont really make me feel anything, something like a version to match the box art wouldve been better imo

[@yurilis1348]

He talked so much about the lack of the stick, but didn't mentioned that the game can be played in 3ds using the stick

[@sippeon9047]

​@yurilis1348 The game was made with the d pad in mind, so the stick isn't a magic fix cause the game was unaltered.

[@icantw8]

I've started playing 64 since around release and DS feels better to play since you can use different characters and there's 30 more stars. Minigames were also fun too.

[@cypher838]

Eh, the characters did'nt really add much besides tedium. I don't like having to switch to wario, a character I actively dislike playing as to get a star i was able to get just fine in the og.

[@louistech112]

The need to remake this. It was so ahead of it’s time .

[@rennyforyourthoughts8023]

Yoshi was my favorite Mario character as a kid, so it was just cool to me that they got to save the day.

[@CafeCharlie]

Yeah same here

[@MewTheGamer]

but there's only one yoshi in sm64ds

[@rennyforyourthoughts8023]

@@MewTheGamer so?

[@MewTheGamer]

@@rennyforyourthoughts8023 so it wouldnt be "they"

[@rennyforyourthoughts8023]

@@MewTheGamer I was using singular they

[@CanoTheVolcano]

thanks for mentioning waluigi at the end. hes my favorite character in the game and I barely see anyone talking about him for some reason! coulda been good to include a spoiler warning though.

[@TheDeadTheories]

Him calling the 64 an ancient and esoteric console: 🙂 Me: **Laughs in heiroglyphics**

[@MarbleThumbs]

The game's all about control, so to cut that back so vastly really is a deal breaker for me.

[@KamiTurtle]

That sucks

[@invisibleloki26]

Finally a sane take. I cant believe this dude said the camera was better in ds.

[@tophatgaming1873]

@@invisibleloki26 instant camera repositioning

[@evdestroy5304]

​@invisibleloki26 The camera 100% is. It has far more range, and you don't have to fight it nearly as much.

[@PinePizza]

fast forward to today and a hacked new 3ds can utilize the analog stick and 360° controls + camera controls with the C-stick just by installed a little hack! It's amazing.

[@juice6521]

Waluigi is in the game, trust me guys.

[@ledanoir1239]

WL is real

[@bradley_kain]

When I was growing up I played the N64 version on the Wii and the DS version on the DS, I still play the DS version time to time on the 3DS.

[@Josuh]

You can still play the N64 version on 3ds with homebrew just to confuse any friends you might have who know of both versions, it's great

[@BenjoCovers]

@@Josuh really? My switch cant even run that game smoothly so i doubt that (unless you want to play below 20fps)

[@Josuh]

@@BenjoCovers It plays smoothly since it's a port rather than an emulator

[@BenjoCovers]

@@Josuh I see, thats cool. And its the real deal where all the mechanics and physics work like in the original?

[@brassllama098]

​@@BenjoCoversyup it's the original. It works best on the N3DS there's even a 60fps version with a minimap

[@GiuseppeGaetanoSabatelli]

"I played it in 2012" What's crazy is... 1996->2004 = 8 years. 2004->2012 = 8 years. And that was 12 years ago. THANKS, FEEL OLD YET?

[@rubyrose312]

The game and its platforming was designed with 360 degrees of movement in mind so limiting that to eight directions makes the game feel worse to control and makes turning around more stiff and awkward. Mario 64 is beloved to this day because of its surprisingly fluid controls that you can be very precise with to do insane tricks which would just be impossible to do with the DS version. Also, it added thirty stars sure but it really only added two, a switch timer star and a silver stars star which they just threw into levels along with some lame character specific gimmicks to push more stars without actually doing anything creative.

[@bigboiinanut9967]

Honestly, I have mixed feelings between both versions, I love the original but if mario 64 ds had better controls it would probably be the best, but there's always that feeling from the original game the ds version can't replicate, and I dont know how to explain it.

[@sandiego2380]

'if if if', it doesn't, so it's not. Both games have their pros and cons. Having additional content isn't always better. Having different characters was fun at first but became boring real quick and having the powers be limited to a character wasn't much fun either!

[@bigboiinanut9967]

@@sandiego2380 thats kinda how I feel.

[@LordPupil]

The DS version I feel like is one of the most definitive and fun ways to play super mario 64,I would’ve beaten the game by now but I got to angry at over the rainbow and broke my DSI

[@CafeCharlie]

Dang that sucks lol. I got pretty mad at that one too, luckily my 3DS survived the beatings.

[@LordPupil]

@@CafeCharlie I do have a 3ds tho but it’s been beaten so many times by my family members when they were little so now I’m just waiting for a new 2ds xl

[@CafeCharlie]

@@LordPupil Yeah they're pretty tough, but not invincible. Hope you get that 2ds xl soon!

[@LordPupil]

@@CafeCharlie thx man!

[@thenachothief]

Same thing happened to me, I was on the final bowser fight and just couldnt beat it lol I still remember how horrified i was when i "accidentally" threw my ds at the fireplace and the two screens split

[@Illumisepoolist]

Ahhh yeah, memories of visiting my Dad's home of Virginia in 2005. RIP James.

[@littleuppie]

I really appreciated the attention to detail in this video. I used to agree with you until I played the 3D All Stars version of 64. Playing with a pro controller really makes that much of a difference. U earned a new sub :)

[@akaDL]

I simply can't stand the DS version because of the controls. It sucks.

[@midrexquack1997]

Cry about it

[@laurenanderson7330]

@@midrexquack1997cry more

[@moonlightostrich3690]

the thing that really breaks replays for me is going into a level as mario and getting told nope sorry come back as yoshi so you gotta leave the level and walk halfway across the hub to switch to him then grab the one star then go halfway across the hub again to swap back to mario to play the game normally again

[@moonlightostrich3690]

also stop shitting on the 64 controller its perfectly comfortable and i miss having 6 face buttons

[@CafeCharlie]

@@moonlightostrich3690 Sure thing 3 arms, no for real though I get what you're saying. The class restrictions did interrupt the flow sometimes, and the N64 controller isn't that bad. Thanks for watching!

[@moonlightostrich3690]

@@CafeCharlie twas a good video

[@CafeCharlie]

@@moonlightostrich3690 Thanks man

[@ralcolfwolfcoon8207]

Denial, and stop bitching. It's really not. And not everyone will agree with you. -_-

[@CafeCharlie]

To address some frequent comments, I no longer think that this game is better, although I do still love it. Whether or not you improve the controls with patches, I still think the original's gameplay is more enjoyable for many reasons. But I do still stand by me saying that the OG Doom hasn't aged as well as sm64. Feel free to disagree with me, but know that I have changed my opinions a bit from where they were when I made this video, thanks! Oh and the outro song is called "Party in The Clouds" from 'Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!'. EDIT: In case you're wondering what made me change my mind, it was the hundreds of comments making incredibly valid points that I didn't consider while writing the script. I think I made a few good points in this video and I hate to back-peddle my opinion, but I have genuinely changed my mind. I don't however regret making this video, and I'll never take it down since it's just an opinion. Who knows, maybe I was right when I made this video and I'm wrong now, it's just an opinion not a contract.

[@franklimtemers3096]

You changed your mind on Christmas day? Did you get something new ?👀

[@Web720]

@@franklimtemers3096 He received the gift of better taste.

[@Web720]

Nah both aged both. The difference is that you have options to not play Doom original. Just use one of the multiple source ports. OG Doom has no mouse aim and 35fps lock, so source port. SM64 has no free cam and sub-30fps.

[@hobomike6935]

DS was a straight upgrade.

[@luigihorror6455]

Bruh

[@Imirui]

I think that the map could be incorporated as a minimap that’s translucent in the bottom right corner, the hud elements could be shuffled to the top like how the original laid out its hud

[@Zen_user-001]

I absolutely love Super Mario 64 DS and I have so many fond memories of playing that game. I still play Super Mario 64 DS to this day.

[@iliesseelhaouari2731]

Not gonna lie the game was pretty easy to finish 100% tho the music and levels were so.... Idk they transport you In a different universe. Playing this at night was great

[@wish_cave]

my opinion on SM64DS vs the original has been really up and down. I grew up on the DS version and absolutely loved it. the different characters you could play as and all the sidequests to unlock the minigames, there was so much content and it was a blast to play as a kid. I played the 64 version a few times but could never really get into it. in my college years I discovered SM64 speedrunning (as a spectator). it blew my mind just how precise people could be in the original and the skill expression that was possible with the movement. I was hooked on watching SM64 speedruns from that point on. sometime down the line, I wondered if the DS remake had any comparable scene to the original and stumbled on Aether's 2017 GDQ run where the only commentary from the couch boiled down to "well, you can't do X/Y/Z like in the N64 version but it's still pretty fast..." it instantly shattered my image of the remake and made me think that SM64DS was boring at high level. then that got turned on its head a few years later when I came across Rupa's channel. he was the SM64DS world record holder in multiple different categories and I was super impressed with the tech I saw. holding SSL Shining Atop the Pyramid in Yoshi's mouth while triggering the loading zone for the pyramid interior so you can grab both stars in one go?? holy shit. and even though DS's movement is a little more rigid, he took full advantage of the tools he had and it looked just as clean as any other speedrun. that's when I realized that DS wasn't an inherently bad speed game in its own right, just a *lot* more unexplored - and I started to respect it a lot more. nowadays I have a big appreciation for both games, both casually and speedrun-wise, and think both communities can make do with a lot less comparing the games against each other, and more learning and appreciating the unique qualities of both

[@CafeCharlie]

I absolutely agree, I've gone through a pretty similar thing with 64DS. I'm now at a point where I prefer to play the N64 version when I have time since it's just better for a few minutes of solid platforming. But the DS Version is still such an interesting twist. I personally love the idea of speedrunners and TASers almost having to restart and work with entirely new mechanics. It's nice that you have both a very optimized and very unoptimized version of the game to watch and play. I actually have a video comparing N64 to DS speedruns (not all of my points are spot on, neither are they in this vid, I'm still developing my opinion). Anyways, thanks for watching!

[@InfinitelyBored]

Fun fact: If you don't unlock Luigi or Wario before the end, after defeating the final Bowser fight, neither of those characters show up in the final cutscene

[@capncasual3105]

Playing this on steam deck with the touchpads for the touch controls is amazing

[@wolfetteplays8894]

Makes me wish there was an analog peripheral at launch or something like that. Would be awesome

[@ocvita]

The analog peripheral at launch was the plastic nub attached to the original DS's wrist strap. They actually had a section in the play manual with instructions on how to use it as such. I tried so hard to get used to it since I was accustomed to the original's analog controls, but the implementation was complete garbage. Instead of relegating specific regions of the touch screen to serve as inputs, there would be this bullseye looking circle that appeared whenever the screen was pressed, which would serve as your analog control "stick". It probably wouldn't have been so bad on its own, but the fact that the circle would move every time you'd reach the outer red region made it completely maddening to use as a viable control option.

[@SoniMarSponge]

It defiantly doesn't get enough credit. Like when they changed the maze room in Snowman's Land. In the original: the camera was awkward and would get stuck when I'm moving through the maze, but in the DS version I can see without any camera issues. Having multiple characters gives it more replay value like doing alot of the missions as Wario. And more reasons

[@tjofcarolina1776]

Now that the 3DS is buried, it depresses me a lot of it's games will likely die on the system and not receive ports

[@CafeCharlie]

Nah I think it's more likely that the games will be ported now that it's officially a retro console.

[@crazyconan28]

I'm a fan of both, but lean towards the original version. It was nice hearing your discussion about this!

[@awkwardfreakinperson7936]

what makes the original better besides the controls?

[@crazyconan28]

@@awkwardfreakinperson7936 I'm not arguing objectively better. I prefer playing a more straight forward game with just Mario on the big screen with a control scheme that's easier for me to move with. The DS version has a lot of pros, but just because it has more features doesn't make something better. For some people, less is more; and for others, the alternative gives what the original was missing.

[@hobomike6935]

@@crazyconan28 the original is ugly and the only reason to play it is if you want to backwards long-jump or exploit “clipping” glitches, which gets old after about 2 weeks of playing. The DS was a straight upgrade and enhanced everything that made the original great, while adding some great features of its own.

[@egm_myles69]

@@hobomike6935 I just wish people were more honest about their gameplay-related bias rather than act like the game itself is bad because the gameplay wasn’t made for them.

[@NinjaxShadowXx]

@@hobomike6935I want to play as Mario only, having to press a button to run on DS version is so dumb. The colors on the DS version are washed out and less vibrant go look at the green grass of Bob-Omb Battlefield in the N64 version with beautiful green grass versus the ugly yellow faded grass of the ds version. DS version only cool feature is more levels and portability

[@KingYoshi93]

Have you ever had thoughts on how the DS controls could've been improved further for this game? Or do you think this is the best they could do with the DS's limitations? If you have any ideas, maybe you could cover this in your next video.

[@CafeCharlie]

Yeah that's not a bad idea, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

[@ekinteko]

@@CafeCharlie By the way, the NDS is (slightly) faster than the N64. Just because it is a Low-Powered Device doesn't mean it is slower, remember the N64 is VERY old. The misconception might come from the fact that Sony released the PSP earlier and it was leagues faster than the NDS.

[@ESTreaXX]

just bought this for my buddy as a christmas gift. thanks for the video and the idea

[@HelixAdamOxford]

i assumed this channel would have atleast 100k subs… but 2.7K????? WHAT

[@kalosbeats]

Good analysis. I thought you’d mention the fact the 3DS circle pad is an obvious control improvement and can be used!

[@itzsj7760]

I wish he did to as it is a improvement that goes unoticed and is super important as it makes the game have the same control scheme as 3d land Which has much more attention

[@Loki1095]

Better but still only eight directions

[@matthewr1426]

I always struggled with the controls on this one. The N64 version is a joy to play and this one is clunky and annoying to me, hate using the dpad! Jumps and maneuvers I could make on the original were very difficult on ds

[@no_biggie_smalls]

I agree, I don't like how it feels with the Dpad and using the stylus doesn't feel any better

[@chizel322]

All that 64 DS is missing from being perfect is having Waluigi as a playable character

[@adnanerochdi6982]

And the search for waluigi keeps on, video closed! What a great content, thanks man 👏

[@respecthanz9685]

I remember playing Super Mario 64 DS it was one of the first games i've played it's a cool game I even enjoyed the minigames I still have the game but the card looks really old yet works!

[@RoseQuartz692]

In Casual yes

[@17R3W]

I'm setting up a 2ds for my godson. He'll have both the orginal N64 version and the DS version at his disposal. I'm curious to see which version he prefers. It will also be interesting to see if he plays either version. Maybe both versions will seem to out of date, and he'll only want to play games like 3D land.

[@CafeCharlie]

That's awesome! I think the upgraded graphics, the Rec Room, and the added story content make the DS version much more appealing to most people. The advantages of the N64 version are very subtle, but who knows, maybe he'll prefer the controls of the original. Thanks for watching!

[@truegamer_007]

I agree. It's dumb how Nintendo is pushing the original version instead of adapting this one for newer consoles

[@ChickenTeller]

My biggest gripe with the game is the hats that transform you into other characters. It feels like they made all of these extra things that only certain characters can access, but then everyone in testing complained about how annoying it was to have to constantly go and change characters. So they made a bandaid fix with the hats that basically removed the necessity of needing to be a certain character in the first place. At that point, they should've just given Mario new powerups or added new abilities to his existing powerups. Like, metal Mario could've gained the ability to punch those blocks that only Wario can normally break, for example.

[@BenjoCovers]

I mean whatever they do, they had to keep what made the original so great. The controls. No extras can outweigh that

[@Mario497]

5:27 They could probably make it work. The original didn't really have a map I think so you don't technically need the map to play the game in the first place. So it could be removed all together and probably be fine. Kind of like Mario Kart 8 and it's deluxe counterpart. Additionally, if they wanted to have a map they could make it like Odyssey where you press a certain button to bring it up. But yeah I don't think they will ever port it with the exception of Wii u

[@TimedRelease]

The DS version was such a showcase for the system at launch. Same with the original!

[@user-fd4zo4mm9w]

I'm 18, started playing super mario 64 ds when I was 2, i still play it to this day! Absolutely love this game and always will

[@King_Hussain_786]

The game: a literal masterpiece The controls: I'm about end this game's whole career

[@RudeKeyser]

The DS version wasn't limited to 8 directional movement - it supported control over mario via the touch screen, as well.

[@MPHswayze]

Agreed. I literally don't understand how you can fight a games bad controls and then say it's better than on a N64 joystick. People who like this game and RDR2 flummox me. Graphics, story, sound, all that stuff is WAAAAAAY less important than controls. Mario 64 and RDR2 have atrocious controls

[@lpfan4491]

@@MPHswayze What are you responding to? This doesn't connect at all.

[@WarioEnthusiast]

@@MPHswayze I can't believe you're the only person I've seen critique Mario 64. It's one of my least favourite Mario games, the controls really are atrocious.

[@bingobo2551]

Got a few things to say, they could do what they did with the n64 version & just port the worst version but remove the touch bottom screen & make saving use a & the dpad, I believe only start saves your progress. 64ds does introduce alot of things, such as first time having actual multiplayer in a 3d mario game, first time having wario playable in a mainline mario game, first time yoshi is in a 3D platformer & thats just for 3d mario but theres some other stuff it does for the ds well.

[@kyler247]

yoshi was in super mario sunshine like 5 years before super mario 64 ds. what are you talking about

[@Cesar1492Enjoyer]

I have so many hours on this game from my childhood lol. Amazing how they were able to fit so much into the small ds. I’ll always love this game.

[@Actuallyfunny1377]

I played hours of DS, (on my 2ds) long Loong school nights were spent collecting coin, stars learning new “speedrun” tricks, trying to figure out glitches. Did you know you can stop yourself on peachs slide ans walk around. As a new father (19) I can’t wait to share this game with my son

[@richardcord464]

See to this day (I’ve beaten all 3d Mario’s tons of times but 64ds was my first and most) I still don’t see how the controls are that bad. I pick that shit up and play it like absolutely no problem I’ve never died from a control issue, I always grew up with this game tho so. *side note* this video is great and I hope it and your channel see a viewership and subscriber spike soon, keep up the great work!

[@CafeCharlie]

Thank you, that means a lot! I think the controls are just something you have to get used to, and many people who grew up on the original have trouble doing that.

[@legoclayface]

Playing it on a 3DS does improve it a little. While there is still no true analog control, it is at least a lot more comfortable than the d-pad and gives you the illusion of analog control.

[@hobomike6935]

Basically the game is a straight upgrade, unless you’re a basement-dwelling speed runner that likes to exploit glitches to win

[@AustynL]

@HoBoMiKe you say "exploiting glitches" like using them is a bad thing

[@illford6921]

@@hobomike6935 exploits and glitches are two different things tho

[@YdenMk-II]

Interesting bit about this game is that you weren't meant to play with the dpad but use the thumb nub thing that was attached to the wrist strap but I think most people don't know/remember that thing exists. The idea was to use your touchscreen as a virtual analog stick which is common place nowadays on mobile games.

[@kyler247]

nobody talks about it because it was awful, and using the dpad was way more comfortable and convenient

[@willmorris8334]

I hate that Mario is the one that defeats Bowser, but Yoshi is the hero.

[@Oni_Manga_Land]

Great video! I notice that you did not mention the workaround regarding the controls. If I recall, the original, bulky DS came with a strap that had a plastic nub you can place over your thumb and tighten. You would then change the controls to "touchscreen mode" and it would pretty much use the touch screen as an analog controller. It was a bit janky, but they found a way to make it work!

[@CafeCharlie]

Thanks! I brought that up in a later video which was sort of a part 2 to this one called "How janky controls KILLED this Masterpiece (for some people)".

[@Oni_Manga_Land]

@@CafeCharlie ah, thanks for letting me know. I'll check it out!

[@randomstuff_21]

Saw this at gamestop and had to pick it up

[@luhgarlicbread]

Awesome video yet again, although, I don't believe that the DS was a weaker console...

[@CafeCharlie]

Thanks! So the DS has got a weaker processor and less RAM, it just looks better because of software improvements and better texture storage. Pretty impressive stuff!

[@luhgarlicbread]

@@CafeCharlie Oh really? I would have thought the DS would have had at least more RAM than a Nintendo 64. It's crazy how "better texture storage" made a big improvement.

[@CosmicTornado1]

I played the N64 version at a relative’s house when I was younger and wanted to own it. My family bought me the DS version some time later and I played it all the way through. It was fun, but throwing Bowser felt worse in DS when I compared the feeling of throwing him in the N64 version. Later when I got a Wii, I downloaded Mario 64 from the Wii Shop Channel (as well as Paper Mario and Super Mario World). Playing the original N64 game with a GameCube controller on my Wii was AMAZING. Having the full analog controls without having to touch the dinky old dpad gave me so much control and freedom to move Mario how I wanted. The wall jump was different, but I got used to it. I don’t care about the added content the DS version added because, outside of King Goomba, it was all so forgettable that I don’t even remember what was there. I also prefer the more vibrant colors of the N64 version over the dirt colors of the DS version. So, uh, yeah. DS isn’t objectively better. I can see the preference for either version, but the better controls and feel of gameplay goes to N64 for me despite playing and beating the DS version long before ever owning a Wii. For me N64 is the better experience, and DS feels like a washed out, watered down version of the original. Just my opinion on it though. Oh, and I prefer the low poly aesthetic of the N64’s graphics over the DS’s graphics. At least when comparing these two versions of Mario 64.

[@invisibleloki26]

The anti-aliasing of the ds is worse, as well as some highly questionable changes of the color schemes. Also its funny I was thinking the exact same thing with king Goomba (and the luigi room) being the only slightly interesting NEW content.

[@fumbuswumbus]

Ur spittin, I genuinely forgot there was a 64 remake for a little. It was so weird that one of the most influential games of all time’s remake was never talked about. Unlike the oot remake that got more respect. I mean they fixed aiming so it makes sense lol 😂

[@Bloxed]

I swore I was watching a bigger KZbinr when getting into this. The video has such a great production value it's insane.

[@AngraMainiiu]

People obsess over "L is real" when he was here all along!

[@yourehereforthatarentyou]

only 2.2k subs was kind of a shock bc god damn this is some quality content

[@party11440]

I remember a glitch in DS where if you dived to a climbable tree on a hill at the front of Peach's castle in a specific way, you could clip into the ground and swim in the water underneath and could use the cannon early. I remember that being the coolest shit as a kid.

[@rosythewildflower]

I have to try that

[@rosythewildflower]

I need to try that

[@sophiesanders1259]

I absolutely loved this game as a kid

[@marmalade627]

Suggesting that Doom 1993 doesn't hold up is by far one of the worst gaming takes I've heard in a long while

[@alucrasher27]

An excellent video with many good points. I have a fond love for the original as the first game I played around 4 years old, but I completely forgot about the DS version until now. I used to own it. It was a great game. The more restricted movement as a result of the D-Pad is a pretty big hit on the game overall, but when playing on a 3DS with the circle pad it feels much more natural. It's a shame that all the extra content introduced by the remake has largely been lost to history, but that's to be expected with the original having a very strong legacy.

[@holidayy2468]

you make the best vids keep it up!!!

[@wasd4340]

Agreed

[@CafeCharlie]

Thank you so much!

[@RaccoonThunderMario_Official]

As someone who grew up playing Super Mario 64 DS before the original. I remember not having as much fun with this game. I remember having so much trouble trying to figure out where all these stars were at the first time. In fact, I remember that the last star I needed was the time trial for Peach's Secret Slide. I spent hours collecting so many stars just so I can get that 100% completion and when I finally got it I was thrilled to see what the reward would be for collecting all the stars to unlock the cannon to go on top of Peach's castle. When I got up there all there was a wing cap and 3 1-up mushrooms nothing else. All that time and effort I put into collecting all those stupid bunnies, unlocking every character, having to deal with the bad controls the entire time, and getting all those stars was all for nothing. Even though I did notice that Bowser said something different when defeating him again it still didn't equate to anything so it didn't mean anything to me. To me, it was like the postcard from Super Mario Sunshine but worse cause at least you get that instead of nothing. If I was to play this game again I don't think I would go for 100% completion ever again. You'd think with me not liking this game as much as I thought I would have thought that the original would have been worse right? Well, one day I decided to download it on the Wii U eshop because I had nothing else to buy and went into it and expected to have the same feeling again......but that didn't happen. I loved how Mario controlled. I kept playing it and playing it having more fun the more I played it until I eventually got all 120 stars. I then went into the cannon expecting to have the same disappointing feeling but I was then surprised to see Yoshi there. I read what he had to say and I could safely say that I felt satisfied with getting 100% completion. So much so that I kept playing it again over and over. Whenever I play that game I always go for 100% competition. To me, Super Mario 64 is my 2nd favorite 3D Mario game and my 3rd favorite Mario game of all time. Meanwhile, Super Mario 64 DS is my least favorite 3D Mario game. It's honestly shocking how much your opinion of a game could change depending on which version of a game you play.

[@CafeCharlie]

Yeah it really depends on what you're looking for in a game. The additions that 64DS brought can be more like a nuisance rather than extra content, but it's all about how you play it. Thanks for sharing!

[@RaccoonThunderMario_Official]

@@CafeCharlie Another problem I had was the feeling like I was dying more than I should have. Sure I was like 7 or 8 when I played the DS game and 13 when I played the N64 game but I one time did go back and remember dying to things that I could have saved myself had I played the original. The biggest offender definitely had to be the jump kick practically being unless in the DS remake instead of life saving sometimes in the original (it's also more useful in the original to climb up walls when your sliding to your death). They even remove the ability to long jump into a wall and do a wall jump which removes a lot more movement options than you'd think. That's especially the case when you play rom hacks. One other thing I found stupid is that there are sometimes those red ? boxes that let out a bob-omb instead of a power flower just why. Also, because the wing, metal, and vanish caps are given to Mario, Luigi, and Wario respectively it makes the courses you'd have to go to activate them (except the wing cap course) feel very underwhelming since there's no switch for them basically removing the point of them. Also, remember the location for the "Watch for rolling rocks" star? Yeah, that place is practically pointless to have there since the star is no longer up there. Also, I don't know if it's just me but I feel that long jumps don't go as far as in the original. And don't even get me started on trying to rotate Bowser with the d-pad it's so bad that even Super Mario 63 does a better job at it. I've been thinking of the idea that maybe the reason why I hated the DS remake over the original was that I played it first and didn't know where everything was (For example, I didn't know how to get to the third floor to Big Boo's Haunt because the map didn't do a good job at showing me that, I didn't know about the Peach's Secret Slide time star even though I read the sign plenty of times, and I didn't know about the 100 coin stars until Toad told me) but the more I think about it the more I realized that wasn't the case because those problems eventually fix themselves. Whenever I play that game it feels like I'm being limited to my platform abilities (kinda like holding a wii remote and nunchuck the wrong way playing Super Mario Galaxy which is something I used to do but can no longer do after years away from the game). It's like I always have to stand still before performing something because I feel like I have more of a chance to fail it by going into things headfirst. The last thing I have to say about it is that the game somehow looks uglier than on the original. I think this is due to the game looking more like a polygon and pixelated game (like 2D and 3D) clashing at one another instead of full on polygon.

[@CafeCharlie]

@@RaccoonThunderMario_Official Oh don't get me wrong there is plenty to not like about the DS version, I really don't consider it a better game anymore. The two games are deceivingly different, which makes it hard to say one is better than the other. But if you want smooth platforming, DS is definitely not the way to go.

[@RaccoonThunderMario_Official]

@@CafeCharlie One last thing full on multiplayer. They wanted multiplayer in the original and could have done it here (and no that multiplayer mode doesn't count) but didn't. Waste of an opportunity.

[@BenjoCovers]

@@RaccoonThunderMario_Official You cant even wallkick from a longjump? That game is worse than i remember it.

[@skycloud4802]

The DS version was still jaw dropping. When I first saw the pictures of Mario 64 running on a handheld and then running an an actual DS I was mind-blown. Then I saw GTA run on a psp then knew handheld gaming had truly entered the 3D age. It was a shock.

[@ralcolfwolfcoon8207]

Off-topic. I still am blown away they remastered one of the 64 levels in Super Mario Galaxy 2. And the theme. Which is what is being played in the video background.)

[@icecoldcola5824]

If you have a hacked 3ds, you can patch the game to have the circle pad work correctly. came out recently

[@imstupidbut]

what’s it called

[@RoseQuartz692]

Ever since the 3ds came out you have always been able to use the Circle Pad for SM64DS but the community made SM64 for the 3ds

[@icecoldcola5824]

@@RoseQuartz692 yes I know that, but I'm talking about a patch to make it full analog instead of just 8 directions like the dpad

[@RoseQuartz692]

@@icecoldcola5824 the D Pad only had 4 Directions the Circle Pad has 8

[@icecoldcola5824]

@@RoseQuartz692 ....no the dpad had 8 possible movements, because you can hold two inputs at the same time like the top and right. The circle pad is analog which is different then how the dpad works

[@raiwserkoopa2221]

the ds version is more, well, noob friendly. that's what i can say, because of the power ups, the p balloon in big boos haunt. i liked that each course had one extra star, but they all felt the same. always hit the switch and get the star. more secret levels that i enjoy and unlockable characters, unfortunately, yoshi is kinda useless as he can't walljup like any other expect for mario, can't kill boos and destroy boxes

[@ralcolfwolfcoon8207]

"noob friendly" for having power ups? Okay wow....

[@raiwserkoopa2221]

@@ralcolfwolfcoon8207 yup. like the p baloons in big boos haunt

[@Mechaghostman2]

If the DS version were updated to have analog movement controls, it'd be better.

[@ATthemusician]

I've been wanting to replay it lately, I've gone back to 64 many times and initially grew up with it, but also got 64 DS when it came out and I was very fond of it.

[@ExpandDong1]

I don't care if I'm the only man on earth still playing this game, I'm still playing it

[@MPHswayze]

0:20 sarcasm at maximum

[@awesomereviews1561]

4:30 wrong example with Doom

[@CafeCharlie]

Nah, I think SM64 holds up to Odyssey significantly better than the original Doom holds up to Eternal

[@sinisis2000]

@@CafeCharliedoom eternal is adhd the video game. doom goes for an entirely different angle.

[@mguymario]

A mod in the works for the SM64 PC port aims to add the DS stuff to it. A hack also allows you to use analog controls by mapping the stick to the touch screen.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Considering how good the DS models look when upscaled, it's completely beyond me why Nintendo never made a definitive/remastered version of it. Upscale what holds up, add a few better textures if necessary, put the map on the top screen, replace 8 direction Dpad and 360 touchscreen controls with 360 stick control. Done, perfect Bonus points: Rebalance the characters. Wall jump for Luigi (but not from a backflip) and Wario, Wario now jumps higher and swims faster than he did before and takes less damage from enemies than the other characters. Yoshi's tongue gives larger enemies some knockback now. All human characters can fight Bowser.

[@MASTERCRAFT938]

Coool video. I subscribed :D

[@MASTERCRAFT938]

Hello there xD

[@HaveARottenDay]

True chads main Wario!

[@CafeCharlie]

That's true actually

[@WarioEnthusiast]

WARIO MAINS 💯💯

[@straydog4048]

People gotta understand that better graphics doesn't make the game any better or worse, even if it had more content. as someone who grew up with the og version of sm64, I was always very interested in the DS version since it was the only remake we ever got, and it's also handheld. I finally got the chance to try it out around 2011-2012 on the 3ds, and it kinda sucked tbh.... I mean yeah sure there is a lot of new content, and there are more playable characters. However, the controls were atrociously bad imo, controlling mario felt extremly sluggish and limited compared to the og version, and the camera was even worse cuz you gotta control it using the touchscreen which was very uncomfortable. The remake basically lacked pretty much everything that made sm64 such a special game, the amazing gameplay and satisfying controls (minus the camera ofc lol, which was even worse on DS anyway). The reason why everyone choose the og over the DS version is simply because the n64 version is just so much more fun to play, it has aged really well and the gameplay is arguably even better than many modern plattformers today. Anyway long story short, I ended up selling the game like a day later lmao.

[@invisibleloki26]

you made the right choice, the extra content with new characters adds very little and just makes you wish the character balancing wasnt garbage.

[@hilfmarco]

i love how the remake even brought back the rumour about a hidden playable character with waluigi

[@deusexmaximum8930]

Mario 64 DS was my "don't let mom catch you playing DS at night" game. ... ..."BYE-BYE!"