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If you want another game with the movement, exploration and collectible hunting that make Super Mario 64 memorable, start with Banjo-Kazooie for an N64-era collectathon, A Hat in Time for a modern take on classic 3D platforming, or Cavern of Dreams for a deliberate retro throwback. For other platforms, Astro’s Playroom and Spyro: Reignited Trilogy offer different but worthwhile overlaps. No single recommendation matches every part of Mario 64, so the best choice depends on whether you value movement, open-ended stages, collectibles or a particular platform.
What makes a game feel like Super Mario 64?
“Like Mario 64” can mean several things. A game might share expressive jumping and momentum without having open stages, or offer plenty of exploration while giving its hero a very different set of moves. Compare these qualities rather than treating every 3D platformer as interchangeable:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.82 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Movement: Is running and jumping enjoyable on its own? Are there distinct moves or momentum to learn?
- Exploration: Can you look around and choose what to do, or does each level guide you along a fixed route?
- Collectibles: Do items encourage searching and revisiting stages, or are they incidental rewards?
- Structure: Are levels open, course-like, puzzle-focused or linear obstacle runs?
- Access: Does it suit your platform, and is access through a standalone release or a subscription catalog?
The recommendations below identify the particular overlap each game offers—and where it differs.
Best games like Super Mario 64
Banjo-Kazooie: the N64-era collectathon
Banjo-Kazooie is the clearest choice if what you miss is the colorful, collectible-heavy exploration associated with Nintendo 64 platformers. Nintendo Life describes it as a joyful, bountiful platformer and discusses it alongside Mario 64 for its influence and appeal. It is a companion in the genre, not a Mario clone.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Nintendo Life lists it through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Subscription catalogs and regional access can change, so check the current Nintendo Switch Online catalog and tier for your location before subscribing.
- Best for: N64-era nostalgia, playful worlds and collectathon exploration.
- Keep in mind: Its characters, moves and world design give it its own identity.
A Hat in Time: a modern-feeling classic platformer
If you want familiar 3D-platformer controls in a newer game, A Hat in Time is a strong starting point. Nintendo Life specifically recommends it to people who love Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, praising its tight controls and varied, inventive levels.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
- Best for: Players seeking a contemporary game with a classic platforming feel and varied stages.
- Keep in mind: Nintendo Life flags performance and camera issues; that report does not establish how every platform performs.
Cavern of Dreams: a deliberate retro throwback
Cavern of Dreams is for players who want a game that evokes the look and feel of 64-bit-era platformers. Nintendo Life likens its appeal to exploring Gruntilda’s Lair in Banjo-Kazooie, making it a good fit for discovery and retro presentation rather than a contemporary take on the formula.
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- Keep in mind: Its throwback approach may be less appealing if you prefer modern platformer design.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: Mario on Switch
For a Mario game on Switch, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury brings familiar characters and 3D platforming, with local multiplayer among the appeal of the main game. But Super Mario 3D World is more course-oriented and linear than Mario 64; it is a good Mario option, not the closest structural match. Nintendo describes its course-focused design as building on Super Mario 3D Land, with HD visuals and local multiplayer.
Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
- Best for: Switch owners who want a Mario platformer and local multiplayer.
- Keep in mind: The main game’s stage structure differs from Mario 64’s exploratory worlds.
Astro’s Playroom: approachable PlayStation platforming
Astro’s Playroom is a PlayStation alternative for players who want cheerful, approachable platforming. Push Square says controlling Astro evokes the joy of a contemporary Mario game and describes it as a download available to owners of Sony’s current-generation console. Its hardware-focused presentation and distinctive controller features make the comparison one of feel, not a direct match for Mario 64’s structure. Check current console access details before relying on that entitlement.
- Best for: PlayStation 5 owners looking for an easy-to-access platformer.
- Keep in mind: Its appeal includes a console-specific presentation that sets it apart from Mario 64.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy: open levels and collectibles
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is a better fit if exploration and gathering items matter more to you than copying Mario’s movement. Push Square describes the trilogy as partly inspired by Super Mario 64, with wide-open levels and collectibles including eggs, keys and gems. Spyro has his own movement and combat vocabulary: gliding, charging and breathing fire.
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
- Best for: Players who enjoy open levels and searching for different collectibles.
- Keep in mind: Its character abilities and platforming feel are distinct from Mario’s.
Other games to consider if you want a different kind of 3D platformer
Super Mario 3D Land: guided courses with a 3D perspective
Super Mario 3D Land suits players who want a more guided Mario course rather than Mario 64’s open-stage feel. Nintendo describes it as playing like a 2D Mario game while adding depth, distance and speed.
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Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is included among PC Gamer’s platformer recommendations. It is worth considering as a genre-adjacent option, but the recommendation does not establish direct influence from Mario 64.
Crash Bandicoot: choose linear challenge over open exploration
Crash Bandicoot is a weaker match if open exploration is what you want. PC Gamer contrasts Crash’s fixed-perspective, linear obstacle courses with early open 3D platformers. Consider it if you prefer precision and a more directed challenge.
Quick Recap
Which one should you play first?
| If you want… | Try… | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| An N64-era collectathon | Banjo-Kazooie | Colorful worlds and collectible-focused exploration. |
| A modern-feeling classic platformer | A Hat in Time | Recommended for its controls and varied levels. |
| A retro 64-bit mood | Cavern of Dreams | A deliberate throwback built around discovery. |
| Mario platforming on Switch | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Mario characters and 3D platforming, with a more linear main game. |
| PlayStation platforming with a contemporary Mario-like feel | Astro’s Playroom | Approachable play and a distinctive console-focused presentation. |
| Open levels and varied collectibles | Spyro: Reignited Trilogy | Exploration and item-hunting, with different movement from Mario. |
| Guided courses or linear precision | Super Mario 3D Land or Crash Bandicoot | More directed stage design than Mario 64’s open exploration. |
Sources
- Nintendo Life: Best Nintendo Switch 3D Platformers
- Push Square: Best PS5, PS4 Games Like Super Mario
- Nintendo UK: Looking for more Super Mario? These platformers should do the trick!
- PC Gamer: The best platformers on PC
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