Mario Kart 64 is a racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 video game console. On January 26, 2007 Mario Kart 64 was released on Nintendo's European Virtual Console Service for the Wii. It was also released on the American service on January 29, 2007. Mario Kart 64 is the sequel to Super Mario Kart for the SNES. Changes from the original include the use of 3D computer graphics and four player support. Players take control of characters from the Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Wario Land video game series, who race around a variety of tracks with items that can either harm an opponent or aid the user. Players choose from a roster of eight characters that vary in weight, speed, and acceleration.

Available are Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Bowser, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Wario and Toad. These characters race in a variety of tracks based upon different locations in the Mario world. Each track has a unique shape, and can contain various obstacles, hazards, and short cuts. Eight characters participate in each race. Up to four of them can be human characters, while the rest are computer controlled for one to two player only. Three and four player races have no computer controlled racers.

Cheats

Course Ghosts
To get these ghosts, you must beat the times listed below.

Luigi Raceway - 1'52''00
Mario Raceway - 1'30''00
Royal Raceway - 2'40''00

Mario 64 Castle
Follow the yellow road in Royal Raceway, just after the big jump and to the right. That road will take you to the Mario 64 castle.

New title screen
To be awarded with a new title screen (and mirror courses) beat the game (get a gold trophy) on 50cc, 100cc and 150cc on Mushroom cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and Special cup.

Shortcut on Kalimari Desert
On the first or second lap if you get a star you can do this. When you get to the 2nd Railroad tracks turn and go to the tunnel. Just before you enter the tunnel use your star, if you do this right you'll finish the lap and have a shorter 2nd or 3rd lap.

Shortcut on Rainbow Road
If you use a mushroom you can jump from the big hill just after start to a later part of the track on the left (right in mirror mode). This is very hard to do.

Shortcut on Yoshi Valley
Just after all the roads come to a point, you can jump to a lower track. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes very easy.

Shortcuts on Koopa Troopa Beach
#1 - The first shortcut is the sand bar on the right side on the archway. Just go over it and it's a shortcut (and an easy one at that)

#2 - Jump from the top of the ramp just after the archway, you need to have enough speed or you might not make it. A mushroom, star, or a last second power slide helps

Shortcuts on Royal Raceway
#1 - You can take a big shortcut if you jump across the river just after the first big turn. You need a mushroom or a star to do this (it is much harder if you use a star). Aim for the dark spot on the wall, if you do this right you can get towed up onto the big ramp.

#2 - In 150 cc you can jump to the left at the top of the big ramp and land on a bit of dirt near the finish line. If you do this right you will get towed to the finish line. This is very hard.

Shortcuts on Wario Stadium
#1 - When you first start the race, you can jump the wall at the top of the hills, you can shave almost half your time by doing this.

#2 - After the first shortcut you can jump back over the wall and land before the finish line, this is very hard to do. I myself have only done this 2 or 3 times, so don't say it is not posible, it is.

Unlockables
Get the gold trophy in the Special Cup 150cc in Mario GP. You will see the credits roll. After that you will be able to access "Extra" mode in Mario GP, which allows you to play the courses as if they were mirrored.

NOTE: You can't use "Extra" for Battle or Time Trails.

"Extra" - Get gold in Special Cup 150cc

Easter Eggs

Hidden Ending
To get a hidden ending in Mario Kart 64, place 4th place overall. This is a lot harder than it sounds because if you place 5th or lower in any one race, you must restart. The easiest way to place 4th overall is just to get 4th place in every race.

Secrets

Booster
To get a boost at the start of the race and an early lead, do not hold the acceleration button before the race. Wait until after the last light flashes, then punch the gas. If you time it just right, you should get a boost that puts you into first place!

Don't slip!
If you slip on a banana, and are about to spin out, hit the brakes. You will stop (not spin out), a music note inside a balloon will appear next to your driver, and you will have saved yourself a lot of time.

Here's how you play Mario Kart 64 on the Wii: