A team ofMario Kart 64modders are porting the iconic game from the Nintendo 64 to the PC, developing a native port of the racing game. TheMario Kartfranchise has grown into one of the most beloved spinoffs of Nintendo’s flagship franchise, typically receiving a new game on each console. The recent release of the Switch 2 was no different, withMario Kart Worldlaunching alongside the console and bringing an open world to theMario Kartfranchise. However, one particular entry in the franchise marked a major moment forMario Kart.
Mario Kart 64served as the second entry in the franchise and broke new ground as the first 3D game in the series. The game featured eight different characters for players to choose from, withMario Kart 64offering sixteen different coursesto tackle alongside a small selection of Battle-exclusive tracks. WhileMario Kart 64has never seen an official full-scale port to a newer Nintendo console, the game is included with Nintendo Switch Online’s lineup of Nintendo 64 games. Now, a passionate group of fans have broughtMario Kart 64to PC.
As reported by Time Extension, indie mod team Harbour Masters has officially unveiled their PC native port ofMario Kart 64, dubbing the port as “SpaghettiKart.” The reveal trailer shows off a native PC port ofMario Kart 64, complete with all of the original characters andtracks from the Nintendo 64 version. The port notably does not contain any of the original code forMario Kart 64, however, with players still needing to provide a ROM file ofMario Kart 64for the port to function. The dev team did tease that “custom track support” is included, with fans potentially able to create their own courses.
Mario Kart 64 Mod Team Porting the Game to PC
The impressiveMario Kart 64PC port is far from the first time fans have strived to bring classic Nintendo games to PC.A PC port ofThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningwas previously in development before being shut down by Nintendo, with the ambitious project aiming to provide improved framerate and widescreen support. Nintendo has often taken similar legal action against fan games and ports, with the developer being notoriously protective of its intellectual property. Nintendo has never officially ported any of its major franchises to PC.
Mario Kart 64’s fanmade PC port comes as the newest entry in the franchise has been making waves for Nintendo. The highly-anticipated release of theSwitch 2 broke U.S. sales recordsin its opening week, withMario Kart Worldreportedly standing as the console’s best-selling game.Mario Kart Worldhas also already received its first post-launch updates, making a number of bug fixes improving the experience of the Switch 2’s flagship launch title. The impressive fan port ofMario Kart 64will give fans the opportunity to look back at an iconic entry for the beloved franchise.
