Super Mario 64 Co-Op Deluxe now brings real-time ray tracing to the classic Nintendo 64 title on PC. This update matters because it fundamentally changes how the game looks, merging visual fidelity with cooperative play for the first time. Players who enjoy retro platformers can now experience the 3D world with modern lighting effects while inviting friends to join the adventure.
The update merges ray tracing with 16-player co-op
The mod is built on the unofficial PC version of Super Mario 64 released in May 2020. It combines three distinct modifications into a single package: the Ray Tracing Mod, the Co-Op Mod, and the Render96 HD Texture Pack. This integration allows users to access advanced graphics and multiplayer features without managing separate files.
The graphics backend relies on RT64 to enable the ray tracing capabilities. The co-op system synchronizes every level and object so that multiple players can move through the game world together without desync issues. The mod supports up to 16 simultaneous players, allowing large groups to explore the castle and its grounds together.
Users must configure the graphics backend to RT64 and press F2 to access the ray tracing and DLSS settings. The package includes a growing Lua modding system that lets the community create additional content and modifications. The Render96 HD Texture Pack provides higher resolution assets to complement the new lighting engine.
We looked at earlier PC ports of Super Mario 64 while tracking how the community is modernizing legacy titles. The mod is available for download and requires users to set up the RT64 backend to function correctly. This release marks a significant step in the evolution of unofficial PC ports for classic Nintendo games.
