Which 1996 Nintendo 64 game brought the Super Mario series into fully 3D platforming?

Super Mario 64 brought the Super Mario series into fully 3D platforming in 1996.

Released as a launch title for the Nintendo 64, the game placed Mario in open 3D environments rather than the side-scrolling stages used by earlier mainline entries. Players explored Princess Peach’s castle and entered paintings to access individual worlds.

Its analog control scheme, camera system, and free movement became influential design models for later 3D platform games. The Nintendo 64 controller’s central analog stick was especially important for directing Mario through three-dimensional spaces.

Super Mario 64 is sometimes confused with earlier 3D games such as Virtua Fighter or Jumping Flash!, but those belonged to other genres or used different structures. The key distinction is its role as a landmark 3D platformer starring Mario.