The Super Mario 64 Multiplayer Split Screen (Pantalla Dividida) ROM hack is a fan-made modification that fulfills the original development vision of a two-player cooperative mode for the Nintendo 64 classic. This hack allows two players to simultaneously explore Peach's castle and its various worlds, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Luigi. Core Features and Gameplay
Independent Play: Both players can roam freely within a level and are not required to stay together.
Star Collection: If one player collects a Star, both are typically returned to the castle, though certain stars (like 100-coin stars) allow continued play. It is even possible to collect multiple stars simultaneously if timed correctly.
Shared and Separate Stats: Players share a common coin count but maintain separate life counts. If one player dies, they float in a bubble and can be revived by the other player.
Interaction: Friendly fire is enabled, meaning players can inadvertently (or intentionally) hinder each other in tight spaces.
Visuals and Audio: The mod features a split-screen display and updated dialogue, such as Princess Peach's letter addressing both Mario and Luigi. Installation and Setup Super Mario 64 Multiplayer Rom Pantalla Dividida
To play the split-screen version on an emulator like Project 64, follow these general steps:
Obtain a Clean ROM: You need a legal, original Super Mario 64 ROM file, typically in .z64 format.
Apply the Patch: Download the multiplayer patch (often from Romhacking.com) and use an online patcher to apply it to your clean ROM. Configure the Emulator:
Set the RDRAM Size to 8MB (Expansion Pak emulation) to prevent crashes. Set the Video Interface to 1 to help reduce lag.
Ensure the latest version of the emulator is used for compatibility. The Super Mario 64 Multiplayer Split Screen (Pantalla
Controller Setup: Configure two separate controllers in the emulator settings to allow both Mario and Luigi to be controlled. Technical Considerations
While the mod is highly functional, users may encounter minor glitches, such as disappearing objects or erratic camera behavior when cutscenes trigger. For the best experience on original hardware, a flashcart and an Expansion Pak are typically required.
Watch this detailed setup guide to get the Super Mario 64 split-screen multiplayer ROM hack running correctly on your system:
El multijugador en pantalla dividida cambia radicalmente la experiencia de SM64. Aquí le van tres modos de juego caseros que puede organizar con amigos:
| Hack Name | Split-Screen? | Max Players | Stability | Platform | Notable Features | |-----------|---------------|-------------|-----------|----------|------------------| | SM64: Split Screen (Melon) | ✅ Yes (2-4) | 4 | High | PC port / N64 ROM | Independent cameras, star sharing, configurable rules | | SM64: Co-op Deluxe | ❌ (Online only) | 16 | Very High | PC port (Lua) | No splitscreen, but robust netcode | | Multi Mario (old hack) | ✅ Basic vertical | 2 | Low | N64 ROM | Broken collision, desyncs | | Super Mario War (separate game) | ✅ Yes | 4 | High | PC/Consoles | Not SM64 engine; 2D platformer brawler | | Kaze’s Multiplayer Lua Script | ❌ (Same-screen) | 2 | Medium | Emulator + Lua | Both Marios on one camera (chaotic) | Carrera por las estrellas: Cada jugador empieza en
Important: Many YouTube videos claiming “SM64 2 Player Split Screen ROM” actually show SM64: Split Screen compiled for emulators, not a retail N64 cartridge patch.
For nearly three decades, Super Mario 64 has been revered as a cornerstone of 3D platforming and a defining memory for an entire generation of gamers. However, its original design carried a notable limitation: it was a purely single-player experience. While the game’s hub world, Peach’s Castle, felt alive with secrets, the journey to collect Power Stars was a solitary one. This is where the ROM hacking community has stepped in, producing one of the most transformative modifications in retro gaming history: Super Mario 64 Multiplayer with pantalla dividida (split-screen). This essay argues that this ROM hack is not merely a novelty but a technically impressive and socially valuable reimagining that solves a 26-year-old design "problem," turning a lonely masterpiece into a cooperative and competitive playground.
Do not ask for pre-patched ROMs (illegal to share). Instead, search the web for:
"Super Mario 64 Multiplayer Split Screen patch"
or
"sm64-multiplayer.bps"
Look for repositories on GitHub (e.g., sm64-coop or sm64ex-coop — though those often use netplay, not true split-screen). For true split-screen (one PC), search for:
Super Mario 64 - Multiplayer (Split Screen).bpssm64_splitscreen.bpsNote: True 2-player split-screen ROM hacks are rarer than netplay mods. Another option is Lego's Mario 64 Multiplayer Mod – but it requires a specific emulator fork.
No todos los emuladores manejan bien dos ventanas 3D al mismo tiempo.