Pitfalls 64 is Steam's Super Mario 64 sequel we always knew we needed

The '90s were a simpler time for gamers, picking between PlayStation and Nintendo, and both sides getting along just fine.

The Nintendo PlayStation prototype is even a rare relic from the time, as two gaming powerhouses nearly released their own hybrid console.

It was a decade when home gaming really took off, and with this in mind, it's no surprise that many consider the N64 the greatest console of all time. Then again, when you've got the likes of GoldenEye 007 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, it's hard not to agree.

Of course, Super Mario 64 is the jewel in the crown for many, which might explain why we're still obsessed with playing clones like Pitfalls 64 in 2026.

Pitfalls 64 is a love letter to Super Mario 64

With Nintendo being notoriously litigious, it's important to note that Pitfalls 64 might look like it's inspired by Super Mario 64, but that's where it ends. Sadly, it's not the long-fabled Super Mario 64 sequel we never got to see. Over on Steam, you can currently wishlist Pitfalls 64 ahead of a planned Q1 2027 release. The colourful platformer is described as a "playfully-punishing-collectathon that features playful acrobatic movement paired with punishing vertically-driven level design that will test your gnomish reflexes."

You run around as a clumsy gnome who finds himself at the bottom of a towering pit, jumping, kicking, and flipping your way home through five unique biomes.

The Super Mario 64 comparisons don't end there, as in the trailer, we see a snowy backdrop that has us thinking of Cool, Cool Mountain and a desert level that conjures up memories of Shifting Sand Land.

Being honest with fans, Pitfalls 64's Steam page admits it's supposed to capture that nostalgic N64 style, which is emphasised by its polygonal look.

Pitfalls 64 puts more of a modern twist on Super Mario 64 as it echoes Jump King's label as a vertical ascender.

Even in the '90s, the N64 was filled with games similar to Super Mario 64, thanks to Rare delivering Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Conker's Bad Fur Day.

Away from Rare, Rocket: Robot on Wheels and the licensed Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue feel like nods to Super Mario 64.

READ MORE: Super Mario 64's superior version is finally getting a PC port

What happened to the Super Mario 64 sequel?

If you're tired of dusting off your old copy of Super Mario 64, there are plenty of games like Pitfalls 64 that honour its looks and feel. There were once plans for a Super Mario 64 sequel, which Shigeru Miyamoto affectionately referred to as Super Mario 168, as early as January 1997.

As Super Mario 64 only used around 60% of the N64's potential power because of cartridge space and time limits, the sequel would obviously be bigger and better.

The title was originally being developed for the doomed 64DD but was axed due to the peripheral's commercial failure.

Both Luigi and Yoshi were pitched as playable characters, with Super Mario 128 going to be a multiplayer title. Ultimately, Luigi, Yoshi, and even Wario were added to Super Mario 64 DS.

Miyamoto was also apparently obsessed with walking on rotating spheres and a title set in space, with both those ideas eventually being worked into Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii.

A prototype gained plenty of fanfare when it was shown off as part of a new technology demonstration at 2000's Space World event, but sadly, the 64DD killed the project off.

Thankfully, Super Mario 64 earned its place in the history books and is still inspiring games like A Hat in Time, Pumpkin Jack, and Pitfalls 64.