Hello everyone, I am currently in the process of typing an essay highlighting the differences of the two versions of the game and how each affects speed running it. If you know any differences between the two, please do share, i'd really appreciate the help. Also I do need clarification on something, is the N64 version of the game played with an actual N64 console? also, If it is, is the regular N64 controller the preferred controller to speedrun this version? Is the controller modded to accommodate to speed running? or do professional speedrunners use anther type of controller?

Thank you!

You're writing an essay for a school assignment on the differences between VC and N64?

Yeah I'm with Alaris, but I'm really curious as well.

From Axon's SM64 google doc:

Major Version Differences -

N64(U) - The standard version most of us know and love from our childhood. Affected by lag and has other minor disadvantages compared to N64(J).

N64(J) - Nearly identical to N64(U) in lag. However, has some minor timesavers. Some text boxes are shorter (most notably the Eyerock dialog, which is significantly shorter on N64(J)) and some different star placement, such as the box star in JRB not being inside of a box, and the Penguin star in CCM spawning above the penguin’s head. On the downside, a fatal glitch can sometimes occur while doing SSL secrets which can cause your game to freeze.

N64(J) Shindou Version - This was the updated version created to support the rumble pack, and is arguably the worst version. While Mario gets some new and modified voice clips, it’s at a high price. Loading times are increased, Mario spins around when he grabs onto poles, and BLJ has been completely removed from the game.

N64(E) - The PAL version. Pretty much identical to N64(U) except that it runs at 50hz, meaning the game is slowed down compared to its NTSC counterpart. If you play this version, it’s highly advised you try to import an American or Japanese N64 or Wii to play a better version.

VC(U) - The fastest version. While it still suffers some of the disadvantages of the N64(U) version, all lag in the game has been taken out, besides the occasional framerate skipping caused by the VC emulator. However, VC emulation has generally higher stick sensitivity than the original N64 games, and this game is no exception, meaning some more precise movements can be tricky.

VC(J) - Like VC(U), it is identical to the version it is based off of aside from reduced lag. Unfortunately, instead of basing the VC version off of the original N64(J) version, they decided to base it off the Shindou version instead, meaning that once again this is a pretty worthless version.

Most players use an original N64 controller, alhough a fair number of players do use Hori

Thanks y'all for the useful information, I really appreciate it! I'll make sure to screenshot this page and post it on my paper as forum involvement evidence and to also give y'all the respected credit for the information. And just to be clearer on the paper subject.. lol yeah the paper is for my class on Videogames and Culture at University of California, Davis. The essay is on a metagame... basically a form of play that takes place or happens outside the actual game. For example speedrunning a game as the games' main goal is not to finish the game as fast as possible but it is still a very devoted practice that is worth analyzing. Some even argue that speedrunning the most perfect way of "play". Being very impressed with the SM64 speedrunning community on how y'all are very committed, I decided to do it on SM64 and specifically one highlighting the different forms of speedrunning within the community, for example N64 vs VC. I will post a "part two" for this thread to further research not only the difference between hardware or software but also the community's' preferences. Again thank y'all and feel free to participate on that as well, i'd highly appreciate it!

n64 controller is better than hori if you're going from runs that are as perfect/precise as possible. toast has also said that the n64 controller has better notches than hori.

Can someone also describe the Eumulator's advantages and disadvantages over using Virtual Console? Or are they the same?

create a new thread, this is over 2 years old.