Super Mario 64 Secret Sound Effect Uncovered After 27 Years on Nintendo 64
Entry information
Published on: May 14, 2025
Description
Super Mario 64, Nintendo's groundbreaking 3D platformer for the Nintendo 64, has captivated gamers and developers alike since its original launch in 1996.
As the first Mario game to transition to three dimensions, it quickly achieved legendary status, selling over 11 million copies worldwide and paving the way for future titles on both the Nintendo Switch and other hardware platforms.
Despite nearly three decades passing since its release, fans remain dedicated to unearthing new secrets and hidden features from this iconic title.
Recently, renowned ROM hacker and Super Mario 64 specialist Kaze Emanuar made headlines by uncovering a secret sound effect buried deep within the game's code—one that had eluded even the most determined Nintendo enthusiasts until now.
Emanuar has built a reputation within the community for reverse engineering Nintendo classics and exposing obscure details, showcasing the enduring legacy of games like Super Mario 64.
The latest discovery centers around the Dire, Dire Docks stage, specifically an enemy known as Sushi the Shark.
Sushi is typically accompanied by a looping swimming sound effect.
However, as reported by GamesRadar, Emanuar noticed that this sound is programmed to re-trigger every 16 seconds, meaning that under standard gameplay conditions, the full sound file is never played.
In a meticulous experiment running the game continuously for over 14 months, Kaze Emanuar pushed the N64's in-game timer to its limit.
Once this timer maxed out, the swimming sound ceased looping, allowing the entire audio clip to play in its entirety for the first time.
After the audio finishes, Sushi goes silent—a behavior that had not been observed in conventional playthroughs.
Kaze described the process as, 'Through these efforts, we've managed to reveal a secret sound effect in Super Mario 64 that no one else had heard until now.'
This unintentional Easter egg stands as a testament to both Nintendo's technical design and the persistence of its fans.
It's a unique example of how limitations and overlooked systems within classic games can yield fascinating discoveries years after their debut.
As Emanuar noted, it's unlikely that Nintendo ever foresaw players running the software non-stop for over a year, but such dedication has led to the unveiling of hidden treasures in their legendary catalog.
Super Mario 64’s ongoing allure demonstrates why it remains a staple on modern Nintendo platforms, from the Nintendo Switch Online service to frequent appearances in eShop retrospectives.
The continuing work by fans and experts preserves its legacy, ensuring new generations can experience both its well-known achievements and its newly discovered mysteries.
