Super Mario 64 Switch Port Has Rumble, But Only In Some Regions
Put on your best Mario voice (no, not you Chris Pratt) and give that moustache a comb because Super Mario 64 is finally on the Nintendo Switch. With the 1996 platformer rightly being held as one of the greatest video games of all time, there are some of you splashing the cash on the Switch's N64 expansion purely for the portly plumber.
It's business as usual as we best Bob-Omb Battlefield, wallop through Womp's Fortress, and conquer Cool, Cool Mountain. Super Mario 64 is getting plenty of buzz for all the right reasons, however, some of us are missing out on the fan-favourite rumble feature.
Where Does Super Mario 64 Have Rumble?
Much like the Switch NES and SNES collections, Japanese players are given a different version of the N64 games. As well as the Japanese-language packs, there's box art that goes with the region. The release of Super Mario 64 was a complicated one back in the day. In 1997, there was the release of the Shindou edition. Even though the Japanese Switch Online app features the standard Super Mario 64 box art, they get to play the Shindou edition - complete with rumble.
Remembering that the Switch Online store supports the Rumble Pak, it means those lucky gamers in Japan get to see every butt stomp and flutter of the wings on Mario's cap. Sadly, those of us in the West are locked out of feeling all the rumbling goodness with the latest release.
Is There A Way Around Super Mario 64's Lack Of Rumble?
Fear not though, there is a workaround that lets everyone enjoy Super Mario 64 and the Rumble Pak. To get around the lack of rumble, you'll have to create a second Nintendo Switch account for the Japanese store. It can be a bit fiddly, but with the ability to access the eStore from other regions, it's well worth it.
After logging out of your main account, you'll have to set up a second (using a different email address). When adding your details, make sure you add whichever region you want to access - with this one requiring Japan as your chosen domain.
Once you've got your Japanese Switch account, you can download the dedicated N64 expansion app, then log back in with your main Switch account. Voila, your subscription should still be valid, but you'll have access to the Japanese version of the expansion service.
The Japan version of the N64 app is actually missing Dr Mario 64, but with the subscription sure to expand, it could be that some Japan-exclusive titles are added in the near future. Google Translate will become your best friend here. Yes, we know it's a pain in the backside, but if you want a rumbling Super Mario 64 experience, it'll take some work.
