Super Mario 64 Graded Video Game Variant Guide [Nintendo 64]

Just Three Easy to Learn Variants are Recognized By WATA and CGC For This N64 Launch Title

The key launch title of the Nintendo 64 both domestically and worldwide, Super Mario 64 re-imagined the way console games could be played. In the same sense that in 1985 Super Mario Bros. for the NES established the side-scrolling 2D platformer archetype, Super Mario 64 is often credited with establishing the 3D platformer genre.

From a collecting standpoint Super Mario 64 is one of the most sought after video games across all game systems. In the summer of 2021 a WATA graded 9.8 A++ copy of Super Mario 64 brought an earth-shattering $1.56m at auction. As such, graded sealed and complete in box (CIB) copies of Super Mario 64 are always in demand and thankfully there are just three known NTSC variants currently recognized by WATA and CGC of this seminal title.

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First Print - Super Mario 64

Often referred to as the “first production” or “early production” of Super Mario 64, this first print is simply all known copies that do not have the Player’s Choice marketing icon in the top right-hand corner of the box and displays a K to A ESRB Rating. This variant may be listed as “Made in Japan,” but this information is superfluous as all known copies of this title were manufactured in Japan, regardless of variant.

Second Print - Super Mario 64 Player’s Choice, K to A ESRB Rating

Sometimes referred to as a “later production” variant of Super Mario 64, the second print of this title features the addition of the Player’s Choice - Million Seller icon in the upper right corner of the box front. Second prints also retain the Kids to Adults, or K to A, ESRB rating in the bottom right corner of the box front.

Third Print - Super Mario 64 Player’s Choice, E ESRB Rating

Also often referred to as a “later production” variant of Super Mario 64, the third and final print of this title features the continuation of the Player’s Choice - Million Seller icon in the upper right corner of the box front. What differentiates the third and final print from the second is the ESRB changing over their “K to A” rating in the bottom right corner of the box front to an “E for Everyone” rating. The ESRB made this change across the board to all “K to A” games in 1998.

Visual Recap of the Three Super Mario 64 Variants

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Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 Player’s Choice, K to A ESRB Rating

Super Mario 64 Player’s Choice, E ESRB Rating

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See Our Current Inventory of Super Mario 64

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The contents of this guide were made in an effort to provide up-to-date information for popular certified retro video games. New variants of video games are discovered nearly every day. If you see any errors in this guide or have any information regarding additional possible variants of this game, please reach out at Info@StandardGaming.com.

Looking For More General Information on Graded Games?

· If any of the terminology used in this guide was confusing or new to you, please refer to our convenient Glossary of terms here.
· Need more information about graded games in general? Check out this intro to the different types of certified video games here.

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