I played three of the biggest N64 games in 4K, and found tricks Nintendo has hidden since 1996

Playing three of the biggest N64 games in 4K on a modern gaming PC reveals hidden tricks from Nintendo's 1996 era. Super Mario 64, a landmark title, utilizes billboarding, rendering flat 2D images that adjust their angles to trick the player's eyes into seeing 3D objects. This technique extends to other characters and vegetation in the game.

Mario Kart 64 presents pre-rendered sprites for the racers and tracks, while other track obstacles remain 2D. Ocarina of Time, however, takes a different approach, with pre-rendered images for certain locations and 3D characters placed on top of them. The Castle Town Market, Temple of Time entrance, and smaller buildings are examples of this technique.

This creates a striking contrast between pre-rendered visuals and interactive assets, as seen in a Kokiri house. Upscaling these games to 4K makes the compromises more apparent, but it also highlights the craftsmanship of the developers who meticulously crafted details by hand.