Despite being a 3D game, Nintendo actually had to use traditional 2D Sprites to fake an illusion of 3D for the characters racing in Mario Kart 64. While 3D renders were possible, it was not possible to have eight of them at a time with the processing power the Nintendo 64.
Tag: Mario Kart
Fun Fact: Starman in Mario Kart 64 Uniqueness
The Starman item in Mario Kart 64 actually has the longest lasting time in the series with 8 Seconds.
Fun Fact: Japan’s Updated Version of Mario Kart 64
Japan actually got a re-release of Mario Kart 64, but the only special thing about it was they gave you a controller to go with it.
Fun Fact: Mario Kart 64’s Late Arrival in China
Mario Kart 64 finally made it in China in the year 2003 when Nintendo released their Chinese modified iQue player there. Which was essentially an Nintendo 64 made specifically for China.
Fun Fact: Mario Kart 64 Was Supposed To Arrive Early
Mario Kart 64 was developed at the same time as Super Mario 64 and the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time. It was indeed meant to be a launch game. But Nintendo gave more time and effort for the other two games, and thus it had to be delayed.