Nintendo has refreshed once again its Nintendo Music app on iOS and Android by slipping in the beloved Mario Kart 64 original soundtrack, giving subscribers a chance to race down memory lane at any moment. With this addition, the rolling hills of Luigi Raceway and the perilous turns of Koopa Troopa Beach are now just a tap away, carried on your phone or tablet through a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Every note in this 32 track collection springs from the genius of Kenta Nagata, the Nintendo composer and sound director whose work on Mario Kart 64 helped define the audio identity of the series. Nagata’s melodies capture the thrill of the 90s karting craze, his bright fanfares, driving percussion, and playful chord progressions still feel both fresh and timeless. This was his first work at Nintendo, and since then he has become one of the main composers for the company.
As you scroll through the album, you’ll encounter cornerstone tracks like Moo Moo Farm, Bowser’s Castle, Banshee Boardwalk, and the adrenaline-charged Rainbow Road. Nagata’s compositions build excitement with infectious hooks that loop seamlessly, evoking the sensation of drifting around corners and dodging shells in real time.
Adding the Mario Kart 64 OST to Nintendo Music cements a growing roster of racing soundtracks already available on the platform, from the Super Mario Kart jams on the SNES to the more orchestral flourishes of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Each release underscores Nintendo’s commitment to honoring its musical heritage, remastering classic game scores for a new generation of listeners. We are still waiting for the Mario Kart World soundtrack, but we are sure it won't take that long.
Behind the scenes, this mobile offering leans on the Nintendo Switch Online ecosystem. Once you’re logged in, you can stream the Mario Kart 64 tunes alongside other Nintendo Music selections, build custom playlists, and savor those 60 minutes of nostalgia whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply daydreaming about past grand prix victories.
In an era when vinyl box sets and live orchestral concerts celebrate game music, Nintendo Music delivers a different kind of convenience. Here, the crackle-free digital tracks maintain part of the original cartridge’s warmth while adding modern mastering that sharpens every brass blast and synth line. By making soundtracks like Mario Kart 64 and The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D instantly accessible on your smartphone, Nintendo bridges the gap between the N64’s golden age of gaming and today’s on-demand listening culture.
