| Platform: Nintendo 64 |
| Developer: Nintendo EAD |
| Publisher: Nintendo |
| Release Date (NTSC-USA): November 4, 1996 |
| Release Date (NTSC-JPN): September 27, 1996 |
| Release Date (NTSC-JPN): July 1997 (Wave Race 64 – Shindō Pak Taiō Edition) |
| Release Date (PAL-EUR): April 29, 1997 |
| Release Date (PAL-CHN): November 18, 2003 (Shuǐ Shàng Mótuō (iQue)) |
| Nintendo Gateway System 1993 (1-player only) |
| Language Patch Available 🇺🇸 English (JPN) / 🇧🇷 Portuguese (USA) |
| Texture Pack Available (GlideN64 Format) |
| Genre: Racing |
| Players: 1–2 |
| Force Feedback: No Yes (Shindō Edition only) |
Game Description:
Wave Race 64 is a jet-ski racing game. The goal is to beat the other participants in the race by successfully navigating the jet-ski through courses marked by colored buoys. Red and yellow buoys must be passed on the right and left side, respectively, in order to gain speed and ensure advantage in the race. Failure to pass the buoys leads to speed loss and potential disqualification. Game modes include Warm-Up (training in Dolphin Park), Time Trials, Championship (multi-tier tournament), and Stunt Mode (point-based trick showcase). A two-player Versus mode is also available. Players can customize racer stats including grip, handling, acceleration, top speed, and collision stability.
This game was also available from The Nintendo Gateway System specialised for airlines and hotels. As part of a partnership between Nintendo and LodgeNet from late 1993 up until the late 2000s, about 40,000 airline seats and 955,000 hotel rooms featured a modified version of the game. LodgeNet partnered with Nintendo to bring video games directly into guest hotel rooms through streaming over the LodgeNet server, with the special LodgeNet controller plugging directly into the television or LodgeNet set-top box, transmitting the game over phone lines connected to a central game server. Pricing was usually $6.95 plus tax for 1 hour of video games. After 1 hour, the game would immediately stop and prompt the user to purchase more play time. Many games were modified for single-player play only.
Translations Available
Language: 🇺🇸 English
Wave Race 64 (Japan) has been fan-translated into American English by Zoinkity. The patch uses the .xdelta format and was released on 28 April 2025. This is Wave Race 64 (USA) (Rumble Edition), It takes the Wave Race 64 – Shindou Edition (J) (V1.2) version (The only one to support Rumble) and creates the very unique USA Rumble Edition! Patch details available at ROMHacking.net.
Language: 🇧🇷 Portuguese
Wave Race 64 (EUR) has been fan-translated into Portuguese by byftr. The patch uses the .xdelta format and was released on 29 July 2021. This is the complete Portuguese translation. Patch details available at ROMHacking.net.
Texture Packs Available
GlideN64 Format
Designed for use with GlideN64, The Dave‘s astonishing cell shaded re-texture of Wave Race 64. While incomplete, is truly astonishing. The pack can be found here: Wave race 64 (The Dave)
Video Playthrough by LongplayArchive