RTA Guide/Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64 Console is the main platform on the official leaderboards.
Versions
There are 4 versions of Super Mario 64 that were released on the Nintendo 64.
NTSC-J
This is the first Japanese release. This version has a shorter intro cutscene, less text overall, and small differences in a few stages. it is faster for 1 Star, 16 Star, and 120 Star
NTSC-U
This is the North American release. Text boxes scroll faster and 15 star MIPS runs slower in this release. It is faster for 0 Star and 70 Star
PAL
This is the European/Australian release. It only runs at 25 fps, which makes it completely unsuitable for speedrunning.
NTSC-J Shindou Edition
This is the updated Japanese release that includes support for the Rumble Pak. This version has removed the ability to perform BLJs, so 0 star, 1 star and 16 star cannot be completed. It also longer loading times than NTSC-U and NTSC-J, and slightly less lag in some sections. This version is only faster in some single star records, but in a full game run it's best to be avoided.
Lag Reduction
The Nintendo 64 console often lags quite a bit while running Super Mario 64. Speedrunners use a myriad of techniques to reduce as much lag as possible while performing their movement. This mostly consists of turning the camera to face a specific way to reduce the workload of the N64 graphics processor.
You can find more information about Lag Reduction at the Usamune Project Lag Library. Lag Reduction tips are also sprinkled into the RTA Guides.
Buying Guide
The N64 buying guide covers everything you need to know to get set up to play on console, including information on game versions, platforms, TVs and monitors, and peripherals like input displays, Gamesharks and Everdrives.