Super Mario 64 DS/VS Mode

VS mode is a multiplayer mode exclusive to the DS version of Super Mario 64. It allows up to four players to compete in battles to earn the most stars and coins. Players can also attack one another to force their opponents to drop stars as well as use power ups for aid.

To reach VS mode go to the main menu and select the orange VS icon on the left side of the screen. The DS will begin looking for other players. For VS mode, you only need one game card. The other players can use their Nintendo DS to download the game by going to DS Download Play from the DS main menu and the game will be found. They'll be different colored Yoshis (red, blue, and yellow). The person with the game card is Green Yoshi.

After everyone has tapped the "Touch to Start" button, the person with the game card, or the person who started the session, will decide which map to play on. Press to reach the controller settings. Press to reach sound options and toggle the backlight on or off.

VS mode maps can be played in single player mode to practice.

Caps
Caps are available in VS mode. Yoshis can transform into Mario, Luigi, or Wario. Each cap is specific to one of the characters. If a character picks up a different cap, then that character will transform into the one represented by the cap. A transformed character takes on all of the new character's abilities. If a transformed character gets hit by another player, the transformed character will return to its original form.

Characters
Each character has one or more special abilities in VS mode.

Mario
This allows him to jump from wall to wall in a small space, which is useful for climbing and evading enemies. Run towards a wall and press to leap into the air, then press  once more as Mario reaches the wall to jump off of it in the opposite direction. Pressing whenever Mario is near a surface will allow Mario to jump higher and higher as he bounces from one wall to the next.
 * Wall Kick

Luigi
Luigi has three moves.

Hold to run faster. Especially useful when trying to run away from nearby enemy players.
 * Scuttle

Press, then to do a backwards somersault. This can be used to quickly change direction. If someone is directly behind Luigi or running towards him, this will allow Luigi to roll through them safely.
 * Backward Somersault

Hold while running towards water. Jump on the water or fall onto it and Luigi will float for a bit before falling into the water.
 * Water Run

Wario
A VS mode exclusive ability, Wario can grab, spin, and throw enemies by approaching them and pressing to grab them. Then press the in a circle, over and over, to swing them. Press to let go when Wario is swinging them quickly to throw them really far.
 * Swing and Fling

Yoshis
Yoshis can use their tongue to swallow other players and spit them out. This damages them and knocks their star out. Press to swallow nearby players or objects. Press while holding things in Yoshi's mouth to force him to spit them out. Though they can't swallow transformed characters or characters with caps.
 * Swallowing

Courses
There are four courses to play in VS Mode.

Castle Grounds
In this course, there are some exclusive parts added in. When you go toward the 150 star cannon (see Castle Cannon, Roof, and Yoshi's Reward under Secrets), there is a staircase leading to an elevator (see Hazy Maze Cave) that will eventually lead to a power star. In addition, all the doors are blocked with red velvet rope. Also, there is a chain chomp bouncing across the front of the castle and there's a moving platform added to the lake, pond, and moat.

Sunshine Isles
This course is in Peach's Rec Room in the main adventure. In this version, there is a ! block with a feather in it that all characters can use. In addition to what is regularly there, the enemies have disappeared.

Princess' Secret Slide
The smallest level in this mode accessed in the character room. Stars here don't have star spheres and falling off causes players to return to the beginning of the slide. The end is the best place for attacking opponents.

Battle Fort
This course is hidden in the courtyard under the three brick blocks. In this version, all the enemies are removed, except the black rolling balls, but only Wario can destroy these. This stage also has yellow boxes containing feathers.