Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards N64 box art

Nintendo 64 · Platformer

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Certified classic

SystemNintendo 64
Released2000
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperHAL Laboratory
PublisherNintendo
Players1–4 players
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesKirby
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 21

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is a platformer released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo.

It landed about 4 years into the N64's life. Other notable N64 releases from 2000 include The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Paper Mario and Mario Party 3. Among the 34 N64 platformers in our database, it ranks #7 by legacy score.

It is part of the Kirby series. The series also appears on other systems with Kirby's Adventure (NES) and Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy). HAL Laboratory also made Super Smash Bros., Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Stadium for the N64.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards supports up to 4 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the N64's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards gameplay screenshot on N64
In-game screenshot (N64)

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards cheats & codes

38 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Enable Code (Must Be On)DE000400 0000
Activator 1 P1D0098AB4 0000
Activator 2 P1D0098AB5 0000
Dual Activator P1D1098AB4 0000
Infinite Lives800D6F4F 0009
Infinite Health810D6E50 40C0

See all Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards cheats

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

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Playing N64 games today

The N64 is at its best with friends on the couch: its library is packed with four-player party, racing and shooter games. Selected titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards FAQ

When did Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards come out on the N64?

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000.

Who made Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards?

It was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo.

Is Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards multiplayer?

Yes. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards supports up to 4 players.

How long does Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards take to play?

As a platformer, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you