Snowboard Kids (N64)

Game Overview

Before the N64 saw iterations of traditional snowboarding franchises, Snowboard Kids delivered a distinctly lighthearted and competitive take on winter sports. Players choose from a roster of energetic children—each with distinct handling stats—and race down imaginative, curving mountain tracks filled with half-pipes, ski lifts, vertical drops, and branching shortcuts.

Unlike standard racing titles, the gameplay revolves around financial strategy and offensive items. Scattered coins on the slopes must be collected to purchase items from stationary or moving vending machines. Players can buy snowballs, frying pans, rocks, and homing missiles to blast rivals out of first place just moments before crossing the finish line. Requiring precise cornering, mastery of snap-turns, and ruthless item management, it offers a deeply engaging multiplayer experience.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo 64

• Developer: Racdym

• Publisher: Atlus

• Release Date: January 30, 1998 (Japan), March 1998 (North America), May 1998 (Europe)

• Genre: Arcade Snowboarding / Kart Racing

• Modes: Single-player (Race, Time Attack), Multiplayer (up to 4 players)

• Peripheral Support: Nintendo 64 Controller Pak, Rumble Pak

Key Features

• Kart-Style Snowboarding Combat: Combine high-speed downhill racing with chaotic weapon attacks purchased using collected course cash.

• Distinct Mountain Courses: Race down varied tracks ranging from snowy alpine peaks and nighttime beginner slopes to suburban neighborhoods and castle grounds.

• Classic Character Roster: Play as an energetic lineup of kids, including Slash, Nancy, Shin, Jam, and Linda, each equipped with custom boards.

• Lift-Assisted Progression: Utilize automated ski lifts to return to the top of courses after completing downhill laps.

• Four-Player Couch Multiplayer: Compete against friends locally in split-screen races filled with frantic back-and-forth lead changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

How do you acquire weapons during a race?

Instead of hitting random item boxes on the track, players collect coins scattered across the snow and manually purchase offensive items from vending machines encountered along the descent.

Can you play multiplayer with friends?

Yes, the game features a local split-screen multiplayer mode supporting up to four players simultaneously using the N64 controller ports.

Is Snowboard Kids a realistic simulation?

No, the game is an arcade racer focused on fast-paced drifting, massive jumps, cartoon physics, and offensive weapon combat rather than realistic winter sports physics.

Does the game require a Controller Pak to save progress?

Yes, a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak is necessary to save single-player tournament progress, time-attack records, and user game profiles.