Mario 64 on the N64 was build without -O2 flags. Maybe with -O0 or even -g. After a simple compiler switch, the speed skyrocketed.

And from what I understand, it’s not due to incompetence; rather, it’s due to not yet having confidence that those optimizers wouldn’t introduce bugs. The SDK and toolchain were very new; SM64’s development itself parallels that of the dev toolchain.

So, better safe than sorry, especially with a pack-in launch title.

Kaze, who did that 60FPS optimization, has commented on other videos about how the CPU isn't fully utilized anyways, so -O2 doesn't make too much a difference in most scenarios.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_gdOKSTaxM&lc=UgyhTG4Ol46Rr...

His comment, not the video.

Ah, TIL, thanks.