Capcom offered a demo CD based upon a beta build of the game as a pre-release promo. The entire build was on the disk, with a "time trial" style of gameplay lasting 45 minutes before exiting the game. A code was eventually worked out, utilizing a GameShark cheat device in order to disable the time trial demo's timer, enabling complete access to this earlier version. A list of notable differences compared to the retail release have been noted as a result, and Capcom would never release a time trial demo disc again.

An unused song can be found in the data for Dino Crisis 2's demo disc that, although being slightly rearranged, bears an uncanny resemblance to the "Ground Theme" from Super Mario Bros.