The best Nintendo 64 games shaped an entire generation of players. Released in 1996, the N64 introduced millions to 3D gaming and created memories that still resonate today. From groundbreaking adventures to legendary multiplayer battles, this console delivered experiences that hold up remarkably well.
Whether someone grew up with an N64 or wants to discover what the hype is about, these games deserve attention. This guide covers the best Nintendo 64 titles across genres, explains what made the console unique, and shows how players can enjoy these classics in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The best Nintendo 64 games like Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and GoldenEye 007 shaped 3D gaming and remain genuinely fun to play today.
- Four built-in controller ports made the N64 the ultimate couch multiplayer console, turning living rooms into competitive gaming arenas.
- Multiplayer classics like Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., and Perfect Dark defined a generation of social gaming experiences.
- In 2025, you can play N64 games through original hardware, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, emulation, or clone consoles like the Analogue 3D.
- First-party Nintendo studios and Rare produced an exclusive library of hits that competitors couldn’t match during the N64 era.
- Whether you prefer single-player adventures like Majora’s Mask or party games like Mario Party, the best Nintendo 64 catalog offers something for every type of gamer.
What Made the Nintendo 64 Special
The Nintendo 64 arrived during a pivotal moment in gaming history. It was Nintendo’s first true 3D console, and it changed how people thought about video games.
Three features set the N64 apart from competitors:
The Controller – That trident-shaped controller looked strange, but it worked. The analog stick gave players precise control in 3D environments. Games like Super Mario 64 wouldn’t have been possible without it.
Cartridge-Based Media – While Sony’s PlayStation used CDs, Nintendo stuck with cartridges. They loaded faster and were nearly indestructible. The trade-off? Less storage space meant developers had to get creative.
Four Controller Ports – This was huge. The N64 shipped with four built-in controller ports. No adapters needed. This simple decision turned living rooms into gaming arenas and made the best Nintendo 64 games social experiences.
The console also benefited from Nintendo’s first-party development talent. Studios like Rare produced hit after hit, giving the N64 an exclusive library that competitors couldn’t match.
Top Nintendo 64 Games Worth Playing Today
Some N64 games have aged better than others. These titles remain genuinely fun to play decades later.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Often called the greatest game ever made, Ocarina of Time set the template for 3D action-adventure games. Its dungeon design, combat system, and storytelling influenced countless titles that followed.
Super Mario 64 – This game defined 3D platforming. Mario’s jump into the third dimension felt revolutionary in 1996, and the level design still impresses today. It’s essential for anyone exploring the best Nintendo 64 catalog.
Paper Mario – An RPG that blended humor with clever turn-based combat. The paper-thin art style gave it a distinct look that spawned a beloved series.
Banjo-Kazooie – Rare’s collectathon platformer featured tight controls, memorable characters, and worlds packed with secrets. It stands alongside Mario 64 as a genre highlight.
Star Fox 64 – Fast-paced rail shooting with branching paths and quotable dialogue. “Do a barrel roll.” became a gaming meme for good reason.
These games represent the N64 at its finest. They showcase why the console earned its place in gaming history.
Multiplayer Classics That Defined a Generation
The best Nintendo 64 experiences often happened with friends crowded around a TV. Four-player split-screen created chaos, competition, and friendships tested by proximity mines.
GoldenEye 007 – This game proved that first-person shooters could work on consoles. License to kill mode. Slappers only. The facility level. These phrases still trigger nostalgia for millions of players. GoldenEye 007 remains one of the best Nintendo 64 multiplayer games ever released.
Mario Kart 64 – Rainbow Road. Banana peels on tight corners. Blue shells destroying friendships. Mario Kart 64 refined the kart racing formula and delivered endless replayability.
Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo’s mascots fighting each other sounded ridiculous. It worked brilliantly. The original Smash Bros. launched a franchise that dominates competitive gaming today.
Mario Party – Mini-games, board game mechanics, and stolen stars. Mario Party created a new genre and gave players legitimate reasons to yell at each other.
Perfect Dark – Rare followed GoldenEye with this spiritual successor. It added bots, more weapons, and a sci-fi setting. Many consider it the superior game.
These multiplayer titles explain why the N64 became synonymous with couch gaming. Nothing matched the energy of four players competing in the same room.
Single-Player Adventures You Shouldn’t Miss
Not every great N64 game required friends. Several single-player experiences offered deep, memorable journeys.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask – Darker and stranger than Ocarina of Time, this sequel used a three-day time loop to create tension and emotional depth. It’s one of the best Nintendo 64 games for players who want something different.
Donkey Kong 64 – Rare’s massive collectathon featured five playable characters and dozens of hours of content. It pushed the N64 hardware to its limits.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day – A platformer aimed squarely at adults. Crude humor, movie parodies, and surprisingly solid gameplay made it a cult classic.
F-Zero X – Thirty cars racing at 1000 km/h. This futuristic racer prioritized speed and tight controls over visual polish. It ran at a smooth 60 frames per second, rare for the N64.
Harvest Moon 64 – Farming simulation before it was cool. Players managed crops, raised animals, and built relationships in this addictive life sim.
These single-player games proved the N64 wasn’t just a multiplayer machine. It offered complete experiences for solo players too.
How to Play Nintendo 64 Games in 2025
Finding and playing the best Nintendo 64 games today requires some effort. Here are the main options:
Original Hardware – Used N64 consoles remain available through eBay, retro game stores, and local marketplaces. Expect to pay $80-150 for a working system. Cartridges vary wildly in price, common games cost $15-30, while rare titles can exceed $100.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – Nintendo offers many N64 classics through this subscription service. Games include Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64, and more. It’s the most convenient legal option.
Emulation – Emulators like Project64 and Mupen64Plus run N64 games on modern PCs. They offer improved graphics and save states. Players need ROM files of games they own.
Clone Consoles – Products like the Analogue 3D play original cartridges with modern features like HDMI output. These cost more but deliver an authentic experience on current TVs.
Each method has trade-offs. Original hardware offers authenticity but requires older TVs for the best picture. Emulation provides convenience but varies in accuracy. The Nintendo Switch Online route works well for casual players wanting to try the best Nintendo 64 games without hassle.
