The Nintendo 64 (N64) was the defining console of the late 1990s, introducing players to the world of 3D polygonal graphics. As gaming transitioned from 2D graphics to such immersive 3D environments, N64 and PlayStation were among the pioneer systems. So, if you’re looking to revive the nostalgia of some classic Nintendo titles, we are here for you. Dive in as we list out the best Nintendo 64 games that we love right here.
Best N64 Games to Play
While we are listing out the best N64 games for nostalgia below, you should know you can still play them. However, you will need a Nintendo Switch and a Switch Online subscription. There is also multiplayer available for some of these titles.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: April 27, 2000
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is the most unique and unforgettable title among the N64 games. This one is filled with eerie characters and an atmosphere filled with chaos and madness. Whether you’re completing a dungeon or racing against time to complete missions of Anju and Kafei, you’ll find all these tasks full of thrills.
In this game, you can connect yourself with Deku, Zora, and Goron, and feel the struggles of Termina’s inhabitants. So what are you waiting for, go ahead and try out this title right now.
2. Star Fox 64
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: April 27, 1997
The next title on our list is Star Fox 64, which was the first time gamers tasted force feedback on a console. Star Fox 64 was a massive production for Nintendo where you could experience intense dogfights, some thrilling multiplayer battles, and voiced dialogues.
While the main story could be completed quickly, the side missions provided several reasons to revisit this game.
3. GoldenEye 007
- Developer(s): Rare
- Release Date: August 23, 1997
GoldenEye 007 would easily be one of the topmost choices for Nintendo 64 enthusiasts. This title became so popular that people used to think of the game before the film once they heard the term GoldenEye.
This game was for a mature audience and used to be the COD of its time. When the popular kids of the town used to play on PlayStation, GoldenEye 007 was Nintendo’s main spotlight, with its legendary four-player deathmatch battles.
4. Perfect Dark
- Developer(s): Rare
- Release Date: May 22, 2000
After the GoldenEye 007 came out, Rare developed its successor called Perfect Dark. This was a completely unique FPS game that had pushed N64 to its limits. Gamers were introduced to the story’s protagonist Joanna Dark and they immediately fell in love with this character.
Perfect Dark featured a thrilling campaign with high-tech gadgets and a smooth multiplayer mode with AI-controlled bots. This was something no one had experienced before at that time. Even more than two decades later, we can say that Perfect Dark was one of the remarkable achievements and one of the best Nintendo 64 games.
5. Paper Mario
- Developer(s): Intelligent Systems
- Release Date: July 22, 2004
Next, we have Paper Mario on our list which is one of the best Nintendo 64 games for another reason. It was developed as a successor to the Super Mario RPG. This game has a turn-based battle system and keeps gamers engaged, as you must play at the correct moment to give your best shot.
Various characters, such as Goombario and Bombette, are important as well due to their acknowledgement stories and dialogues. Such side characters help bring depth to the game without letting Mario hog the spotlight. However, Nintendo’s most significant achievement was changing up Mario’s gameplay and art style and even letting us play as Princess Peach.
6. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
- Developer(s): Rare
- Release Date: March 5, 2001
Now, Conker’s Bad Fur Day might seem like an innocent game for kids with furry characters. However, its cover picture tells a different story. This one was rated M and was not something any child should be playing.
What felt like a light-hearted, kid-friendly game was more of a foul-mouthed, blood-soaked, and crude adventure. This game involves a squirrel going home from a bar and encountering various characters on his way. The humor is based on 90s pop culture, showcasing movie parodies and some popular references.
7. WWF No Mercy
- Developer(s): Asmik Ace Entertainment
- Release Date: November 17, 2000
WWF No Mercy is no doubt one of the best wrestling games on the N64. It remained one of the best for a long time due to its gameplay and the list of characters in it. You will surely enjoy this title even though more than 20 years have passed after its release.
8. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: September 19, 2000
Here we have a popular skating game called Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, one of the best entries of the Birdman games. Although it was first released on Playstation, the N64 version will still be worth your time due to its upgraded audio and the cartridge format. So if you’re an aspiring skater, this Nintendo 64 game is one of the best places to start.
9. Mario Kart 64
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: December 14, 1996
Coming up next is Mario Kart 64, a must-have title for all N64 owners. This is a fun cart race game with expansive circuits, obstacle courses, and a four-player multiplayer mode. Most N64 gamers might have had it at some point in their lives, and therefore, it is a must-try on this list.
10. Sin and Punishment
- Developer(s): Treasure
- Release Date: November 21, 2000
Sin and Punishment is another cult classic N64 game that gained popularity due to its developer’s fame. It is a third-person shooter that seems to resemble Kid Icarus’s gameplay. The game will have you blast your way through a thrilling campaign. Although it was exclusively made for the Japanese audience, you can enjoy the game in full English voice cast as well.
11. Super Mario 64
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: June 23, 1996
The best N64 game list is almost incomplete without mentioning Super Mario 64. This is a fun adventure game with secret missions and surprises at every corner. Besides being fun to play, Mario 64 solidified itself as one of the best games for world design and character movement for its time.
As a great 3D platformer with never seen before game mechanics, this title is still one of the best N64 games to try out.
12. F Zero X
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Release Date: July 14, 1998
F Zero X is the ultimate futuristic racing game, comparable with similar titles of the present age. The adrenaline rush you get while racing against opponents on these twisted tracks is unparalleled.
Although it’s been almost two decades since its release, this game still has the potential and might be revisited by Nintendo. However, do note that the game had a steep learning curve so even trying it in 2025 might become a task.
13. Banjo Kazooie
- Developer(s): Rare
- Release Date: June 29, 1998
Next up is Banjo Kazooie, a hilarious creation on the N64. The characters are quirky, and the game mechanics are whimsical, making it a perfect game for chilling with your friends. Banjo Kazooie is a sweet and challenging game, and if you feel that it’s not your type, maybe give it a try once and then decide for yourself.
14. Mario Party 3
- Developer(s): Hudson Soft
- Release Date: November 16, 2001
Mario Party 3 is best enjoyed when played with a group of friends. It consists of over 70 fresh and unique mini games that never give you a chance to complain about. Moreover, what sets this title apart from other Mario games is the dressing up of characters, thereby giving each of them unique personalities. So, if you haven’t tried this out yet, you’re missing out on a lot.
15. Diddy Kong Racing
- Developer(s): Rare
- Release Date: November 21, 1997
Finally, the last but also one of the best Nintendo 64 games on our list is Diddy Kong Racing. Several features in this game make it unique from other cart racing games. It has a single player campaign that lets you enjoy a unique adventure in an open world. Moreover, with the introduction of planes and hovercrafts, the circuit races are more exciting than any other cart races.
So, these are some of the best N64 games you must try out right now. Do you have any other games that deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
