An enduring classic, the Nintendo 64 was first introduced around 26 years ago and continues to exert its tremendous influence on gaming.

In fact, several game consoles have adopted many innovative features of the N64, including their own versions of the ‘Rumble Pak’ vibration feature that slotted into the bottom of the N64 controller. The N64 also created the revolutionary thumb-stick, now an absolute staple for 3D games.

But, of course, the main source of gamer enjoyment remains the various Nintendo 64 games released during that time. If you’re currently on a hunt for the best N64 games, you can use the following information as your guide.

Factors to consider when choosing must-have classic Nintendo 64 games

It’s crucial to outline the criteria for finding the best N64 games to adequately explain why some make the cut and others don’t.

Don’t forget to consider the following elements in making your final list of must-have classic Nintendo 64 games:

  • Historical significance
  • How well the game played and looked at the time of its release
  • Level of difficulty or whether it was challenging enough to keep you engaged

Based on the above criteria, the games at the top of this ranking have the best balance of the three factors. Games that rank a little lower or passed over may be excellent in one of these elements but fall short in others.

So, which should make it on your list of best N64 games?

Finding the right games to include is no mean feat, and you may not agree with choices that aren’t your own. However, there’s widespread consensus that no Nintendo 64 popular game collection would be complete without including the following:

  • Conker’s Bad Fur Day
  • Mario Party
  • Mario Golf
  • Perfect Dark
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • Pilotwings 64
  • Paper Mario
  • Pokemon Stadium
  • Pokemon Snap
  • Mario Kart 64
  • Star Fox 64
  • Super Mario 64
  • Donkey Kong 64
  • Goldeneye 007
  • Star Wars – Rogue Squadron
  • Banjo-Kazooie
  • Super Smash Bros.

Our ultra-favourite from this list is Super Mario 64.

In this game, you can take on the role of the titular character — the brave plumber Mario — and defeat the evil Bowser! In Super Mario 64, you can gather a variety of unconventional power-ups to assist you. You can also use your special caps to fly, transform into invincible metal, or become invisible to save Princess Peach!

Super Mario 64 raised the bar for 3D platforming design and created a new standard in gaming. The game features 120 levels and other fun side mini-games, like collecting rabbits.

You can add several more to this list of popular Nintendo 64 games. However, this list is an excellent place to start as you continue building up your collection of must-have classic Nintendo 64 games.

How do you find the best classic games for your N64 console?

Once you’ve got your list, the next crucial step is finding the best classic games for your Nintendo 64. Of course, going online is always convenient, but make sure to find retro gaming websites or shops that feature a sizeable collection of the games you want.

Websites that feature your favourite games and offer gaming consoles and accessories are preferable. You can go to these sites for help with repairs, servicing, and upgrades — whether it involves your Nintendo 64 or some other retro gaming product.

With Retro Sales, you’ll find the best range of games and buying advice. You can also check online forums to see if there are discussion threads about the best N64 games for some more gamer-centric advice.

Of course, you can always check social media platforms for groups or pages dedicated to retro gaming. In doing so, you can increase your chances of getting your hands on rare finds and perhaps even make friends with like-minded people.

Always read the fine print and consider the price — If you have time to make comparisons, even better. However, your happiness and satisfaction are what matter — wherever you may end up finding the best N64 games for your gaming console.

The benefits of playing classic games on your N64 console

What better way to bring your N64 console to life than by playing classic games alone, with family, or with gaming buddies?

Classic games bring a sense of nostalgia that never fails to bring back happy childhood memories — or create new ones. As you clear your mind of today’s stressors and focus on playing a game on your N64, the old familiar excitement is sure to creep in. You’ll recall the different stages or challenges you mastered during your child or teen gameplay and maybe even catch up on games you missed.

You might even find yourself initially flustered as you realise your dexterous old self has yet to make a comeback until your fingers rediscover familiar game controls and regain full control.

When you play classic games on your N64, you’ll see all your favourite heroes and villains come back to life on the screen. Those old feelings of admiration for your heroes, fear of villains, or a scene with a creepy vibe will all come to life, along with the thrill of conquering level after level of gameplay.

If you have kids, playing classic N64 games can also provide opportunities for you to bond together. They’ll appreciate how far gaming has come. Exposure to Nintendo 64 and other retro gaming systems might even encourage them to take up or continue gaming.

Why the classics are here to stay

People's fascination for the classics will always remain, whether it’s the Nintendo 64 or some other popular gaming console of previous decades. And it’s not just childhood memories or nostalgia that keeps people hooked on retro gaming.

There’s also the attraction to and appreciation for those early times when you could get lost in a Nintendo 64 game. It was considered a special escape, much like becoming engrossed in a physical board game.

So, make sure to browse through our classic video game collection, top gaming console products, and accessories.

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