is here! Shop now, pay later in 4 easy installments
The Nintendo 64 was an extremely popular console, with more than 33 million sold between 1996 and its discontinuation in 2002. It didn’t quite capture the zeitgeist like the PlayStation, but there’s no question that it yielded a huge amount of classic games and imprinted itself on the collective unconscious of the gaming world in the process.
Below is our guide to the top 10 best N64 games ever released! How many did you own?
Top 10 N64 games of all time
- Mario Kart 64
- Super Mario 64
Mario’s leap from 2D to 3D was unparalleled at the time, defying those who believed it would never work — it remains one of the best 3D console games ever made. Whenever you’re making a list of the top 10 N64 games of all time, Super Mario 64 is always going to be a leading contender.
- GoldenEye 007
Everybody wants to play at being James Bond at some point in their life, which is one of the reasons GoldenEye 007 was such a hit in the N64 gaming community. With engaging covert missions to complete, and 12 3D interactive zones to navigate, we’re not surprised this title appears in our Top 10 best N64 games.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Often referred to simply as OoT by enthusiasts, this game earned a place in the hearts of many 90s gamers, thanks to its rich open-world design, an intuitive combat system and superb graphics that were quite advanced for their time. OoT was the title that introduced many 2D platform game players to a whole new gaming world: one that was immersive, engaging and endlessly entertaining.
- Banjo-Kazooie
Released in 1998, the action in Banjo-Kazooie takes place in Spiral Mountain, where the hero Banjo — and his friend Kazooie — must do whatever it takes to save his kidnapped sister. Abducted by a local witch, who wishes to steal her beauty, the only way to save the sister is to battle your way through the witch's lair, collecting various items along the way.
- Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong, in common with Super Mario Bros., was a very popular 2D platform collectathon game that was redeveloped for the 3D gaming environment made possible by the N64. It was Nintendo's top-selling game during the Christmas season following its release and has remained a firm favourite ever since. However, if you want to play this one on your N64 console, you’re going to need the memory expansion pack!
- Diddy Kong Racing
Even better than Mario Kart 64? Maybe! Fantastic graphics and gameplay — along with great audio — helped to make this title an instant hit when it was released in 1997. The introduction of vehicles beyond karts also added fascinating strategy to the gameplay experience, and additional longevity too.
- Shadow Man
Springing from the pages of Valiant Comics, Shadow Man was an occult-themed superhero whose dark and moody game gave life to the idea that the N64 wasn’t solely for kids. Equal parts violent, intriguing, and outright bizarre, it was a cult hit that continues to resonate with many gamers to this day — and arguably exceeds the popularity of its source material in the process.
- Conker’s Bad Fur Day
The Nintendo 64 introduced us to the foul-mouthed furry squirrel, which pissed off parents and delighted kids across the world. But beneath the fun, crude jokes and profanity, there was a surprisingly deep game — one that used Zelda-derived mechanics to create a title that was as immersive as it was hilarious.
- Super Smash Bros
One of the biggest, best and most unique titles for any gaming system ever. What started as a weird and unique take on the fighting game genre has since evolved into a huge, multi-franchise-spanning hallmark series. But this is where it all began, with Super Smash Bros. Highly recommended.
If you’ve got any suggestions that you think deserve to be on the Top 10 best N64 games list, why not get in touch?
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our range of N64 games and consoles! If you would like to relive those gaming memories today, you can find N64 consoles for sale on our website at very reasonable prices, along with various mods and parts for repairing older consoles. If you’re not sure about repairing it yourself, why not use our repair service? And last, but not least, we also have a great selection of top N64 games for sale and gift cards for the retro enthusiast in your life.
