Highlights

  • The N64 introduced Nintendo games to the modern era, giving 3D makeovers to iconic characters like Mario, Link, and Donkey Kong.
  • The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass makes N64 games more accessible, allowing players to enjoy beloved titles like GoldenEye 007 and Banjo Kazooie on the go.
  • The best N64 games are ranked based on how well their controls and gameplay have aged, with bonus points for creativity and uniqueness. Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros, and Pokemon Snap are among the standout titles.

Throughout the '90s, the N64 brought friends together and simultaneously pitted them against each other. This iconic system introduced Nintendo games to the modern era, giving 3D makeovers to some of the company's most legendary characters, including Mario, Link, and Donkey Kong.

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The classics of classics.

Plenty of outstanding titles are available for the system, but only a few have stood the test of time to be considered the best N64 games. Sure, the PlayStation 1 has some fantastic games and a better graphics processor, but there’s something magical about the N64, which is why its games have remained as popular as ever.

Updated November 16, 2023, By PJ Molloy: Thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass, the N64 library is more accessible than ever. With the Nintendo 64 app, you can bring your favorite childhood games on the go or experience these beloved titles for the first time. Legendary N64 games like GoldenEye 007 and Banjo Kazooie triumphantly return to Nintendo consoles after decades of absence. You can even play multiplayer games online with your friends, like Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party 2. With so many new ways to play these classics, it begs the question: which N64 games hold up the best? And what are the best N64 games?

These games are ranked based on how well the controls and gameplay have aged. Bonus points for creativity and uniqueness.

15 Mario Kart 64

Ruining Friendships Since 1996

Mario Kart 64 - Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, and Bowser racing down the road

Genre

Racing

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Mario Kart 64 is a legendary racing game for a good reason. It introduces some of the greatest tracks in the Mario Kart series, including Choco Mountain, Yoshi Valley, and Kalamari Desert. Not to mention, the battle mode is a blast to play with friends, making this game phenomenal for multiplayer.

Who can forget being in first place, about to cross the finish line, only to get hit by the dreaded blue shell? There's plenty of chaotic fun to be had, plus the shortcuts hidden across the stages provide a satisfying element of skill. The controls haven't aged gracefully, but the creative tracks and fun gameplay make Mario Kart 64 worth playing.

14 Super Smash Bros

The Start Of An Iconic Fighting Series

Super Smash Bros (N64) - Mario fighting Kirby

Genre

Fighting

Developer

HAL Laboratory

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

No

Super Smash Bros was unlike any fighting game that came before it. The most iconic Nintendo characters of the '90s duke it out in legendary locations like Hyrule Castle and atop the Great Fox. This title paved the way for future platform fighters and is still a joy to play.

What makes Smash 64 stand out from modern entries are the minigames, each containing character-specific levels that make use of the fighters' unique attributes. The diverse roster, imaginative stages, and delightfully cartoonish combat ensure Super Smash Bros is an outstanding N64 game.

13 Pokemon Snap

The Coziest N64 Game

Pokemon Snap - Pikachu posing for a picture

Genre

On-Rails Shooter, Photography

Developer

HAL Laboratory

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

The first Pokemon game for the N64 is a bit of an enigma since it doesn't feature Pokemon battles or any RPG elements. Pokemon Snap has you traveling on rails through scenic areas to observe and photograph Pokemon in their natural habitats. The result is the most relaxing game on the N64.

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There's something calming about exploring the island, watching the Pokemon's adorable and comedic interactions, and trying to capture the best moments on camera. As the game progresses, you unlock new tools to take better photos and more areas to explore. It's the best N64 game to help you unwind after a long day.

12 GoldenEye 007

A Must-Play Multiplayer N64 Game

Goldeneye 007 - James Bond being followed by a sniper

Genre

First-Person Shooter

Developer

Rare

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

It's hard to overstate the importance GoldenEye 007 had for the N64 and first-person shooters. This James Bond adventure is iconic for its smooth gameplay that requires stealth and strategy to complete missions. The levels design knocks it out of the park, producing stellar maps based on locations from the movie.

The best part about GoldenEye is its multiplayer mode, where four people battle it out in a fierce deathmatch. There are several settings to choose from, each providing a fun twist to crank up the heat. It should be noted that the controls feel clunky by today's standards. Despite that, GoldenEye is a solid FPS and one of the best multiplayer N64 games.

11 Mario Party 3

The Best N64 Mario Party Game

Mario Party 3 - Mario, Luigi, Peach, Wario, Donkey Kong, Peach, Yoshi, and Tumble standing in front of Peach's castle

Genre

Party

Developer

Hundson Soft

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Mario Party 3 is the pinnacle of the N64 Mario Party trilogy and the perfect choice for your next game night. Unlike Mario Party 2, the third entry has an entirely new selection of minigames and the option to play as Daisy and Waluigi. As the cherry on top, the game offers a diverse catalog of boards, each with a fun twist to make them unique.

The biggest addition is the new Duel mode, where you and a friend build teams of Mario enemies to battle each other — similar to Pokemon in a way. Mario Party 3 offers endless surprises and fun, showcasing the phenomenal multiplayer action that makes the N64 special.

10 Resident Evil 2

The Most Impressive N64 Game

Resident Evil 2 - Leon Kennedy hiding in a shop to escape zombies

Genre

Survival Horror

Developer

Capcom

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

No

The fact that Resident Evil 2, a game that took up two discs on the PlayStation 1, runs on a single N64 cartridge with new content is mind-blowing. This legendary horror game follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse by solving puzzles, managing scarce resources, and avoiding the pursuit of the terrifying seven-foot-tall zombie Mr. X.

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The cutscenes are very compressed, but the controls and gameplay are fully intact, and the scares are as frightening as ever. The N64 version adds more costumes, the ability to change the blood color, and a new mode that randomizes items. Resident Evil 2 is the most impressive N64 game and one of the greatest ports ever.

9 F-Zero X

A Fast-Paced, Action-Packed Racer

F-Zero X - Captain Falcon racing through Mute City

Genre

Racing

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Imagine you're zooming down a futuristic racing track upside down at 450 miles per hour while 29 people try to run you off the road. Welcome to F-Zero X, an adrenaline-pumping sci-fi racer that encourages you to drive as fast and aggressively as possible.

F-Zero X is non-stop chaotic fun, requiring you to zoom into first place while maintaining your health bar. You can attack your opponents to reduce the competition or sacrifice some of your health for a burst of speed. Every race is a risk-versus-reward battle for survival, making F-Zero X the best N64 game for fast-paced action.

8 Paper Mario

An Endlessly Charming RPG

Paper Mario - Mario and Peach preparing to fight Bowser and Kammy

Genre

RPG

Developer

Intelligent Systems

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Paper Mario is one of the most charming and unique role-playing games of the '90s, thanks to its endearing storybook art style and engaging turn-based combat system. The battles constantly keep you enthralled with action commands, allowing you to deal extra damage if you hit a certain button at the correct time.

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This delightful RPG has some of the best humor and world-building in the Mario series, breathing new life into the Mushroom Kingdom with fascinating lore and memorable characters. Paper Mario's combat, exploration, and story hold up remarkably well, making it perfect for both new fans and RPG veterans.

7 Star Fox 64

"Do A Barrel Roll!"

Star Fox 64 - Fox, Falco, Peppy and Slippy running through the Great Fox

Genre

On-Rails Shooter

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

If you're looking for an arcade-style on-rails shooter, there's no better choice than Star Fox 64. You play as Fox McCloud, a hot-shot bounty hunter who travels across the galaxy to end a gruesome war. With several branching paths that lead to different levels and endings, this game's replay value is the best on the N64.

Star Fox 64 perfectly balances fast-paced on-rails levels and exploration-based all-range dogfights where you're free to go wherever you like. The delightfully cheesy voice acting and action-packed space battles nail the feeling of stepping into a '90s sci-fi thriller. This game is the best in the Star Fox series and unrivaled in its level design.

6 Perfect Dark

The Best N64 First-Person Shooter

Perfect Dark - Joanna Dark breaking into a lab

Genre

First-Person Shooter

Developer

Rare

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

No

While GoldenEye is the more famous game, its spiritual successor, Perfect Dark, improves the format while maintaining everything that made the James Bond title iconic. In this sci-fi shooter, you play as special agent Joanna Dark as she unravels a shocking conspiracy involving aliens and a major corporation.

Perfect Dark's gameplay is similar to GoldenEye, with some exciting new additions, including a co-op mode, better AI, and significantly more content. The frame rate struggles in certain areas, but it's never bad enough to hinder the game. If you like GoldenEye, give Perfect Dark a shot.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

A Stunning, Time-Bending Adventure

The Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time - Link holding his sword in Kokiri Forest

Genre

Action-Adventure

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely considered one of the best games ever made, and it's easy to see why. The adventure tells an epic, twist-heavy fantasy story about Link's first encounter with Ganon. To save the world, Link must travel across labyrinthian woods, terrifying catacombs, and even through time.

Each part of Hyrule is brimming with charm, imagination, and personality, making the world feel exciting to explore. The challenging dungeons and satisfying puzzles perfectly evoke the feeling of going on a perilous journey, and it's all accompanied by a jaw-droppingly gorgeous soundtrack. Ocarina of Time set the standard for 3D Zelda titles and remains a must-play Nintendo game.

4 Super Mario 64

A Legendary Jump Into 3D

Super Mario 64 - Mario standing in Peach's Castle

Genre

Platformer

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Super Mario 64 defined what a 3D game should be, and it's still a joy to revisit. The game's sandbox worlds feel like big playgrounds filled with fun ideas, secrets, and unique platforming challenges. The liberation of exploring, wall-jumping, and flying to find every last hidden goodie feels exhilarating to this day.

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The camera is stiff by today's standards, but it doesn't ruin the magic at the game's core. Mario is fun to control, and his moveset is so versatile that there are often multiple ways to complete objectives, allowing your skills and imagination to decide how you want to play. If you're a fan of 3D platformers, you need to try Super Mario 64 at least once.

3 Diddy Kong Racing

The Best N64 Racing Game

Diddy Kong Racing - Diddy, Timber, and Pipsy in their vehicles

Genre

Racing

Developer

Rare

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

No

Diddy Kong Racing has aged beautifully, thanks to its tight controls, exceptional tracks, and boundless charm. This game stands out from other N64 racers due to its fully explorable overworld, challenging boss fights, endearing characters, and plenty of secrets to find during and outside races.

On top of traditional kart racing, you can take to the skies in an airplane or zoom through violent waters in a hovercraft, ensuring the gameplay feels fresh and engaging from start to finish. With so much memorable content and variety, Diddy Kong Racing runs circles around the other N64 racers. Eat your heart out, Mario Kart.

2 Banjo Kazooie

A Must-Play N64 Platformer

Banjo Kazooie - Banjo, Kazooie, and Mumbo Jumbo playing a song

Genre

Platformer, Collect-A-Thon

Developer

Rare

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

If you like 3D collect-a-thons, Banjo Kazooie is right up your alley. Created by the minds behind Donkey Kong Country, this quirky platformer offers many unique sandbox worlds, plenty of secrets, and an endlessly silly cast that beautifully showcases Rare's sarcastic yet goofy humor.

Exploring and platforming through each world is fun and satisfying, thanks to the excellent controls and plethora of items to collect. To top it all off, the soundtrack is pure bliss and provides catchy tunes one after the other. Banjo Kazooie holds up incredibly well and is easily one of the best games by Rare.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask

The Best N64 Game

The Legend Of Zelda Majora's Mask - Skull Kid looking at the moon in Clock Town-1

Genre

Action-Adventure

Developer

Nintendo

Available On Nintendo Switch Online

Yes

Majora's Mask is the most unique Zelda game ever made, with a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story about life and death. When the moon is about to crash into the planet, Link must travel through time and relive the same three days to find a way to stop the impending apocalypse.

Link travels across the land of Termina, collecting masks that grant him new abilities or transform him into different creatures. The side quests are the best in the series, providing emotional stories about the residents of Clock Town that make the world feel more alive than any other N64 game. Majora's Mask is not just a game; it's a thought-provoking journey that everyone should experience.

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