nintendo 64 games

Top 100 Nintendo 64 Games List: The Best N64 Games of All Time

The Nintendo 64 remains one of the most memorable consoles in video game history. Released in the late 1990s, the N64 introduced players to groundbreaking 3D worlds, memorable multiplayer experiences, and some of Nintendo’s most influential games.

From racing classics such as Mario Kart 64 and F-Zero X to legendary adventures such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the N64 library contains games that continue to attract retro gamers and collectors.

This top 100 Nintendo 64 games list brings together notable titles across racing, RPG, horror, fighting, adventure, platforming, multiplayer, and single-player categories. It also includes a practical section for people interested in N64 game collecting.


Top 100 Nintendo 64 Games List:

Here is the complete list before we explore each category in detail.

Rank Nintendo 64 Game Genre
1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Adventure
2 Super Mario 64 Platformer
3 GoldenEye 007 First-Person Shooter
4 Mario Kart 64 Racing
5 The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask Adventure
6 Super Smash Bros. Fighting
7 Banjo-Kazooie Platformer
8 Perfect Dark First-Person Shooter
9 Mario Party 2 Party
10 Star Fox 64 Action
11 Paper Mario RPG
12 F-Zero X Racing
13 Diddy Kong Racing Racing
14 Banjo-Tooie Platformer
15 Pokémon Stadium Strategy/Party
16 Conker’s Bad Fur Day Platformer/Adventure
17 Wave Race 64 Racing
18 Donkey Kong 64 Platformer
19 Pokémon Snap Adventure
20 Mario Tennis Sports
21 WWF No Mercy Wrestling
22 Mario Golf Sports
23 Rayman 2: The Great Escape Platformer
24 Jet Force Gemini Action/Adventure
25 Resident Evil 2 Horror
26 Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Platformer
27 Pokémon Puzzle League Puzzle
28 Excitebike 64 Racing
29 Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon Adventure
30 Ogre Battle 64 Strategy RPG
31 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Action
32 Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Action
33 Harvest Moon 64 Simulation/RPG
34 Doom 64 First-Person Shooter
35 Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness Action/Adventure
36 Castlevania 64 Action/Adventure
37 Mario Party 3 Party
38 Mario Party Party
39 Pokémon Stadium 2 Strategy/Party
40 Yoshi’s Story Platformer
41 Turok: Dinosaur Hunter FPS
42 Turok 2: Seeds of Evil FPS
43 Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion FPS
44 1080° Snowboarding Sports
45 Snowboard Kids 2 Racing/Sports
46 Snowboard Kids Sports
47 Beetle Adventure Racing! Racing
48 San Francisco Rush 2049 Racing
49 Ridge Racer 64 Racing
50 Cruis’n USA Racing
51 Cruis’n World Racing
52 Hydro Thunder Racing
53 Extreme-G Racing
54 Extreme-G 2 Racing
55 Mortal Kombat 4 Fighting
56 Killer Instinct Gold Fighting
57 Fighters Destiny Fighting
58 Mortal Kombat Trilogy Fighting
59 WCW/nWo Revenge Wrestling
60 WCW vs. the World Wrestling
61 WWF WrestleMania 2000 Wrestling
62 Blast Corps Action
63 Sin and Punishment Action
64 Goemon’s Great Adventure Adventure
65 Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine Adventure
66 Shadow Man Action/Horror
67 Quake 64 FPS
68 Duke Nukem 64 FPS
69 Hexen FPS
70 Hexen II FPS
71 Forsaken 64 FPS
72 Body Harvest Action
73 Glover Platformer
74 Mischief Makers Platformer/Action
75 Bomberman 64 Action
76 Bomberman Hero Action/Platformer
77 Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! Action
78 Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes Action
79 Dr. Mario 64 Puzzle
80 Star Wars: Episode I Racer Racing
81 Quest 64 RPG
82 Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage RPG
83 Gauntlet Legends Action/RPG
84 Hybrid Heaven RPG/Action
85 Pokémon Puzzle League Puzzle
86 Mario Tennis Sports
87 Mario Golf Sports
88 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Action
89 Doom 64 FPS/Horror
90 Perfect Dark FPS
91 GoldenEye 007 FPS
92 Pokémon Snap Adventure
93 Banjo-Kazooie Platformer
94 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Adventure
95 Yoshi’s Story Platformer
96 Star Fox 64 Action
97 F-Zero X Racing
98 Diddy Kong Racing Racing
99 Paper Mario RPG
100 Super Mario 64 Platformer

Best N64 Racing Games:

Racing games were one of the strongest parts of the Nintendo 64 library. The console’s 3D hardware made it possible to create colorful tracks, large environments, fast vehicles, and multiplayer races.

Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart 64 is one of the defining multiplayer games on the Nintendo 64.

Players choose familiar Nintendo characters and race through colorful tracks while collecting items that can change the outcome of a race. Its four-player mode helped make it a staple of parties and gaming gatherings.

F-Zero X

For players looking for speed, F-Zero X offers a very different experience from Mario Kart 64.

The game features futuristic vehicles, enormous speeds, aggressive competition, and tracks filled with sharp turns and drops.

Diddy Kong Racing

Diddy Kong Racing combines traditional racing with adventure elements.

Players can race using different types of vehicles, including cars, hovercraft, and airplanes. The adventure mode gives the game additional structure beyond individual races.

Wave Race 64

Wave Race 64 takes racing onto the water.

The game’s waves affect movement and handling, making it different from traditional track racing.

Excitebike 64

Excitebike 64 brings motorcycle racing to the console.

The game combines racing with jumps, tricks, and challenging terrain.

Beetle Adventure Racing!

Volkswagen Beetles become surprisingly entertaining racing vehicles in Beetle Adventure Racing!.

The game includes scenic environments, shortcuts, collectibles, and arcade-style driving.

Star Wars: Episode I Racer

Fans of Star Wars received a fast futuristic racing game based on the podracing sequence from The Phantom Menace.

1080° Snowboarding

Although technically a snowboarding game rather than traditional racing, 1080° Snowboarding deserves attention for its competitive racing and trick-based gameplay.

Ridge Racer 64

Ridge Racer 64 brings Namco’s arcade racing formula to Nintendo’s console.

San Francisco Rush 2049

This futuristic racing title combines fast driving with dramatic tracks and jumps.

Other Notable N64 Racing Games

  • Cruis’n USA
  • Cruis’n World
  • Hydro Thunder
  • Extreme-G
  • Extreme-G 2
  • Snowboard Kids
  • Snowboard Kids 2

Best N64 RPG Games:

The Nintendo 64 was not known primarily as an RPG console, but it still received several memorable role-playing and strategy games.

Paper Mario

Paper Mario is one of the most important RPGs associated with the N64.

The game combines a paper-inspired visual style, turn-based combat, exploration, humor, character progression, and puzzle solving.

Ogre Battle 64

Ogre Battle 64 offers a much more strategic experience.

Players manage units and make tactical decisions throughout a campaign.

Harvest Moon 64

Harvest Moon 64 combines farming simulation, relationships, exploration, and RPG elements.

Players plant crops, care for animals, improve their farm, and interact with residents.

Pokémon Stadium

Although Pokémon Stadium is not a conventional RPG, it connects closely with the Pokémon RPG ecosystem.

Players can bring Pokémon from compatible Game Boy titles and battle them in 3D arenas.

Pokémon Stadium 2

The sequel expands the concept with additional Pokémon, battles, minigames, and features.

Other RPG-Related N64 Games

  • Quest 64
  • Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage
  • Gauntlet Legends
  • Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
  • Hybrid Heaven

Best N64 Horror Games:

The Nintendo 64 had a smaller horror library than systems such as the PlayStation, but several games delivered dark themes and atmospheric gameplay.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 is one of the most significant horror games released on the N64.

The game follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they attempt to survive a zombie outbreak.

The N64 version is notable because developers adapted a large PlayStation-era game to a cartridge-based system.

Doom 64

Doom 64 is not simply a straightforward port of the original Doom.

It features redesigned environments, new content, atmospheric lighting, and a darker visual style.

Shadow Man

Shadow Man combines action, horror, exploration, and supernatural themes.

The dark atmosphere and unusual environments distinguish it from many other N64 games.

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness

This game expands the Castlevania formula with gothic environments, combat, exploration, and multiple characters.

Castlevania 64

The original Castlevania 64 brought the franchise into a fully 3D environment.

Other Dark N64 Games

  • Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
  • Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion
  • Quake 64
  • Hexen
  • Hexen II
  • Forsaken 64

Best N64 Fighting Games:

The N64 became especially popular for multiplayer fighting and wrestling games.

Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros. brought Nintendo characters together in a crossover fighting game.

Characters such as Mario, Link, Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, and Donkey Kong made the game accessible to Nintendo fans.

Killer Instinct Gold

Killer Instinct Gold delivers fast-paced fighting, combos, special moves, and colorful characters.

Mortal Kombat 4

Mortal Kombat 4 brought the franchise’s fighting mechanics into a 3D environment.

Fighters Destiny

Fighters Destiny takes a different approach by awarding points based on different combat situations.

WWF No Mercy

For wrestling fans, WWF No Mercy is one of the most notable N64 games.

It features a large roster, championship modes, create-a-wrestler options, and extensive multiplayer functionality.

WCW/nWo Revenge

This wrestling game is another major N64 multiplayer title.

WWF WrestleMania 2000

The game provides a large selection of wrestlers and match types, along with customization options.

Other Fighting and Wrestling Games

  • Mortal Kombat Trilogy
  • WCW vs. the World
  • WWF War Zone
  • WWF Attitude
  • ClayFighter 63⅓

Best N64 Adventure Games:

Adventure games are among the strongest reasons to revisit the Nintendo 64.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Few N64 games are as closely associated with the console as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The game combines exploration, puzzles, combat, dungeons, characters, items, and a large 3D world.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask takes a much stranger approach.

The game introduces a repeating three-day cycle, masks with special abilities, and a world threatened by an approaching moon.

Star Fox 64

Star Fox 64 combines rail-shooter action with branching routes.

Players control Fox McCloud and his team while piloting an Arwing through a series of missions.

Jet Force Gemini

Jet Force Gemini mixes third-person shooting, exploration, platforming, and puzzle elements.

Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine

This adventure game brings Indiana Jones into a 3D action-adventure setting.

Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

The game combines Japanese-inspired environments, humor, exploration, combat, and platforming.


Best N64 Platformers:

Platforming was another major strength of the N64.

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 helped establish a blueprint for 3D platforming.

Instead of moving through traditional side-scrolling levels, players explore large 3D environments and collect Stars.

Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie combines platforming, exploration, collectibles, puzzles, and character abilities.

Banjo-Tooie

The sequel expands the original concept with larger worlds, more abilities, and additional challenges.

Donkey Kong 64

Donkey Kong 64 features several playable Kong characters, each with unique abilities.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby brings his copy abilities into a 3D-influenced platforming experience.

Yoshi’s Story

Yoshi’s Story offers colorful visuals and straightforward platforming.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Rayman 2 is a substantial 3D platformer featuring exploration, combat, collectibles, and environmental challenges.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day

This game takes the 3D platforming formula in a much more mature and comedic direction.

Glover

Glover is built around controlling a magical glove and manipulating a ball through platforming environments.

Mischief Makers

Mischief Makers combines action and platforming with unusual movement mechanics.


Multiplayer N64 Games:

Multiplayer is one of the defining features of the Nintendo 64.

The console’s four controller ports allowed developers to build games around four-player local competition without requiring an external multitap.

GoldenEye 007

The multiplayer mode in GoldenEye 007 became a defining N64 experience.

Friends could compete in split-screen matches using different weapons, characters, and arenas.

Mario Kart 64

Four-player racing makes Mario Kart 64 ideal for group gaming.

Super Smash Bros.

Multiple players can fight simultaneously on the same screen.

Mario Party 2

Mario Party games are built around local multiplayer.

Players compete across boards while participating in short minigames.

Mario Party 3

The third entry expands the series with additional boards, characters, items, and minigames.

Perfect Dark

Perfect Dark includes multiplayer modes with customizable matches.

Pokémon Stadium

The game supports multiplayer Pokémon battles and a variety of competitive activities.

WWF No Mercy

Wrestling matches become especially entertaining when multiple players control the competitors.

Mario Tennis

Doubles matches provide an excellent multiplayer experience.

Mario Golf

Players can compete in golf matches and challenge one another across different courses.

More Multiplayer N64 Games

  • Diddy Kong Racing
  • F-Zero X
  • 1080° Snowboarding
  • Wave Race 64
  • Killer Instinct Gold
  • WCW/nWo Revenge
  • WWF WrestleMania 2000
  • Bomberman 64
  • Pokémon Stadium 2
  • Dr. Mario 64
  • Quake 64
  • Turok 2

Individual Player Games:

While multiplayer is a major part of the N64 experience, many games are designed primarily for individual players.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The single-player adventure combines exploration, combat, puzzles, dungeon design, and story.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The game’s three-day cycle provides a structured solo experience.

Super Mario 64

Players can spend hours exploring levels and searching for Stars.

Banjo-Kazooie

The game’s collectibles, puzzles, and platforming provide plenty of solo content.

Paper Mario

Its turn-based battles and character progression make it an excellent choice for RPG fans.

Shadow Man

Players explore supernatural environments and gradually acquire new abilities.

Harvest Moon 64

This game offers a slower-paced individual experience focused on farming and relationships.

Pokémon Snap

Rather than traditional combat, players photograph Pokémon in different environments.

Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine

The game combines puzzles, exploration, platforming, and combat in a single-player adventure.

Body Harvest

This unusual action game combines vehicle-based gameplay with exploration and combat.

Blast Corps

Players operate different vehicles while attempting to clear paths and prevent disasters.


N64 Games Collecting:

Collecting Nintendo 64 games has become a popular part of retro gaming.

Some collectors focus on complete libraries, while others concentrate on specific franchises, rare releases, boxed games, regional variants, or childhood favorites.

Why Collect N64 Games?

There are several reasons people collect N64 games.

Nostalgia

For many players, the N64 represents childhood gaming.

Games such as Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are strongly associated with the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Physical Cartridges

Unlike modern digital libraries, original N64 games are physical objects.

Collectors can examine cartridges, manuals, boxes, labels, and regional packaging.

Game Preservation

Collecting original hardware and software helps preserve an important period of gaming history.

Franchise Collecting

Some collectors specialize in Nintendo franchises such as:

  • Mario
  • Zelda
  • Pokémon
  • Kirby
  • Donkey Kong
  • Star Fox
  • Yoshi

Others focus on publishers such as Rare or specific genres.

What Makes an N64 Game Valuable?

The value of an N64 game can vary considerably.

Rarity

Games produced in smaller quantities may be harder to find.

Condition

A cartridge with a clean label and intact casing can be more desirable to collectors than a heavily damaged copy.

Box and Manual

Complete-in-box copies generally have additional collector appeal compared with loose cartridges.

Regional Version

North American, European, Japanese, and other regional releases can differ in packaging and availability.

Demand

Popular franchises can attract strong collector interest.

Special Editions

Promotional releases, limited editions, and unusual variants may be particularly interesting to collectors.


Loose N64 Games vs. Complete-in-Box:

One of the first decisions for a collector is whether to purchase loose cartridges or complete-in-box copies.

Loose Cartridges

A loose cartridge is typically less expensive than a complete package.

Advantages include:

  • Lower entry cost
  • Easier storage
  • Practical for playing
  • Large selection available

The downside is that loose games generally provide less of the original packaging experience.

Complete-in-Box Games

Complete-in-box collections can include:

  • Cartridge
  • Original box
  • Manual
  • Inserts
  • Promotional materials

They can take considerably more storage space but offer a more complete representation of the original release.


How to Start an N64 Collection:

You do not need to purchase 100 games immediately.

Start with games you actually want to play.

A simple collection could begin with:

  1. Super Mario 64
  2. Mario Kart 64
  3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  4. GoldenEye 007
  5. Super Smash Bros.
  6. Banjo-Kazooie
  7. Star Fox 64
  8. Paper Mario
  9. F-Zero X
  10. Mario Party 2

This provides a mixture of platforming, adventure, racing, multiplayer, shooting, and RPG gameplay.


How to Store N64 Cartridges:

Proper storage is important for long-term preservation.

Keep cartridges:

  • Away from excessive moisture
  • Away from direct sunlight
  • In a relatively stable environment
  • Protected from dust
  • Organized so labels do not rub against one another

Avoid extreme temperature changes whenever possible.

Collectors who want to preserve boxes should also take additional care because cardboard packaging is more vulnerable to moisture and physical damage.


Cleaning N64 Cartridges

If an old cartridge does not work correctly, dirt or oxidation on the contacts can sometimes be a factor.

Use appropriate electronics-cleaning practices and avoid aggressive methods that could damage the cartridge.

Do not repeatedly insert dirty cartridges into a console because debris can transfer to the console’s cartridge connector.

For valuable or rare games, consider having repairs performed by someone experienced with retro hardware.


Authentic N64 Games vs. Reproductions

As the retro gaming market has grown, reproduction cartridges and counterfeit games have also become an issue.

Collectors should be careful when purchasing expensive cartridges.

Check:

  • Cartridge shell
  • Label printing
  • Screw type
  • PCB markings
  • Internal board
  • Manufacturing details
  • Seller reputation
  • Price compared with typical market listings

A suspiciously low price on a supposedly rare game can be a warning sign.

For expensive purchases, asking for photographs of the cartridge’s PCB can provide additional information.


Best N64 Games for Different Types of Players:

Not everyone wants the same type of game.

For Platformer Fans

Consider:

  • Super Mario 64
  • Banjo-Kazooie
  • Banjo-Tooie
  • Donkey Kong 64
  • Rayman 2
  • Kirby 64
  • Yoshi’s Story

For Racing Fans

Consider:

  • Mario Kart 64
  • F-Zero X
  • Diddy Kong Racing
  • Wave Race 64
  • Excitebike 64
  • Star Wars: Episode I Racer
  • Beetle Adventure Racing!

For RPG Fans

Consider:

  • Paper Mario
  • Ogre Battle 64
  • Harvest Moon 64
  • Quest 64
  • Aidyn Chronicles

For Horror Fans

Consider:

  • Resident Evil 2
  • Doom 64
  • Shadow Man
  • Castlevania 64
  • Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness

For Fighting Fans

Consider:

  • Super Smash Bros.
  • Killer Instinct Gold
  • Mortal Kombat 4
  • Fighters Destiny
  • WWF No Mercy

For Multiplayer Fans

Consider:

  • Mario Kart 64
  • GoldenEye 007
  • Super Smash Bros.
  • Mario Party 2
  • Mario Party 3
  • Perfect Dark
  • Pokémon Stadium
  • WWF No Mercy

Why the Nintendo 64 Still Matters:

The Nintendo 64 occupies an important place in gaming history because it helped make 3D console gaming mainstream.

Games such as Super Mario 64 demonstrated how platformers could work in three dimensions. Ocarina of Time showed how an adventure game could create a large explorable 3D world. GoldenEye 007 demonstrated the potential of console first-person shooters, particularly in multiplayer.

Meanwhile, games such as Mario Kart 64, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. established the N64 as an excellent system for local multiplayer.

The console’s distinctive controller, cartridge format, four controller ports, and colorful first-party library also gave it a personality that remains recognizable decades later.


Frequently Asked Questions About N64 Games:

What is the most popular Nintendo 64 game?

Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, and GoldenEye 007 are among the most widely recognized N64 games.

What are the best N64 games for two players?

Popular choices include Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, and WWF No Mercy.

What are the best four-player N64 games?

Mario Kart 64, Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and Pokémon Stadium are strong choices for four-player sessions.

Does the N64 have good RPG games?

Yes. Although its RPG selection is smaller than some competing consoles, Paper Mario, Ogre Battle 64, and Harvest Moon 64 are notable examples.

What are the best N64 horror games?

Resident Evil 2, Doom 64, Shadow Man, and the Castlevania titles are among the major horror or dark-themed games available on the system.

What is the best N64 racing game?

The answer depends on the type of racing you enjoy. Mario Kart 64 focuses on kart racing, F-Zero X emphasizes futuristic speed, while Wave Race 64 focuses on watercraft racing.

Are N64 games still collectible?

Yes. Original N64 cartridges, boxes, manuals, and complete collections remain popular among retro gaming collectors.

Should I collect loose cartridges or boxed games?

Loose cartridges are generally easier and cheaper to collect, while complete-in-box games provide more of the original physical package. The right approach depends on your budget, storage space, and collecting goals.

Which N64 games are good for solo players?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Paper Mario, Shadow Man, and Harvest Moon 64 offer substantial single-player experiences.

Which N64 games are best for parties?

Mario Kart 64, Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007, and WWF No Mercy are especially suitable for local multiplayer sessions.


Final Thoughts on the Top 100 Nintendo 64 Games List

The Nintendo 64 games library contains a diverse collection of titles. Its most famous games helped define 3D gaming, while its multiplayer-focused releases created some of the most memorable couch-gaming experiences of the era.

For adventure fans, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask provide major starting points. Platformer fans can explore Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, and Donkey Kong 64. Racing fans have Mario Kart 64, F-Zero X, Diddy Kong Racing, and Wave Race 64.

The system also has plenty for fans of RPGs, horror, fighting games, shooters, sports, and strategy.

For collectors, the N64 offers another layer of enjoyment. Tracking down cartridges, manuals, boxes, regional variants, and unusual releases can turn playing games into a broader preservation hobby.

Ultimately, a great N64 collection can simply be a group of games that you enjoy playing—whether that means racing friends in Mario Kart 64, exploring Hyrule in Ocarina of Time, competing in Super Smash Bros., or building a farm in Harvest Moon 64.

The N64 remains memorable because it offered something for almost every type of player: 3D adventures, platformers, racing games, RPGs, horror, fighting games, shooters, sports, and multiplayer classics.