If you grew up in the late ‘90s, the best N64 games probably defined your childhood. The Nintendo 64 was a console that changed gaming forever, bringing 3D worlds, unforgettable characters, and some of the most iconic N64 games ever created.
Even today, fans still debate the greatest N64 games and which ones truly deserve a spot among the top N64 games of all time. Whether you’re diving back into nostalgia or exploring for the first time, this list covers everything — from best multiplayer N64 games to hidden gems, rare titles, and more.
Top 10 Best N64 Games of All Time
If we’re talking about the best Nintendo 64 games, a few classics immediately come to mind. These aren’t just good N64 games — they’re gaming milestones.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Often crowned the greatest Nintendo 64 game, this masterpiece still defines adventure gaming. The dungeons, music, and story make it a must-play N64 game and one of the best N64 games ever.
In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, players follow Link, a young hero destined to stop the evil Ganondorf from conquering the kingdom of Hyrule. The story takes players through time—between Link’s childhood and adulthood—as he gathers mystical items, solves intricate dungeons, and awakens the Sages to restore peace. The emotional depth, epic quest, and time-travel twist make its story one of the most memorable in gaming history.
2. Super Mario 64
This was the platformer that redefined 3D gaming. It’s among the top-rated N64 games with endless replayability, fun levels, and one of the best story experiences in early 3D games.
In Super Mario 64, Mario receives a letter from Princess Peach inviting him to her castle, but upon arrival, he discovers that Bowser has taken over and trapped Peach inside magical paintings. Mario must jump into these enchanted worlds, collect Power Stars, and defeat Bowser’s minions to restore peace to the castle. It’s a simple yet charming story that perfectly complements the game’s groundbreaking 3D exploration and platforming adventure.
3. GoldenEye 007
One of the top shooter N64 games, GoldenEye brought FPS to consoles. Its multiplayer mode made it a legendary N64 game, still ranked among top FPS N64 titles.
In GoldenEye 007, players step into the role of James Bond, the iconic British secret agent. The story follows Bond as he tries to stop a criminal syndicate from using a powerful satellite weapon, GoldenEye, to destroy global financial systems. Set across varied missions—from Soviet facilities to tropical jungles—it combines stealth, action, and espionage. The game’s gripping spy narrative mirrors the movie’s plot while giving players the thrill of being 007.
4. Mario Kart 64
No list of best 64 games is complete without this classic. It’s one of the best racing N64 games, combining fun, chaos, and nostalgia.
In Mario Kart 64, Mario and his friends compete across colorful, wild racetracks set in the Mushroom Kingdom. There’s no deep story—just pure racing fun as characters like Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Yoshi battle for first place using shells, bananas, and lightning bolts. The charm lies in its playful competition, vibrant worlds, and the thrill of chaotic multiplayer races that defined party gaming on the N64.
5. Super Smash Bros.
The best fighting N64 game that launched a global franchise. Simple to learn, hard to master, and full of fun couch co-op moments.
In Super Smash Bros., Nintendo’s iconic heroes like Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Donkey Kong face off in fast-paced, chaotic battles across themed arenas. There’s no complex story—just the fun of seeing your favorite characters from different worlds clash in epic showdowns. The game’s mix of combat, items, and interactive stages made it an instant classic and the foundation for one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.
6. Banjo-Kazooie
One of the top platformer N64 games, full of charm, humor, and creative design — a great N64 game from Rare.
In Banjo-Kazooie, players follow Banjo, a friendly bear, and his wise-cracking bird companion Kazooie on a quest to rescue Banjo’s sister Tooty from the evil witch Gruntilda. To save her, they explore magical worlds, solve puzzles, and collect musical notes and jigsaw pieces called Jiggies. The story is filled with humor, colorful characters, and clever dialogue, making it one of the most memorable adventures on the Nintendo 64.
7. Donkey Kong 64
A massive collectathon and one of the longest N64 games ever. Perfect for fans of exploration and puzzle adventure N64 gameplay.
In Donkey Kong 64, the mighty Donkey Kong and his crew set out to stop the villainous King K. Rool, who plans to destroy DK Isles with a giant weapon called the Blast-O-Matic. Players switch between five unique Kongs—each with special abilities—to solve puzzles, collect golden bananas, and battle Kremlings across vast, colorful worlds. The story is lighthearted and fun, packed with humor and classic Nintendo adventure charm.
8. Paper Mario
One of the best RPGs N64 ever saw — clever writing, great art style, and still among the most replayable N64 games.
In Paper Mario, Mario sets off on a charming, storybook-style adventure to rescue Princess Peach and stop Bowser, who has stolen the Star Rod to make himself invincible. Along the way, Mario teams up with quirky paper companions, battles enemies in turn-based combat, and restores power to the Star Spirits. The game’s heartfelt story, humor, and unique paper-themed world make it one of the most beloved RPGs on the Nintendo 64.
9. Star Fox 64
A top 3D N64 game with voice acting, memorable missions, and iconic quotes. Definitely one of the best action N64 games.
In Star Fox 64, players lead Fox McCloud and his team—Falco, Peppy, and Slippy—as they pilot advanced Arwing ships to defend the Lylat System from the evil scientist Andross. The story unfolds through cinematic missions filled with dogfights, epic boss battles, and team banter that brings each character to life. With its branching paths and iconic quotes like “Do a barrel roll!”, it remains one of the most legendary action adventures on the N64.
10. Perfect Dark
Rare’s technical marvel — considered one of the best FPS N64 games, packed with features ahead of its time.
In Perfect Dark, players step into the role of Joanna Dark, a skilled secret agent working for the Carrington Institute. The story follows her mission to uncover a conspiracy involving rival corporations, government secrets, and even alien forces. Blending espionage, futuristic tech, and intense gunfights, the game delivers a gripping sci-fi narrative that pushed the limits of the N64 and set new standards for first-person shooters.
Best Multiplayer N64 Games
If you loved hanging out with friends, the top multiplayer N64 games defined your weekends.
From split-screen shooters to party games, these were the most fun N64 games ever made.
- Mario Kart 64 – Still one of the top four-player N64 games.
- Super Smash Bros. – The best party N64 game hands down.
- GoldenEye 007 – A classic local multiplayer N64 game that never gets old.
- Diddy Kong Racing – One of the best kart racing N64 games.
- Conker’s Bad Fur Day – A fun multiplayer N64 game with chaotic humor.
These top local multiplayer N64 games prove that the system was built for friends, fun, and chaos — pure retro magic.
Best Adventure & Action N64 Games
The best adventure N64 games combine creativity, exploration, and strong stories.
Titles like Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Shadow Man stand tall among top adventure N64 games for their world-building.
Action fans also got gems like Jet Force Gemini, Sin and Punishment, and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil — some of the best shooter N64 games with impressive gameplay depth.
If you’re after realistic N64 games, Resident Evil 2 is still a stunning port. Whether you prefer open-world N64 games like Ocarina of Time or best story mode N64 games like Paper Mario, the adventure lineup on N64 is elite.
Best Racing & Sports N64 Games
Speed and excitement were at the core of top sports N64 games.
You can’t forget Wave Race 64 and Excitebike 64, both of which remain fan-favorite N64 titles.
For best racing N64 games, here’s a quick highlight list:
- Mario Kart 64 – The top kart racing N64 game.
- Diddy Kong Racing – A fun N64 racing game with story mode.
- F-Zero X – A top speedrun N64 game for thrill-seekers.
- 1080° Snowboarding – A cool sports N64 game with great physics.
- NFL Blitz 2000 – Still one of the best sports titles N64 ever had.
Even N64 puzzle games like Wetrix and simulation N64 games such as Harvest Moon 64 added variety to the console’s lineup.
Best RPGs, Platformers & Hidden Gems
The N64 may not have had a ton of RPGs, but it had quality over quantity.
Paper Mario leads the top RPG N64 games, while Quest 64 and Ogre Battle 64 round out the list of underrated N64 games.
Platformers shined with Banjo-Kazooie, Rayman 2, and Donkey Kong 64 — all classic N64 games that shaped the genre.
If you’re hunting hidden gems, try Mischief Makers or Rocket: Robot on Wheels. They’re underrated classics N64 fans still talk about.
Rare & Collectible N64 Titles
The N64 has its share of rare and collectible games worth hunting down.
From limited edition N64 games like ClayFighter Sculptor’s Cut to rareware N64 games such as Conker’s Bad Fur Day, these titles are now valuable N64 games for collectors.
Some rarest N64 games even reach hundreds of dollars today. If you’re into hard-to-find N64 games or n64 hidden gems, Beetle Adventure Racing and Bomberman 64: The Second Attack are absolute treasures.
Nostalgic, Retro & Underrated N64 Games
Few consoles deliver nostalgia like the N64.
Games like Pokémon Stadium, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, and Yoshi’s Story are nostalgic N64 games that remind us why the console was magical.
The top retro N64 games and evergreen N64 games still hold up today — they’re most replayable N64 games that fans continue to love.
Whether you prefer classic 3D N64 games or best old N64 games, these titles are timeless.
Where to Play the Best N64 Games Today
You don’t need the original console to enjoy the best N64 titles anymore.
Thanks to Nintendo Switch Online, many N64 switch titles are now available in HD. You can also play through legal emulation or buy playable N64 games on re-released cartridges.
Fans looking for top emulated N64 games or n64 roms top games can find safe options via official sources.
Nintendo’s modern support keeps these best N64 games 2025-ready, proving that great design never dies.
“For more action-packed shooters like this, don’t miss our detailed review of Call of Duty: Black Ops (COD 7):
FAQ – Common Questions About N64 Classics
What is considered the best N64 game ever?
Most fans agree that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time tops every list of best N64 games of all time.
Can you still play N64 games on the Switch?
Yes! Through Nintendo Switch Online, you can enjoy N64 Switch Online games best picks like Mario Kart 64 and Star Fox 64.
Are N64 games still worth playing today?
Absolutely. Many n64 games still good today offer replay value, charm, and design depth unmatched even in modern gaming.
What’s the rarest Nintendo 64 game?
ClayFighter Sculptor’s Cut is one of the rarest N64 games, making it a top collectible for enthusiasts.
Which N64 games are best for beginners?
If you’re new, try easy N64 games like Mario 64, Kirby 64, or relaxing N64 games such as Animal Crossing (prototype) for a calm experience.
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