Best Nintendo 64 Games of All Time

The best Nintendo 64 games defined a generation of players and shaped modern gaming. Released in 1996, the N64 introduced 3D gameplay, four-controller ports, and iconic franchises that remain beloved today. From groundbreaking adventures to fierce multiplayer battles, this console delivered experiences that still hold up decades later. Whether someone grew up with the N64 or wants to discover its classics for the first time, certain titles stand above the rest. This guide covers the best Nintendo 64 games across every major genre, from action and adventure to racing, sports, and RPGs.

Legendary Adventure and Action Titles

The N64 excelled at adventure and action games. These titles pushed hardware limits and set standards that developers still follow.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time regularly tops lists of the best Nintendo 64 games, and for good reason. Link’s journey through Hyrule introduced Z-targeting, context-sensitive controls, and a time-travel mechanic that influenced countless games afterward. The dungeons remain clever, the music stays memorable, and the world feels alive even by modern standards.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask took a darker approach. Players had three in-game days to stop the moon from crashing into Termina. The repeating time loop created urgency and emotional depth rarely seen in games of that era. Masks transformed Link into different creatures, adding gameplay variety that kept the experience fresh.

GoldenEye 007 brought James Bond to life on the N64. This first-person shooter offered stealth options, destructible environments, and a campaign based on the 1995 film. But the multiplayer mode made GoldenEye a household name. Friends gathered around TVs for split-screen deathmatches that lasted entire weekends.

Banjo-Kazooie combined platforming with collect-a-thon gameplay. Rare created colorful worlds filled with puzzles, secrets, and humor. The bear-and-bird duo became instant mascots, and their adventure remains one of the best Nintendo 64 titles for fans of exploration and charm.

Must-Play Multiplayer Classics

The N64’s four controller ports made it the ultimate party console. Several games became essential for group play.

Super Smash Bros. launched a franchise that continues today. Nintendo characters battled on themed stages with simple controls that anyone could learn. Yet the game offered enough depth to keep competitive players engaged. Mario vs. Pikachu vs. Link vs. Samus became the ultimate crossover before crossovers were everywhere.

Mario Party turned board games into video games. Players competed in mini-games to collect stars and coins. Friendships were tested. Controllers were rotated until palms blistered. The chaos and competition created unforgettable nights for anyone who experienced them.

Perfect Dark expanded on GoldenEye’s formula. Rare added bots called Simulants, more weapons, and deeper customization options. The single-player campaign featured Joanna Dark as a secret agent with a compelling story. But multiplayer Combat Simulators kept players busy for hundreds of hours.

Mario Kart 64 brought racing to living rooms everywhere. Eight characters raced across sixteen tracks filled with items, shortcuts, and hazards. Battle Mode added arena combat with balloons. This title defined couch multiplayer for an entire generation and remains one of the best Nintendo 64 racing games.

Iconic Racing and Sports Games

Racing and sports games thrived on the N64. The console’s power handled smooth gameplay and competitive modes that kept players returning.

Diddy Kong Racing offered more than just races. An adventure mode featured boss battles, multiple vehicle types, and a hub world to explore. Players could race in cars, hovercrafts, or planes. This variety made Diddy Kong Racing stand out among the best Nintendo 64 games in its category.

Wave Race 64 showcased water physics that impressed at launch. Jet ski racing required players to navigate buoys while managing realistic wave patterns. The controls felt responsive, and the courses provided genuine challenge.

F-Zero X delivered blistering speed. Thirty vehicles raced simultaneously on gravity-defying tracks at 60 frames per second. The sense of velocity was unmatched. Death Race mode let players destroy opponents until only one remained, pure chaos in the best way.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s Slugfest brought arcade-style baseball to the console. Easy controls and fast gameplay made it accessible to casual fans. Meanwhile, Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey provided hockey action with hard hits and simple mechanics. Both games proved that sports titles could thrive on the N64.

Timeless RPGs and Platformers

The N64 library includes RPGs and platformers that defined 3D gaming. These games showed what the console could achieve.

Super Mario 64 changed everything. Mario’s first 3D adventure introduced analog stick controls, open-ended level design, and a camera system that became industry standard. Collecting Power Stars across Princess Peach’s castle felt revolutionary in 1996. It still feels satisfying today. This title alone justified the N64 purchase for millions of players.

Paper Mario blended RPG mechanics with platforming action. Mario teamed up with partners who added abilities in turn-based battles. The storybook visual style gave the game personality. Clever writing and engaging gameplay made Paper Mario one of the best Nintendo 64 RPGs available.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day targeted adult audiences with crude humor and movie parodies. Rare packed the game with varied gameplay styles, from shooters to racing to puzzle-solving. The production values were exceptional for the era.

Donkey Kong 64 offered massive worlds filled with collectibles. Five playable Kongs each had unique abilities. Some players found the collecting excessive, but the scale impressed. The final boss battle required all five characters working together, a fitting end to an ambitious game.