The Best N64 Games of All Time
Richard WeissFor a certain generation of gamers, nothing beats the sight of a charcoal grey cartridge and the feel of a trident controller. The Nintendo 64 wasn't just a console; it was a revolution. It introduced the world to true 3D gaming and perfected the art of 4-player couch multiplayer.
Today, the N64 is one of the most collectible consoles on the market. Unlike modern discs, these cartridges are built like tanks—but finding them in good condition with authentic boards is becoming an art form.
At Chronic Sports Cards, we specialize in verified, authentic retro games. In this guide, we are ranking the absolute essentials, the multiplayer party starters, and the rare "holy grails" that every serious collector needs on their shelf.
The Essentials (The "Must-Haves")
If you are just starting to rebuild your collection, these are the foundational titles. These are the games that defined the 64-bit era and consistently rank as the best N64 games of all time.
1. Super Mario 64
The game that taught us how to move in 3D. Super Mario 64 remains a masterpiece of platforming. Whether you are chasing 120 stars or just racing the penguin in Cool, Cool Mountain, owning a clean copy of this launch title is mandatory for any N64 owner.
Collector Tip: Look for the original "Red Label" release for the purest collection, though the "Player's Choice" (Yellow Label) version is just as fun to play.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Often cited as the greatest video game ever made. Ocarina of Time set the standard for action-adventure games with its "Z-Targeting" combat and epic open world (for the time).
Collector Tip: While the standard grey cart is the most common, the Gold Collector's Edition cartridge is the true showpiece. However, be careful—the gold paint is prone to chipping, so finding a mint condition copy is a real challenge.
3. GoldenEye 007
Before Halo or Call of Duty, there was GoldenEye. Rareware proved that First-Person Shooters could work on consoles. While the controls may feel dated to modern gamers, the nostalgia of playing "Slappers Only" in the Facility map is unmatched.
4. Star Fox 64
"Do a barrel roll!" This on-rails shooter is pure arcade perfection. With multiple paths to Venom and endless replayability, Star Fox 64 is one of those cartridges you can pop in for 30 minutes and have a blast. It was also the first game to use the Rumble Pak, changing immersion forever.
The Kings of Multiplayer (4-Player Hits)
The N64 had four controller ports for a reason. If you have friends coming over, these are the cartridges you need to have ready.
Super Smash Bros.
The origin of the phenomenon. While the roster is small compared to Ultimate, the original Super Smash Bros. has a unique, floaty physics engine that competitive players still love. It is one of the most sought-after used N64 games on the market because it holds up incredibly well.
Mario Kart 64
Battle Mode. Block Fort. Need we say more? Mario Kart 64 stripped away the scaling sprites of the SNES original and gave us fully 3D tracks. It is arguably the best party game on the system.
WCW/nWo Revenge
The N64 is legendary for its wrestling games. While WWF No Mercy often gets the praise, WCW/nWo Revenge features an incredible roster of legends and an easy-to-pick-up grappling system that makes it perfect for casual game nights.
Rare & Collectible N64 Games (The "Holy Grails")
While millions of copies of Mario were sold, some N64 games are incredibly scarce. These titles command high prices and are the crown jewels of a collection.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Released at the very end of the N64's lifecycle, Rare’s mature-rated platformer is famous for its swearing, violence, and "Great Mighty Poo" boss. Because it sold poorly upon release and was marketed to adults, authentic copies are now rare and expensive.
Paper Mario
Another late release that arrived after many gamers had already moved on to the GameCube or PS2. This RPG is charming, deep, and visually timeless. Finding a copy with a pristine label is a challenge for collectors.
ClayFighter 63 1/3: Sculptor’s Cut
Originally a Blockbuster Video rental exclusive, this is widely considered one of the rarest N64 games in existence. Most copies have "Blockbuster" stickers or faded labels from heavy rental use. If you see a clean cartridge in the wild, grab it immediately.
Buying Guide: Authenticity & Condition
Buying retro games in 2025 comes with risks. Here is what we look for when verifying our inventory.
1. Authentic Boards vs. "Repros"
The market is flooded with cheap "reproduction" cartridges from overseas. These often have save failures, glitchy audio, or cheap plastic shells. At Chronic Sports Cards, we inspect the PCB (circuit board) of our high-value trade-ins to ensure you are buying an authentic Nintendo board, not a cheap knock-off.
2. The "Tight Stick" Factor
N64 controllers are notorious for their analog sticks wearing out and becoming loose or "floppy" (often called "Mario Party Syndrome"). When buying accessories, always look for descriptions that mention "tight sticks" or refurbished gears to ensure your character doesn't drift.
3. Label Condition
N64 cartridges didn't have end-labels (the top edge), meaning most kids wrote "MARIO" in sharpie on the top of the cart. Finding "Collector Grade" copies with clean, unwritten shells and intact front labels is becoming harder every year, which is why condition matters so much to us.
Ready to Relive the 90s?
Whether you are looking to finally beat Ocarina of Time or just want to crush your friends in Mario Kart, the N64 library holds up.
Don't risk buying mystery cartridges from random sellers. Shop our curated inventory of verified, authentic N64 games and accessories at Chronic Sports Cards.
