The Nintendo 64 remains one of the most memorable consoles in gaming history. Released in the 1990s, it introduced players to groundbreaking 3D worlds, unforgettable characters, innovative multiplayer experiences, and some of Nintendo’s most influential games.
If you are searching for an individual Nintendo 64 games list, this guide highlights 25 of the best N64 games worth playing today. The list includes platformers, racing games, fighting games, adventures, shooters, role-playing games, and multiplayer classics.
Whether you are building an N64 collection, revisiting childhood favorites, or discovering the console for the first time, these games represent some of the strongest experiences available on the system.
25 All Time Best Individual Nintendo 64 Games List:
1. Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is arguably the most important game on the Nintendo 64. It helped establish how 3D platformers could work and gave Mario a huge three-dimensional playground to explore.
Players enter Princess Peach’s castle and discover numerous paintings that lead to different worlds. Each stage contains stars to collect through platforming challenges, puzzles, races, and exploration.
Why Play Super Mario 64?
- Excellent 3D platforming
- Large, memorable levels
- Precise movement
- Numerous secrets
- Historic importance to gaming
Even decades later, Super Mario 64 remains one of the defining individual Nintendo 64 games.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time transformed the classic Zelda formula into a fully 3D adventure. You play as Link, exploring Hyrule, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, discovering dungeons, and eventually confronting Ganondorf.
The game is especially famous for its targeting system, which made three-dimensional combat much easier to control.
Highlights
- Massive adventure
- Memorable dungeons
- Engaging puzzles
- Iconic soundtrack
- Excellent exploration
For many players, Ocarina of Time is still the essential N64 adventure.
3. Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64 brought the popular Mario Kart formula into 3D. It features colorful tracks, drifting, weapons, shortcuts, and chaotic multiplayer races.
The game is particularly valuable for local multiplayer. Four-player racing can quickly turn a casual session into a competitive tournament.
Popular tracks include Rainbow Road, Yoshi Valley, Kalimari Desert, and Moo Moo Farm.
4. GoldenEye 007
GoldenEye 007
GoldenEye 007 became one of the defining first-person shooters of the N64 era.
Based on the James Bond film, the game combines stealth, shooting, objectives, and exploration. Its four-player multiplayer mode was particularly influential.
Players could compete across multiple maps using different weapons and characters.
Why It Remains Popular
GoldenEye demonstrated that console shooters could deliver a compelling multiplayer experience without requiring a PC.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Majora’s Mask takes a darker and more unusual approach to the Zelda formula.
Instead of simply exploring Hyrule, Link becomes trapped in Termina, where the moon is destined to crash into the world. Players have three days to solve problems, complete quests, and ultimately prevent disaster.
Its transformation masks, time system, characters, and emotional storytelling make it one of the most distinctive Nintendo 64 games.
6. Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros.
The original Super Smash Bros. introduced the crossover fighting concept that would become one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises.
Players can control characters such as Mario, Link, Pikachu, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and Fox.
Instead of traditional fighting-game health bars, players increase an opponent’s damage percentage and attempt to knock them from the stage.
The simple controls make it easy for beginners, while advanced techniques provide plenty of depth.
7. Star Fox 64
Star Fox 64
Star Fox 64 is an exciting space-combat game featuring Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team.
Players pilot the Arwing through different environments while fighting enemies and completing missions.
The game also introduced memorable voice lines and branching paths that encouraged players to replay levels.
Its responsive controls and action-packed gameplay make it one of the best N64 shooting games.
8. Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie
Banjo-Kazooie is a colorful 3D platformer developed by Rare.
The game follows Banjo and his bird companion Kazooie as they attempt to rescue Banjo’s sister from the witch Gruntilda.
Players collect musical notes, puzzle pieces, items, and other collectibles while exploring imaginative worlds.
Best Features
- Creative level design
- Fun character abilities
- Lots of collectibles
- Humor and memorable characters
- Excellent platforming
It is an essential choice for fans of classic 3D platformers.
9. Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark
Developed by Rare, Perfect Dark expanded upon the foundation established by GoldenEye 007.
The game includes a single-player campaign, numerous weapons, missions, gadgets, and extensive multiplayer options.
Its futuristic setting and variety of objectives helped make it a standout N64 shooter.
10. Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64 gives players control over multiple members of the Kong family.
Each character has different abilities, allowing players to access new areas and collectibles.
The game is particularly famous for its enormous number of collectibles. Completion-focused players can spend many hours exploring its worlds.
11. Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium brought Pokémon battles into fully rendered 3D arenas.
Players can participate in tournaments, battles, mini-games, and other challenges.
Its multiplayer mode was especially popular among Pokémon fans, while compatibility with Game Boy Pokémon titles made the experience even more interesting.
12. F-Zero X
F-Zero X
F-Zero X delivers extremely fast futuristic racing.
Unlike traditional kart racers, F-Zero X emphasizes speed, precision, aggressive competition, and technical driving.
The game features numerous tracks and vehicles, making it an excellent choice for players who want a more challenging racing experience.
13. Mario Party
Mario Party
The original Mario Party established Nintendo’s long-running party-game franchise.
Players move around a game board collecting stars while competing in mini-games.
Its multiplayer focus makes it ideal for gatherings. The game combines strategy, luck, and quick reflexes.
The original Mario Party is an important part of any individual Nintendo 64 games list because it helped define the console’s multiplayer identity.
14. Wave Race 64
Wave Race 64
Wave Race 64 is a water-racing game that uses dynamic waves to create a unique driving experience.
Players race jet skis through courses while managing turns, jumps, obstacles, and changing water conditions.
The physics and water effects were impressive for the hardware and remain a major part of the game’s appeal.
15. Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing is another excellent racing game from Rare.
Unlike Mario Kart, it offers several types of vehicles, including cars, hovercraft, and airplanes.
The adventure-style structure gives the game additional depth beyond individual races.
Its combination of racing and exploration makes it one of the most enjoyable N64 titles for both solo and multiplayer play.
16. Paper Mario
Paper Mario
Paper Mario combines Mario characters with role-playing mechanics and a unique paper-inspired visual style.
Players explore towns, fight enemies through turn-based battles, collect items, solve puzzles, and recruit partners.
The humorous writing and accessible RPG mechanics make it a particularly enjoyable game for players who prefer slower-paced adventures.
17. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Conker’s Bad Fur Day is very different from Nintendo’s family-friendly platformers.
The game features mature humor, satire, unusual characters, and a surprisingly varied adventure.
Its single-player campaign contains platforming, puzzles, shooting, and comedic sequences. It also includes multiplayer modes.
Because of its mature content and rarity, it has become one of the most recognizable collectible N64 games.
18. Pokémon Snap
Pokémon Snap
Pokémon Snap offers an unusual twist on Pokémon games.
Instead of battling Pokémon, players travel through different environments and photograph them.
The goal is to capture interesting pictures while discovering Pokémon behaviors and hidden interactions.
Its relaxed gameplay makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional action and RPG games.
19. Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2
The Nintendo 64 version of Resident Evil 2 demonstrated what the console could accomplish with a technically ambitious game.
Players explore a zombie-infested city, solve puzzles, manage limited resources, and fight dangerous enemies.
The game’s atmosphere and survival-horror mechanics make it an excellent choice for N64 owners looking for something darker.
20. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards brings Kirby into a colorful 3D environment while retaining traditional side-scrolling gameplay.
One of its most interesting features is the ability to combine copy abilities.
Combining powers creates new attacks and encourages players to experiment with different combinations.
21. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire puts players into the Star Wars universe through an action-focused adventure.
The game features third-person shooting, vehicle sequences, platforming, and familiar Star Wars environments.
For fans of the original trilogy, it offers a nostalgic way to experience the franchise on Nintendo 64.
22. Harvest Moon 64
Harvest Moon 64
Harvest Moon 64 offers a slower and more relaxing experience.
Players manage a farm, grow crops, care for animals, interact with villagers, and build relationships.
Unlike action-heavy N64 games, Harvest Moon 64 rewards planning and time management.
It is an excellent choice for players who enjoy farming and life-simulation games.
23. Mario Tennis
Mario Tennis
Mario Tennis brings familiar Nintendo characters into an accessible tennis game.
The controls are easy to understand, but learning positioning, timing, shots, and character differences provides additional depth.
The multiplayer mode is especially enjoyable for competitive local sessions.
24. WWF No Mercy
WWF No Mercy
For wrestling fans, WWF No Mercy is one of the most celebrated N64 sports games.
It offers a large roster, multiple match types, championship modes, character creation, and multiplayer wrestling.
The gameplay focuses on timing, grappling, reversals, and strategy rather than simply pressing attack buttons.
Its deep customization options also give the game considerable replay value.
25. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Rayman 2: The Great Escape is a polished 3D platforming adventure.
Rayman must explore colorful environments, defeat enemies, collect items, and rescue captured characters.
The game combines exploration with platforming and combat, making it a strong alternative to Nintendo’s own platforming franchises.
Nintendo 64 Games by Genre
Choosing the best game can depend heavily on the type of experience you want.
Best N64 Platformers
If platforming is your favorite genre, start with:
- Super Mario 64
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Donkey Kong 64
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
- Rayman 2
- Conker’s Bad Fur Day
These games demonstrate how popular 3D platforming became during the N64 generation.
Best N64 Racing Games
For racing fans, excellent options include:
- Mario Kart 64
- Diddy Kong Racing
- F-Zero X
- Wave Race 64
- Mario Kart-style multiplayer experiences
Each offers a different approach to racing, from kart battles to extremely fast futuristic competition.
Best N64 Multiplayer Games
The Nintendo 64 was particularly famous for local multiplayer. Some of the best choices are:
- Super Smash Bros.
- Mario Kart 64
- Mario Party
- GoldenEye 007
- Perfect Dark
- Mario Tennis
- WWF No Mercy
Four-player gaming became one of the console’s defining characteristics.
Best N64 Adventure Games
For exploration and storytelling, consider:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
- Rayman 2
Ocarina of Time is particularly important because it demonstrated how a large-scale adventure could successfully transition into 3D.
Why Nintendo 64 Games Are Still Popular
The Nintendo 64 remains popular because its library contains games that established or influenced entire genres.
The console’s four-controller ports also made it particularly well suited to social gaming. Games such as Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Party are still associated with multiplayer gaming sessions.
Another reason for the console’s popularity is nostalgia. Many players who grew up with the N64 now want to revisit the games they played as children. At the same time, younger players can experience these classics and understand their influence on modern games.
How to Choose Your First N64 Game
If you are new to Nintendo 64, your first game should depend on what you enjoy.
For platforming: Choose Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie.
For adventure: Start with Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask.
For racing: Try Mario Kart 64 or F-Zero X.
For multiplayer: Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 64, or Mario Party are excellent choices.
For shooting: GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark are the obvious starting points.
For RPG gameplay: Paper Mario is one of the best choices.
For something unusual: Try Pokémon Snap or Harvest Moon 64.
Final Thoughts
This 25 best individual Nintendo 64 games list represents a broad selection of what made the console special. From groundbreaking adventures such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to multiplayer classics such as Mario Kart 64, the N64 library contains games for almost every type of player.
The console’s greatest strength was its variety. You could spend an afternoon exploring Hyrule, racing friends, competing in Super Smash Bros., managing a farm, photographing Pokémon, or battling through a first-person shooter.
While graphics and technology have advanced dramatically since the 1990s, many Nintendo 64 games remain enjoyable because their core gameplay is still fun. For collectors, retro gamers, and newcomers alike, these individual N64 games are an excellent starting point for exploring one of Nintendo’s most influential consoles.