The 25 best Multiplayer Nintendo 64 games list represents some of the most entertaining local multiplayer experiences from the classic N64 era. Nintendo’s 64-bit console became famous for bringing friends together in split-screen racing, competitive battles, sports games, party games, and cooperative adventures.
With four controller ports built directly into the console, the Nintendo 64 was particularly well suited to multiplayer gaming. Many N64 titles were designed around four-player competition, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, and gaming sessions with friends.
Whether you are looking for intense racing, chaotic mini-games, first-person shooting, or classic sports action, the N64 multiplayer library has something worth revisiting.
In this guide, we rank 25 of the best multiplayer Nintendo 64 games, focusing on replayability, multiplayer quality, gameplay variety, and lasting popularity.
Top 25 Best Multiplayer Nintendo 64 Games:
1. Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64 is one of the most recognizable multiplayer games on the console.
Its four-player split-screen mode made it an instant favorite for competitive gaming sessions. Players could choose familiar Nintendo characters, collect items, attack opponents, and race across colorful tracks.
The Battle Mode is particularly memorable because players compete directly against one another rather than simply racing toward the finish line.
Best for: Racing, parties, competitive multiplayer.
2. GoldenEye 007
GoldenEye 007 transformed the N64 into a multiplayer first-person shooter machine.
Its four-player split-screen mode became legendary. Players could choose different characters and battle across several maps using weapons inspired by the James Bond universe.
GoldenEye 007 remains important because it demonstrated that console FPS games could offer an exciting multiplayer experience without requiring online connectivity.
Best for: FPS fans and competitive four-player gaming.
3. Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. introduced the Smash formula to the world.
Instead of traditional fighting-game health bars, characters fight by increasing their opponents’ damage and knocking them from the stage. Up to four players can participate, creating unpredictable battles.
Mario, Link, Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, Donkey Kong, and other Nintendo characters give the game enormous personality.
Best for: Four-player fighting and party gaming.
4. Mario Party 2
Mario Party 2 is another outstanding multiplayer N64 title.
The game combines a board-game format with dozens of mini-games. Players compete for stars and coins while unpredictable events can completely change the outcome.
Its wide range of mini-games makes Mario Party 2 especially suitable for groups because players do not need to master complicated controls.
Best for: Families, parties, and casual multiplayer.
5. Mario Party 3
Mario Party 3 expanded the formula with new boards, characters, items, and mini-games.
The combination of luck and skill makes every match different. A player who seems certain to win can suddenly lose their advantage during the final turns.
For groups looking for a traditional Nintendo 64 party experience, Mario Party 3 remains an excellent choice.
Best for: Competitive party gaming.
6. Perfect Dark
Perfect Dark built on many of the ideas established by GoldenEye 007.
Its multiplayer mode provides numerous weapons, maps, and gameplay options. Players can customize matches and compete against friends in split-screen battles.
The game’s futuristic setting also gives it a different personality from traditional military shooters.
Best for: FPS multiplayer and competitive matches.
7. Super Mario 64
Although Super Mario 64 is primarily a single-player adventure, it deserves mention in any discussion of the N64’s multiplayer legacy because of its importance to the console’s game library.
However, it should not be considered a traditional multiplayer game. If your goal is strictly four-player gaming, prioritize titles such as Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, and Super Smash Bros.
Best for: Single-player platforming rather than multiplayer.
8. Diddy Kong Racing
Diddy Kong Racing offers a different take on kart racing.
Players can race using karts, airplanes, and hovercraft, providing more variety than many traditional racing games. Its multiplayer modes support competitive races and battles.
The colorful tracks and accessible controls make it easy for new players to pick up.
Best for: Racing fans who want variety.
9. Star Fox 64
Star Fox 64 is primarily known for its excellent single-player campaign, but it also features multiplayer battles.
Players can compete in arena-style dogfights and attempt to eliminate opponents using their spacecraft.
While its multiplayer component is smaller than GoldenEye or Mario Kart, it is still a memorable addition to the N64 multiplayer library.
Best for: Multiplayer space battles.
10. Pokémon Stadium
Pokémon Stadium brought Pokémon battles to the Nintendo 64.
Players could compete against friends using Pokémon teams while also enjoying a collection of entertaining mini-games.
The multiplayer experience is especially appealing to Pokémon fans who want competitive battles combined with casual party activities.
Best for: Pokémon fans and competitive battles.
11. Wave Race 64
Wave Race 64 delivers high-speed personal watercraft racing.
Its water physics were impressive for the era, and multiplayer races can become surprisingly competitive.
Instead of traditional cars or karts, players maneuver jet skis around courses filled with waves, buoys, and obstacles.
Best for: Racing fans seeking something different.
12. F-Zero X
F-Zero X is a high-speed futuristic racing game featuring extremely fast vehicles and dangerous tracks.
Its multiplayer mode lets several players compete simultaneously. The game’s emphasis on speed and aggressive racing makes it considerably more intense than slower racing titles.
Best for: Fast-paced competitive racing.
13. Mario Tennis
Mario Tennis successfully combines traditional tennis gameplay with Nintendo’s colorful characters.
Players can compete in singles or doubles matches. The controls are accessible enough for beginners while offering enough depth for experienced players.
Its four-player doubles mode is particularly enjoyable.
Best for: Sports fans and four-player matches.
14. Mario Golf
Mario Golf turns golf into a colorful multiplayer experience.
Players can compete across different courses while using familiar Mario characters. The game’s simple controls make it approachable, but learning shot power, direction, and course conditions provides additional depth.
Best for: Relaxed competitive multiplayer.
15. NFL Blitz
NFL Blitz takes American football and makes it faster, simpler, and more arcade-oriented.
Instead of lengthy simulations, matches focus on big plays, aggressive tackles, and quick action. Multiplayer games can become chaotic very quickly.
Best for: Arcade sports fans.
16. WCW/nWo Revenge
WCW/nWo Revenge is one of the strongest wrestling games available on the N64.
The game features numerous wrestlers and supports multiplayer matches that can become extremely entertaining with several players.
Its combination of grappling, special moves, and accessible controls gives it strong replay value.
Best for: Wrestling fans and group matches.
17. WWF No Mercy
WWF No Mercy is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated wrestling games of its generation.
Players can create matches involving multiple wrestlers and enjoy a variety of match types.
The multiplayer experience works particularly well because friends can form temporary alliances before turning against one another.
Best for: Wrestling and competitive multiplayer.
18. Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Conker’s Bad Fur Day is best known for its single-player adventure, but it also includes multiplayer modes.
Its multiplayer component features several unusual game types and an irreverent sense of humor that separates it from Nintendo’s more family-oriented games.
Best for: Mature players looking for unusual multiplayer experiences.
19. Banjo-Tooie
Banjo-Tooie is primarily a single-player platform adventure and should not be confused with a dedicated multiplayer game.
Nevertheless, its importance to the N64 library makes it worth mentioning when creating a comprehensive list. For strictly multiplayer-focused gaming, there are better choices on this list.
Best for: Single-player platforming.
20. Mario Party
Mario Party started one of Nintendo’s most successful multiplayer franchises.
The basic concept is simple: players move around a game board, collect coins, and compete in mini-games.
Its straightforward controls and competitive structure make it ideal for players of different skill levels.
Best for: Classic four-player party gaming.
21. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is mainly a single-player platform game, but it has limited multiplayer content.
Its multiplayer mini-games offer quick competitive challenges that can be enjoyable for groups.
It is not as deep a multiplayer experience as Mario Kart 64 or GoldenEye 007, but Kirby fans may appreciate the additional modes.
Best for: Kirby fans and short multiplayer sessions.
22. Pokémon Puzzle League
Pokémon Puzzle League combines Pokémon characters with tile-matching puzzle gameplay.
Two players can compete directly, creating a simple but surprisingly strategic experience.
Because matches are quick, it works well when players want competitive gaming without committing to a long session.
Best for: Puzzle fans and quick competitive matches.
23. Snowboard Kids 2
Snowboard Kids 2 offers colorful snowboarding action with a fun arcade-style presentation.
Multiplayer races allow friends to compete across snowy courses while using different characters and abilities.
Its lighthearted design makes it a good alternative to more serious racing games.
Best for: Casual racing and snowboarding fans.
24. Cruis’n USA
Cruis’n USA brings arcade racing to the N64.
The game emphasizes straightforward driving rather than complex simulation mechanics. Multiplayer races are easy to understand and enjoyable for casual players.
Its exaggerated presentation and simple gameplay make it particularly suitable for nostalgic gaming sessions.
Best for: Arcade racing.
25. Beetle Adventure Racing!
Beetle Adventure Racing! is a hidden gem for N64 racing fans.
Players race Volkswagen Beetles across imaginative courses filled with shortcuts and hazards. Its multiplayer mode provides competitive racing without the complexity of simulation racers.
Best for: Casual racing and retro multiplayer sessions.
Best Multiplayer Nintendo 64 Games by Category
Different players may prefer different styles of multiplayer gaming. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the strongest choices.
| Category | Best N64 Game |
|---|---|
| Best overall multiplayer | Mario Kart 64 |
| Best FPS | GoldenEye 007 |
| Best fighting game | Super Smash Bros. |
| Best party game | Mario Party 2 |
| Best racing alternative | Diddy Kong Racing |
| Best wrestling game | WWF No Mercy |
| Best sports game | Mario Tennis |
| Best Pokémon game | Pokémon Stadium |
| Best futuristic racer | F-Zero X |
| Best arcade football | NFL Blitz |
| Best puzzle game | Pokémon Puzzle League |
Why Nintendo 64 Multiplayer Games Are Still Popular
The Nintendo 64 remains particularly memorable because multiplayer gaming was built around local couch play.
Modern consoles commonly focus on online multiplayer, but N64 games created a different social experience. Friends sat in the same room, shared a television, and competed using four controllers.
The limitations of split-screen gaming often made matches more exciting rather than less. Players could see their opponents’ reactions, celebrate victories together, and develop friendly rivalries.
Games such as Mario Kart 64 and GoldenEye 007 became social experiences rather than simply video games.
What Makes a Great N64 Multiplayer Game?
A great Nintendo 64 multiplayer game usually has several important qualities:
Easy-to-Learn Controls
Multiplayer games work best when new players can understand the controls quickly. Mario Party and Mario Kart are excellent examples.
Competitive Gameplay
The strongest multiplayer titles give players a reason to keep playing. Unlocking skills, learning tracks, mastering weapons, or developing strategies can dramatically increase replayability.
Four-Player Support
The N64’s four-controller setup was one of its greatest advantages. Games supporting four simultaneous players are particularly valuable for group gaming.
Short and Long Sessions
A good multiplayer game should work whether players have 10 minutes or several hours. Racing and mini-game titles are especially effective in this respect.
Variety
Different characters, tracks, weapons, boards, game modes, and challenges help prevent multiplayer games from becoming repetitive.
Best 4-Player Nintendo 64 Games
If your main goal is finding games that support four people, start with:
- Mario Kart 64
- GoldenEye 007
- Super Smash Bros.
- Mario Party
- Mario Party 2
- Mario Party 3
- Perfect Dark
- Mario Tennis
- NFL Blitz
- WCW/nWo Revenge
These games are especially suitable for a classic N64 party setup.
Final Thoughts
The 25 best Multiplayer Nintendo 64 games list demonstrates why Nintendo’s classic console remains so popular among retro gamers. From the chaotic races of Mario Kart 64 to the intense battles of GoldenEye 007 and the unpredictable competition of Mario Party, the N64 offered an impressive range of local multiplayer experiences.
For the best overall experience, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, Super Smash Bros., Mario Party 2, and Perfect Dark are excellent starting points. Racing fans should also explore Diddy Kong Racing and F-Zero X, while sports fans can enjoy Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, and NFL Blitz.
The N64’s multiplayer library is ultimately about more than individual games. It represents an era when gaming was often a shared social activity, with four friends gathered around one television. That simplicity is a major reason these games continue to be remembered and enjoyed decades later.