Every Nintendo Switch Online N64 Game Ranked
Back in October 2021, retro fans everywhere rejoiced as Nintendo announced the (long overdue) launch of N64 games coming to the Switch online service.
But not all N64 games were created equal. So here’s a definitive ranked list to help you decide which ones to play, and which haven’t aged as well…
29. Dr Mario 64 (1998)
A puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. While it may feel a bit dated in terms of graphics and presentation, it’s still arguably worth playing today if you’re a die-hard Dr Mario fan. There are better puzzler games out there, indeed there are better Dr Mario games out there, but why not give it a spin?
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Dr. Mario World, Tetris 99
28. Pokémon Puzzle League (2000)
Another puzzle game where players match colored blocks to eliminate them. With its addictive gameplay and charming Pokémon theme, Pokémon Puzzle League is still worth playing today for fans of puzzle games and classic Pokémon titles. There’s a strong connection to the Pokémon anime with the theme, so fans of that series will likely have a good time.
Play if you enjoyed these: Tetris 99, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
27. Operation WinBack (1999)
An interesting third-person shooter where players control a special forces agent on a mission to stop terrorists, initially released for the N64 as an attempt at competing with Metal Gear Solid on the PS1. While Operation WinBack may feel a bit clunky by today’s standards, it was ahead of its time and is still worth playing today for fans of third-person shooters.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
26. Sin & Punishment (2000)
An on-rails shooter where players control characters on a quest to save the world. Coming late in the N64’s lifespan, few will have sampled this game, so the nostaliga factor will be diminished. But with its fast-paced action and engaging story, Sin & Punishment is definitely worth playing today for fans of action games.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Star Fox Zero, Bayonetta 2
25. Pilotwings (1996)
A flight simulator where players complete various missions using different aircraft. A somewhat-forgotten launch title alongside Mario 64, and while Pilotwings may feel a bit simplistic compared to modern flight sims, it’s still worth playing today for fans of flight games and classic Nintendo titles.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Microsoft Flight Simulator, Just Cause 4.
24. Yoshi’s Story (1997)
A side-scrolling platformer where players control Yoshi as he collects fruit and defeats enemies. It’s certainly designed for younger players, and doesn’t quite possess the challenge or quality of its predeccessor – the stellar Yoshi’s Island on SNES. But with its charming visuals and relaxing gameplay, Yoshi’s Story is still worth playing today for fans of platformers and Mario’s lovable green sidekick.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Yoshi’s Crafted World, Kirby’s Epic Yarn.
23. Mario Party (1998)
The OG that launched a huge series for Nintendo. A party game where Mario and friends compete in various mini-games to earn coins and stars. This game essentially invented the modern console party game, and while it may feel a bit simplistic compared to later entries in the series, it’s still worth playing today for fans of multiplayer games and Nintendo’s mascot characters.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Super Mario Party, WarioWare: Get It Together!
22. Wave Race 64 (1996)
A jet ski racing game where players compete in various circuits. With its realistic (for the time) water physics and enjoyable gameplay, Wave Race 64 is still worth playing today for fans of racing games. Certainly worth a try for European gamers, as the better performance of the NTSC version over the PAL version is noticeable.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Riptide GP: Renegade, Aqua Moto Racing Utopia.
21. Kirby 64 (2000)
A 2.5D platformer where players control Kirby as he collects crystal shards. As is standard for the series, you’ll be sucking up enemies and transforming into different creatures as you inhale your way through the adventure. With its charming visuals and fun gameplay, Kirby 64 is still worth playing today for fans of platformers – and there weren’t too many side-scrollers on the N64.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Kirby Star Allies, Yoshi’s Crafted World
20. Jet Force Gemini (1999)
Jet Force Gemini was one of Rare’s later games on the N64, and from a technical standpoint it’s possibly its most impressive. Massive levels, details graphics and many enemies on screen at once, JFG would perhaps have been better suited to the N64’s successor in the GameCube. It’s still a blast to play, but performance might put some people off.
Play if you enjoy: Gears of War
19. Pokémon Stadium 2 (2001)
The successor to the runaway hit that was the first Pokemon Stadium, Stadium 2 brings the second generation of Pokémon from Gold and Silver to the party, and beefs things up in the graphics department. Featuring the same popular modes as its predecessor, this is only lower on the list as the mini-games aren’t quite as good, and frankly Gen 2 isnt quite as memorable as Gen 1.
Play if you enjoy: Pokémon Stadium 1, Pokémon Gold and Silver.
18. Mario Party 3 (2001)
Mario Party 3 iterates on what made Mario Party 2 great, and fans are split over which one is better. It’s broadly considered that 3 has better power-ups, characters and expansiveness, but 2 is superior in actual boards and games. Plus there’s no more Mini-Game Land in 3. Why?!
Play if you enjoy: Any other Mario Party game.
17. Harvest Moon 64 (1999)
Harvest Moon 64 was something of a sleeper hit on the console, but those that played it can attest to the fact that it’s one of the best iterations of the farming sim genre, and should be experienced for those seeking a relaxing and quietly satisfying time.
Play if you enjoy: Stardew Valley, any idle game.
16. Mario party 2 (1999)
Another party game where players compete in various mini-games to earn coins and stars. Some call this the pinnacle of the series, with a brilliant selection of mini-games and board designs. With its improved mechanics and fun mini-games, Mario Party 2 is definitely worth playing today for fans of multiplayer games.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Party
15. Goldeneye (1997)
The infamous first-person shooter based on the James Bond film of the same name. While Goldeneye’s graphics and controls may feel dated by today’s standards, and sadly no modern control option on the cards like its Xbox counterpart, it’s still worth playing today for fans of first-person shooters and the Bond franchise.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Battlefield 2042
14. Pokémon Stadium (1999)
Pokémon’s first forray onto home consoles, Stadium promised to allow players to battle their creatures caught in the GameBoy classic on the big screen, in full 3D. It was a really neat and novel concept at the time, and the game sold like hotcakes. Whilst this key feature is obviously missing from this Switch iteration, the game lets you battle pre-set monsters, and most importantly has one of the best mini-game collections ever.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Mario Party 10, Pokémon Legends: Arceus
13. Excitebike 64 (2000)
Considered by many to be the best racer on the system, Excitebike was a generous offering that came late into the N64’s lifecycle. Bringing the classic 2D game to life (literally – you can actually play the original in 3D format here!), Excitebike 64 offers tight racing and excellent graphics for the time.
Play if you enjoy: MotoGP, any racing game really.
12. 1080 Snowboarding (1998)
Before SSX, 1080 reigned supreme as the best snowboarding game ever. Slightly more sim-based than the crazy SSX, 1080 still offered a combination of tricks and racing that felt great, despite being somewhat slow-paced. The soundtrack was brilliant, particularly considering the N64’s sound capabilities, and provided earworms that last to this day.
Play if you enjoy: SSX, Cool Boarders, Snowboard Kids.
11. Mario Golf (1999)
A golf game featuring various Mario characters and courses. It may seem an odd match, but many of the mechanics Mario Golf brought to the table became staples of golf games in general. With its accessible gameplay and enjoyable mechanics, Mario Golf is still worth playing today for fans of sports games and multiplayer experiences.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Mario Golf: Super Rush, Everybody’s Golf VR
10. Pokemon Snap (1999)
A unique on-rails photography game where players take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Taking photos and having them judged by Professor Oak is a surprisngly addictive endeavour, with the game really scratching that ‘one more run’ itch. With its unique gameplay mechanics and charming Pokémon visuals, Pokémon Snap is definitely worth playing today for fans of photography games and classic Pokemon titles.
Try if you enjoyed these similar modern games: New Pokemon Snap, Animal Crossing: New Horizons
9. Lylat Wars (1997)
A 3D space shooter where players control various vehicles and battle enemies. Starfox 64 (or Lylat Wars in Europe) expanded upon the SNES classic in every conceivable way, with fantastic sound design in particular. With its engaging gameplay and memorable characters, Lylat Wars is still worth playing today for fans of action games. The graphics are also some of the best on the system.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Star Fox Zero, Starlink: Battle for Atlas
8. Paper Mario (2000)
A 2.5D RPG where players control Mario as he explores a paper world and battles enemies using turn-based combat. It’s a fantastic experience and sits alongside its sequel, The Thousand Year Door, as one of the best RPGs ever made. With its unique paper-themed visuals and enjoyable RPG mechanics, Paper Mario is still worth playing today for fans of RPGs or Mario characters.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Paper Mario: The Origami King, Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
7. F-Zero X (1998)
A futuristic racing game where players compete in high-speed races across various tracks. Still remarkably fast to play today and a steep learning curve, F-Zero X’s most notable feat is the stable 60FPS it manages to maintain at all times. With its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay, F-Zero X is still worth playing today for fans of intense and challenging racers.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Fast RMX, Redout
6. Mario Tennis (2000)
A tennis game featuring various Mario characters and courts. Many consider this to be the greatest tennis game ever made, with the perfect balance of simple, two-button mechanics combined with a surprising amount of depth and variety. With its accessible gameplay and fun mechanics, Mario Tennis is still worth playing today for fans of sports games and multiplayer experiences.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Mario Tennis Aces, AO Tennis 2
5. Mario Kart 64 (1996)
A kart racing game featuring various Mario characters and tracks. MK64 was a revolution for multiplayer gaming at the time, and still holds up today, with great course design, tight controls and absolute carnage on the track. With its addictive gameplay and enjoyable mechanics, Mario Kart 64 is still worth playing today for fans of racers.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.
4. Banjo Kazooie (1998)
A 3D platformer where players control a bear and bird duo on a quest to rescue Banjo’s sister. Banjo Kazooie set a new standard for production value in videogames, with graphics and sound design second to none at the time. With its charming characters and engaging gameplay, Banjo Kazooie is still worth playing today for fans of platformers and anyone who wants to experience Rare in their prime.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Yooka-Laylee, A Hat in Time, and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.
3. The Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of Time (1998)
A 3D action-adventure game where players control Link on a quest to save Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf. It brought the Zelda franchise into the 3D realm with aplomb, and set the standard for action RPGs going forward. Widely regarded as one of the best games of all time, Ocarina of Time is definitely worth playing today for fans of action-adventure games, and anyone who enjoys gaming generally.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn, and God of War.
2. Super Mario 64 (1996)
The quintessential 3D platformer in which players control Mario as he collects stars to rescue Princess Peach. Despite being a launch title, very few games since have surpassed its brilliance with regard to controls, level design and general gameplay. With its innovative gameplay and groundbreaking 3D graphics, Mario 64 is still worth playing today for fans of platformers and people who just like having fun.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Super Mario Odyssey, Ape Escape, and Yooka-Laylee
1. The Legend of Zelda:Majora’s Mask (2000)
Another 3D action-adventure where players control Link on a quest to save the land of Termina from a falling moon. As a sequel to Ocarina of Time, it’s a miracle that this game not only matches its predeccessor in terms of quality, but surpasses it in many ways too. An absolute, unforgettable must-play of a game, which hasn’t aged at all. With its unique time-travel mechanics and engaging story, Majora’s Mask is definitely worth playing today for… anyone.
Play if you enjoyed these similar modern games: Hollow Knight, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls.
Check out more fun gaming lists here.