The Introduction of Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pass finally brought the long-awaited Nintendo 64 app to Nintendo’s hybrid console. Though the launch was rocky with numerous emulation and latency errors, Nintendo has continued to update the experience into something special for fans and newcomers of the 64-bit console.
Several game additions have hit the service since launch with a number of announced titles still on their way. But for anyone diving in for the first time, deciding what to play can be a daunting task. With so many interesting titles available it is truly hard to go wrong!
10 Pokemon Snap
At the height of the Pokemon phenomenon in the late 90’s a number of spin-off Pokemon games, shows, and Manga were being released. One of these spin-off titles was 1999’s Pokemon Snap. Pokemon Snap features a simple premise of taking pictures of a number of fan-favorite Pokemon and then having them graded by Professor Samuel Oak.
As the game progresses, new tools become available to help the player uncover new Pokemon to photograph and routes to discover. Though the Blockbuster printing kiosks of the past are long gone, Nintendo Switch’s screenshot button allows players to share their best shots. Pokemon Snap is a game that players of any variety can enjoy!
9 F-Zero X
For players seeking the fastest racing experience on the Nintendo Switch Online platform, nothing comes close to matching the thrills of F-Zero X! Featuring 30 racers and futuristic tracks that include jumps and loops, Nintendo's 1998 release remains a racing gem! With 60 FPS gameplay, which was a rarity for the N64 platform, races feel blistering fast as players push for first.
Once dominance has been achieved over the included circuits, challenge friends in a number of multiplayer game types. For true bragging rights, jump into Time Attack and compare times against an ever-active speed-running community!
8 Star Fox 64
Super Nintendo’s Star Fox was a groundbreaking experience upon release in 1993, but it wouldn’t be until 1997’s Star Fox 64 that the series' potential was fully realized. Beautiful 3D graphics, a rocking soundtrack, full voice acting, numerous missions with branching paths, and for the first time ever on N64, Rumble Pak support, combined to make a standout arcade flight game!
To mix things up, a duo of tank missions have been added as well as one submarine mission. Once the allure of the campaign has worn off, take to the skies, and ground, against three friends in four-player split-screen multiplayer.
7 Banjo-Kazooie
Nintendo and Rare were a synonymous combination throughout the ’90s with a number of classic games being released on both the Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64. 1998’s Banjo-Kazooie was one such title. With the abduction of Banjo’s sister by the evil Witch Gruntilda players are cast into an epic journey to get her back.
Throughout nine worlds, players will learn new abilities and transformations, along with encountering a cast of oddball characters and humor, all the while accompanied by Grant Kirkhope’s unique soundtrack! Unfortunately, dated camera controls are something to consider but they shouldn’t prove too much of a hindrance. Even today Banjo-Kazooie’s whimsical charm will delight players old and new.
6 Mario Kart 64
Mario and friends are back at it again with another Grand Prix of racing delight in Mario Kart 64! This 1997 racer features eight selectable characters, including Wario for the first time ever, across three weight classes. With four selectable difficulty options, four cups within them, and four tracks per cup, there is a lot of racing to be done to take home the gold.
Time trials remain the ultimate test of speed and course knowledge with unlockable staff ghosts to compete against. Challenging friends in multiplayer races or the series' signature battle mode is another great way to experience this classic!
5 GoldenEye 007
Once thought to be chained forever to its N64 cartridge, the historic First-Person Shooter GoldenEye 007 is now available on Nintendo Switch Online. The 1997 classic remains faithful to its original release with a 20-mission campaign, allowing players to assume the role of Britain's favorite 00 Agent James Bond.
With 4-player split-screen multiplayer and Nintendo Switch Online's built-in netplay functionality, gathering a group to play proximity mines in the facility is easier than ever! Despite a few emulation errors, hours of challenging gameplay and entertainment await. The game even features its original widescreen capabilities, a first for the online service! Be sure to use 1.2 Solitaire for a modern control experience.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Take everything that made Ocarina of Time great and give it a dark twist and players have the 2000’s Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask. In this direct sequel, Link finds himself in a doomed land with only three days to stop the maniacal Skull Kid. Majora’s Mask provides a tougher challenge to its predecessor in a number of ways despite its reduced dungeon count.
Numerous side quests require the utmost skill to complete and receiving the game’s best transformation mask requires players to do them all. The darker themes of death, depression, loss, and loneliness make Majora’s Mask a standout Zelda title even all these years later.
3 Paper Mario
2001’s Paper Mario was one of the last few games released on the Nintendo 64 before the system was replaced by the Nintendo GameCube. Originally intended to be a direct sequel to the Super Nintendo classic Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario took on a life of its own and spawned a franchise that continues today.
RPGs are a rarity on the N64 and good ones even more so, making Paper Mario a must-play for fans of the genre!
2 Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 remains one of the greatest launch titles of all time and is the game that set the foundations of 3D platformers whose influence can still be felt to this day. Mario’s transition to 3D introduced players to expansive new worlds and abilities to find 120 Power Stars, defeat “King” Bowser, and rescue Princess Peach.
The game’s movement tech remains as standout today as it did back in 1996 but unfortunately, camera controls do show their age. Nevertheless, returning to Peach’s castle for another adventure remains a joy and a must-play!
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time is a true highlight of the Nintendo Switch Online library. The 1998 Game of the Year winner frequently tops the list of best N64 titles and remains a perfect example of a series making the jump to 3D the right way.
Link’s “Hero of Time” journey remains a captivating experience to play through and each of the game’s dungeons provides a good level of challenge for veterans and newcomers alike. In franchise lore, Ocarina of Time has become a branching point for the series' three distinct timelines.
These Nintendo 64 games, and many more, are available now through Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.