Top 15 most iconic Nintendo 64 games

15. Beetle Adventure Racing

Beetle Adventure Racing is an innovative racing experience that reached unexpected heights with its inventive, adventure-packed tracks. Despite the limited cars, the game’s creativity and charm more than make up for it, delivering a one-of-a-kind racing experience that’s as fun to explore as it is to compete. | © Electronic Arts

14. 1080° Snowboarding

1080° Snowboarding was one of the most realistic snowboarding experiences on Nintendo 64, and it was fast, fluid, and full of style. With multiple courses, trick challenges, and difficulty levels, it struck a perfect balance, rewarding players for mastering its jumps and nailing that iconic 1080 spin. | © Nintendo

13. WWF No Mercy

WWF No Mercy was one of the best fighting games on Nintendo 64, offering an expansive roster, solid graphics, and the freedom to pit any wrestler against another. While it may not have aged perfectly, the memories of delivering tombstones as The Undertaker or pulling off insane moves against classic opponents make it a timeless favorite. | © syn Sophia

12. GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye 007 wasn't just a game—it was a phenomenon. Released when 3D gaming was in its infancy, it redefined what a first-person shooter could be on consoles, offering an engaging single-player experience alongside legendary four-player split-screen battles. | © Rare

11. Mario Party 3

Mario Party 3 puts players into various colorful environments with hilarious animations that keep the fun unpredictable. Whether you love it or find it frustrating, there's no denying that Mario Party 3 offers the spirit of party gaming with its perfect mix of randomness and fun. | © Hudson Soft

10. Pokémon Puzzle League

Pokémon Puzzle League is Tetris on steroids. It improves on the best features of Tetris Attack and creates one of the most entertaining and challenging puzzle games ever. Whether you're a casual gamer or a puzzle game enthusiast, Pokémon Puzzle League offers a unique combination of strategy and speed. | © Nintendo

9. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron has pushed the Nintendo 64 gaming to its limits, delivering a dogfighting experience that felt like you were piloting an X-wing straight out of the movies. With impressive graphics and epic sounds, this game perfectly captures the spirit of galaxy wars. | © Factor 5

8. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 is easily one of the greatest sequels of all time. It expands significantly on the original plot while introducing the iconic Leon as a new protagonist. The remake brilliantly recaptures the original's magic, making it a standout entry in the series. | © Nintendo

7. Wave Race 64

Wave Race 64 elevates jet ski racing to an art form. Its responsive controls and revolutionary physics turn every race into a thrilling dance across dynamic waters. From boosting past to soaring off ramps, the game perfectly balances challenge and exploration. | © Nintendo

6. Banjo-Kazooie

While not necessarily innovative, Banjo-Kazooie is a vibrant adventure that makes people smile from the very first level to the last. It perfectly balances creative moves, compact yet expansive levels, and fun objectives that respect your time, polishing every part of the platforming genre. | © Rare

5. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask is one of the most atmospheric and emotionally intense Zelda experiences that delivers a darker narrative that perfectly matches the series. The game is a masterpiece that offers tons of activities, including side quests, brilliant dungeons, and memorable bosses. | © Nintendo

4. Star Fox 64

Star Fox 64 is the gold standard for shooters, combining sleek design and tight gameplay that will keep people entertained after countless hours. Every planet felt distinct, the graphics were stunning for their time, and the epic soundtrack created the feeling of a blockbuster film. | © Nintendo

3. Perfect Dark

Perfect Dark is one of the most iconic first-person shooters that combines fast-paced action with open-ended level design that was years ahead of its time. The game offered players fluid movement without the need to stop and aim, similar to what modern gamers love in the Doom series. | © Nintendo

2. Super Mario 64

Launching alongside Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 not only introduced players to Mario in 3D but redefined the genre as a whole. Its dynamic camera and 360-degree control became the blueprint for countless games that followed, setting a new standard for immersive gameplay. | © Nintendo

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Come on, is this one really a surprise? Ocarina of Time is one of the most influential game experiences of all time that set the foundation for Zelda games to follow, and even for 3D adventure games as a whole. It remains an unforgettable legend, setting a gold standard for how beloved classics could, and should, adapt to the modern era.