If you’ve been into gaming for a few decades, you’ll have fond memories of Saturday mornings diving into the latest releases on Nintendo 64. While the likelihood of you having a Nintendo 64 still available to play is slim, the Switch offers a limited number of titles from the iconic console. It’s been 28 years since the Nintendo 64 first hit TV units across the world, and 22 years since the final game was released for the console in North America (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, for those interested). That’s a long time to go without playing some of the classics that were available during the console’s six-year tenure.
However, if you’ve got a Nintendo Switch Online+ Expansion Pack membership, there are a few of those classics available to play. While some of them are definitely more niche, here are 10 of the best titles available to play. Apologies in advance if this list reminds you that we’re aging up a little too fast!
Super Mario 64: A Timeless Classic
I can’t begin this list without mentioning Super Mario 64. It was one of two games released alongside the launch of the N64 in North America (alongside Pilotwings 64), so it’s one of the first games that springs to mind when I think back to queuing outside my local video game store to get the console on launch day in 1996. I don’t feel like I need to explain Super Mario 64 too much, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 39 years, let me give you the TLDR: Mario is invited to visit Princess Peach, only to find Bowser has infiltrated and kidnapped her. Cue a mad dash across the realm to locate and rescue the Princess, and take down Bowser.
Pokémon Snap: Capture the Moment
If you want an updated version of this classic 1999 Pokémon title, then you can get New Pokémon Snap, which was released specifically for the Switch back in 2021. However, nothing quite touches the original in terms of nostalgia and classic design. There’s something really special about curling up and snapping shots of Pokémon as remembered from childhood. What tips the original over the successor, personally, is the lack of pressure to complete tasks. Admittedly, there isn’t much in the new one either, but if you face a lot of pressure on a daily basis, being able to simply focus on taking photos rather than needing a reason to is actually really nice.
Paper Mario: A Unique RPG Experience
First reaching North America in 2001, Paper Mario is the first in a series of six games (or seven, if you count Paper Jam) to feature Mario and associated characters in their “2.5D” forms. The plot is familiar to all Mario fans – Bowser has Princess Peach, and Mario must battle through the Mushroom Kingdom to get her back and kick some overgrown turtle butt. What makes the Paper Mario series incredibly special, and especially the first, is not only the art style but the puzzles and cooperation with other characters as well. The RPG elements and turn-based combat moments are tense, but not overly so.
GoldenEye 007: A 90s Icon
GoldenEye 007 is an absolutely guaranteed memory for anyone who grew up in the 90s, whether you actually played or simply knew other people who did and desperately wanted to but your parents thought it was too graphic. Regardless, the cover art of GoldenEye 007 is enough to trigger some childhood memories for most, featuring Pierce Brosnan as Bond and Izabella Scorupco as Natalya Simonova. It’s based on the story from 1995’s GoldenEye, and as Bond, it’s up to the player to take down a criminal syndicate and prevent them from using a satellite weapon. It also had multiplayer options, which would usually result in an argument or two!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: A Masterpiece
Released in 1998, Ocarina of Time was the first of the Zelda game series to feature 3D graphics. It is, arguably, among the best and most iconic video games of all time, and at the time of release, it received far more pre-orders than any other game before it. As with most other Zelda titles, you take the role of Link and have all of his usual weapons in your arsenal, including the iconic sword and shield. The story is hard to explain if you’ve never played, but in short, Link must awaken the five Sages, defeat Ganondorf, and protect the kingdom of Hyrule.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards: Nostalgic Gameplay
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards was released in 2000, and like Ocarina of Time, it was the first Kirby title to have 3D graphics. For many people, Kirby is one of those games that invokes a huge amount of nostalgia and has come to many platforms over the years, including the Wii, Wii U, and now the Nintendo Switch. The story involves Kirby having to reassemble a sacred crystal that has been shattered by Dark Matter, exploring 2.5D levels and devouring enemies to gain their powers. The Crystal Shards also introduced Power Combos, allowing you to mix and match powers to create new and much more powerful ones.
Banjo-Kazooie: An Underappreciated Gem
As far as platformers go, Banjo-Kazooie is wildly underappreciated. Released back in 1998, Banjo, the honey bear in fetching yellow shorts, was first introduced in 1997 as part of the cast of Diddy Kong Racing. Kazooie, the Breegull who can be found sheltering inside Banjo's backpack, became a beloved duo. Together, they must track down Banjo’s kidnapped sister, Tooty, who has been taken by the evil witch Gruntilda. The gameplay is a mix of delightful (although often frustrating) platform levels, puzzles, and boss fights.
Yoshi’s Story: A Unique Adventure
Yoshi’s Story was released in North America in 1998, and is a fruit-eating joy to play regardless of age. While most other titles on this list are focused on rescuing someone or completing quests, Yoshi’s Story provides something different: the endless frustration of trying to beat your own high score. There are two modes: Story Mode and Trial Mode. To unlock new levels in Trial Mode, you must first complete the levels in Story Mode, which requires eating 30 fruits. But of course, it’s not that simple!
Perfect Dark: A Spiritual Successor
Perfect Dark is described as a “spiritual successor” to GoldenEye 007, developed on an upgraded version of the same game engine and released in 2000. It features a solo campaign mode, as well as multiplayer options such as co-operative and deathmatch modes. As Joanna Dark, you must complete objectives while avoiding or eliminating opponents to stop an extraterrestrial conspiracy by a corporation known as dataDyne. Like GoldenEye, there are many weapons to choose from, with additional useful features.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: A Unique Gameplay Cycle
Released two years after Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask features the same 3D graphics and introduces a gameplay mechanic involving a 3-day cycle that must be replayed. Players use knowledge learned from previous cycles to perform better during subsequent ones. One of the best features is the transformations provided by core masks that Link can use, each with different, incredibly useful abilities. This adds another layer of strategy as players think carefully about which form to take to complete quests.
As you can see, the Nintendo 64 still holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. The Switch provides an opportunity to revisit some of these classics, reminding us of the joy and nostalgia these games bring. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or discovering these titles for the first time, diving into these classic Nintendo 64 games on the Switch is a wonderful way to enjoy gaming history!
