Summary
The Nintendo 64 turns 30 in 2026, and it remains one of the most beloved retro consoles ever made. Its library is smaller than some of its competitors, but it is packed with landmark games, legendary four-player multiplayer, and a style of early 3D gaming that still feels wonderfully distinct today. (Nintendo)
For most buyers, the best N64 starter setup includes:
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A tested Nintendo 64 console with either a Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak installed
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An original or high-quality replacement power supply and AV setup
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At least one good controller with a responsive analog stick
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A few essential games such as Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, or GoldenEye 007
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A plan for modern TV compatibility, whether that means a simple adapter, a premium scaler, or modern N64-focused hardware like the Analogue 3D
Collectors should also understand three important things before buying: counterfeit N64 cartridges are very common, some games require the Expansion Pak, and not every title saves the same way. Getting those details right can save you a lot of frustration and money. (Nintendo)
Why the Nintendo 64 Still Matters in 2026
The Nintendo 64 launched in Japan in June 1996 and in the United States that September, which makes 2026 its 30th anniversary year. It arrived during one of the biggest transitions in gaming history, when developers were learning how to turn 2D franchises into full 3D worlds. Super Mario 64 became one of the defining examples of that shift, and the N64’s analog stick and 360-degree movement helped shape how games would control for generations afterward. (Nintendo)
The console also leaned hard into local multiplayer. With four controller ports built directly into the system, the N64 became a sleepover machine, a party machine, and occasionally a friendship stress test. Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007, Mario Party, and Perfect Dark are still some of the most fondly remembered couch multiplayer games ever made. (Nintendo)
Today, the N64 remains popular for three different groups of buyers:
Players who want to enjoy classic games on original hardware.
Collectors who appreciate cartridges, variants, boxes, manuals, and console colours.
Nostalgia hunters who want to rebuild the game shelf they had as kids, or the one they always wished they had.
What You Need to Start Playing Nintendo 64
A basic working N64 setup is fairly simple, but it helps to know exactly what should be included before buying.
The Core Setup
A proper starter bundle should include:
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Nintendo 64 console
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Power supply
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At least one controller
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A Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak installed in the top memory bay
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One game cartridge to test the system
The N64 will not be ready for normal use if that top memory bay is empty. Most consoles originally shipped with a Jumper Pak, while the Expansion Pak is the upgraded accessory used by certain later games. Nintendo’s Expansion Pak documentation makes clear that the Pak slot is an essential part of the console’s setup, not an optional empty compartment. (Archive.org)
Buying an N64 Console: What to Check Before You Commit
The Nintendo 64 is generally a durable system, but “powers on” is not the same thing as “good to go.” A quality seller should be testing more than just the red power light.
Look For These Basics
A good N64 console should:
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Power on consistently
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Load a cartridge without repeated fussing
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Output stable video and audio
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Have a clean cartridge slot
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Include a working reset button
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Have a Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak installed
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Pair well with at least one tested controller
A console that needs cartridges pushed, angled, or reinserted over and over may simply be dirty, but it can also be a sign of worn or neglected hardware. On a casual Marketplace pickup, that is a risk. From a proper retro game store, it should already be tested and ready to play.
Console Variants and Colours
The standard charcoal gray N64 is still the most common, but collectors often hunt for the translucent Funtastic colour systems, the yellow-and-blue Pikachu Edition, and other regional or bundle variants. Nintendo’s own historical material highlights several of these colourful releases, and they remain a big part of the system’s collecting appeal. (Nintendo)
For players, the colour does not matter. For collectors, it absolutely can.
Controllers Matter More Than Most Buyers Realize
The N64 controller is iconic, unusual, and very tied to the identity of the console. It was built around a central analog Control Stick that allowed true 360-degree movement, a major part of what made games like Super Mario 64 feel so different in 1996. (Nintendo)
The problem is that many original N64 controllers have loose, worn analog sticks after decades of use. This can make precision-heavy games feel much worse than they should.
What to Check on an N64 Controller
Before buying, look for:
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A Control Stick that returns cleanly to centre
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No excessive wobble or dead feeling
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Responsive A, B, C, Z, Start, and shoulder buttons
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No frayed cable or damaged plug
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A functioning accessory slot on the back
A beautiful console with a terrible controller is not a great starter setup. If you care about actually playing the system, controller condition matters.
The N64 Accessories That Actually Matter
The Nintendo 64 had a lot of accessories, but four of them still matter most to buyers today: the Expansion Pak, Controller Pak, Rumble Pak, and Transfer Pak.
Expansion Pak
The Expansion Pak adds 4 MB of additional memory to the N64. It is not just a collector accessory. It is required for some major games and improves or expands others. Nintendo states that:
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Donkey Kong 64 requires it
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask requires it
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Perfect Dark runs in a restricted mode without it
That alone makes the Expansion Pak one of the best upgrades for any serious N64 setup. (Nintendo)
Controller Pak
The Controller Pak is the N64’s memory card, inserted into the back of the controller. Nintendo notes that while many games save directly to the game cartridge, other titles require the Controller Pak or use it for extra data such as ghost saves, replay data, or high scores. A Controller Pak stores 123 pages of data. (Nintendo)
This is a very important point for new buyers: not every N64 game saves the same way. Some save to the cartridge. Some save to a Controller Pak. Some use both systems for different functions.
Rumble Pak
The Rumble Pak introduced force feedback to many N64 games. It plugs into the controller accessory slot and uses two AAA batteries. Nintendo described compatible games as sending signals to the accessory to create vibration effects during gameplay. (Nintendo)
It is not required for most games, but for titles like Star Fox 64, it is a fun part of the original experience.
Transfer Pak
The Transfer Pak connects Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges to supported N64 games. Its most famous use is with Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2, allowing players to import their Pokémon from Game Boy titles and interact with them on the N64. Nintendo’s accessory listing also notes support for titles such as Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, and Mickey’s Speedway USA. (Nintendo)
For Pokémon fans, it is a very cool accessory. For a basic N64 setup, it is optional.
Understanding How Nintendo 64 Games Save
This is one of the most confusing parts of buying N64 games, and it is rarely explained well.
Three Common Save Situations
1. The game saves directly to the cartridge.
Many major N64 titles store saves on the Game Pak itself. Nintendo specifically notes that most N64 games save progress this way. (Nintendo)
2. The game requires a Controller Pak.
Some games will not save player progress without one.
3. The game saves its main progress on the cartridge but uses the Controller Pak for extras.
That might include replay files, custom players, lap ghosts, or other bonus data.
When buying used games, especially expensive ones, it is worth confirming that save functionality has been tested where applicable. A clean-looking cartridge that will not hold save data is a very different purchase than one that is fully working.
Playing N64 on a Modern TV in 2026
The N64 was designed for the televisions of the 1990s. Modern displays can absolutely work, but the path you choose matters.
Option 1: Original Hardware With a Basic HDMI Adapter
The most affordable route is using the original console with a basic AV-to-HDMI adapter. This gets the picture onto a modern television, but it does not always look especially sharp and quality can vary dramatically between adapters.
This is the “I just want it on the screen” solution.
Option 2: Original Hardware With a Better Video Processor
Higher-end video processors such as RetroTINK products are specifically designed to connect classic consoles to modern displays while offering much better control over scaling and image handling. RetroTINK markets its lineup around game-focused video processing, calibration options, and display profiles for retro consoles. (RetroTINK)
This is the better route for players who care about keeping original hardware but want a cleaner presentation on modern TVs.
Option 3: Dedicated Plug-and-Play N64 HDMI Devices
Products such as the EON Super 64 are built specifically as plug-and-play HDMI adapters for original N64 consoles. EON describes the Super 64 as an NTSC/NTSC-J device that outputs a clean 480p image without external power. (EON Gaming)
This can be convenient, especially for people who want a simple N64-only solution.
Option 4: Analogue 3D
The Analogue 3D is a modern FPGA-based system designed to play original N64 cartridges. Analogue states that it is region free, outputs in 4K, includes four original-style controller ports, and is compatible with every original N64 game ever made. (Analogue)
This is not the cheapest path, but it is one of the most interesting modern ways to use a physical N64 cartridge collection.
Option 5: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For people who want to play N64 games rather than collect them, Nintendo’s Switch Online + Expansion Pack gives access to a growing library of classic N64 titles on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Nintendo’s current service includes features such as save-anywhere functionality, rewind on Switch 2, online multiplayer in supported games, customizable controls, and screen filters. (Nintendo)
It is a great complementary option, but it is not a replacement for cartridge collecting.
How to Avoid Fake Nintendo 64 Games
This section matters. A lot.
Counterfeit N64 cartridges are common enough that buyers should be cautious with high-demand games, suspiciously cheap listings, and overly perfect-looking cartridges from unknown sellers. Verification resources consistently recommend checking the cartridge shell, rear label, screws, Nintendo logo details, and ideally the internal circuit board when authenticity is important. (Game Verifying)
Red Flags on a Potentially Fake N64 Cartridge
Watch for:
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Labels that look blurry, too glossy, or poorly aligned
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Plastic shells that feel too smooth, too light, or slightly off in colour
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Incorrect rear text or font details
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Missing or suspicious back-label number imprints
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Screws that do not match what you expect on an authentic cartridge
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A price that seems wildly below market for a commonly counterfeited title
For expensive games, opening the cartridge and inspecting the board is still one of the strongest authentication methods. Verification guides commonly recommend using a proper 3.8 mm Gamebit screwdriver to confirm the internal board details. (The Old School Game Vault)
Games That Deserve Extra Caution
Counterfeits tend to target desirable or valuable games. While the exact targets shift with market prices, collectors should be extra careful with titles like:
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Conker’s Bad Fur Day
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
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Super Smash Bros.
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Mario Party 3
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Paper Mario
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Pokémon Stadium 2
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Ogre Battle 64
This is where buying from a trusted retro game store, rather than gambling on a suspicious marketplace listing, can be worth it.
Loose Cartridge, Complete in Box, or Sealed?
There is no wrong way to collect N64, but you should know what kind of collector you are before you start spending.
Loose Cartridge Collecting
This is the best option for most players. It is far more affordable, easier to store, and perfect if your priority is actually putting the games into a console.
Complete in Box Collecting
A CIB N64 game generally means the cartridge, original box, and manual are included, although different sellers may vary in how they describe inserts or internal packaging. Condition matters enormously here. A crisp box, clean manual, cardboard tray, and matching inserts can change the desirability of a copy dramatically.
Sealed Collecting
Sealed N64 games are a much more specialized area of the hobby. They are typically for advanced collectors, not the average person who simply wants to build a great library.
For most buyers, the sweet spot is either:
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Loose and authentic for playing, or
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Complete in box for favourite titles you really care about
The Best Nintendo 64 Games to Buy First
The N64 has a relatively compact library compared with some other systems, but Nintendo’s own historical material still describes it as a collection of more than 300 games filled with standout titles. The best place to start is not necessarily with the rarest games. It is with the games that show why the console mattered. (Nintendo)
Essential N64 Games for Nearly Every Collection
These are the foundational titles I would recommend first:
Super Mario 64
The defining 3D platformer of the console’s launch era and still one of the most important games Nintendo ever made. (Nintendo)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
A massive landmark adventure game and one of the most iconic releases in the N64 library. (Nintendo)
Mario Kart 64
An obvious multiplayer staple that still makes sense in almost any N64 collection. (Nintendo)
GoldenEye 007
One of the most remembered console shooters of its era and a major reason the N64 became synonymous with four-player chaos.
Super Smash Bros.
The game that started one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises and remains an essential local multiplayer pickup.
Banjo-Kazooie
A colourful, creative 3D platformer from Rare that represents the N64’s style beautifully.
Diddy Kong Racing
More than just a kart racer, it adds adventure structure, multiple vehicle types, and a strong single-player mode.
Star Fox 64
An arcade-style action classic and one of the best showcases for the Rumble Pak experience.
Paper Mario
A charming late-era RPG that has only become more loved over time.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
A darker, stranger, more ambitious Zelda game that requires the Expansion Pak and still feels unlike anything else in the library. (Nintendo)
Best N64 Games for Multiplayer
If your N64 is meant to come out when friends are over, these belong near the top of your list:
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Mario Kart 64
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Super Smash Bros.
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GoldenEye 007
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Perfect Dark
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Mario Party 2
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Mario Party 3
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Mario Tennis
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WWF No Mercy
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Bomberman 64
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Diddy Kong Racing
The console’s four built-in controller ports are a huge part of why these titles still hold up as social gaming picks. (Nintendo)
Hidden Gems and Underappreciated N64 Games
Once you have the obvious classics, the N64 gets much more fun to explore. These are the sorts of games that make a collection feel personal rather than copy-pasted.
Great Picks Beyond the Biggest Hits
Mischief Makers
A wonderfully strange 2D action-platformer in a console library best known for 3D games.
Blast Corps
A chaotic destruction-focused action game with a very specific kind of Rare magic.
Beetle Adventure Racing
One of the system’s best arcade racers and much better than the name might suggest.
Space Station Silicon Valley
Inventive, funny, and deeply odd in the best way.
Rocket: Robot on Wheels
A creative 3D platformer with ambitious physics ideas.
Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
A serious strategy RPG and one of the more distinctive titles in the N64 catalogue.
Snowboard Kids
A colourful, personality-heavy racing game that deserves more attention.
Goemon’s Great Adventure
A charming side-scrolling action-adventure game that brings something different to the library.
Higher-End Collector Targets
Not every rare or expensive N64 game is essential to play, but certain titles are common long-term goals for collectors.
Some of the better-known higher-end collector pieces include:
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Conker’s Bad Fur Day
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Ogre Battle 64
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Bomberman 64: The Second Attack!
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Stunt Racer 64
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ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut
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Worms Armageddon
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Snowboard Kids 2
These are the titles where authenticity, label condition, board verification, and seller trust matter even more.
Where to Buy Nintendo 64 Games in Canada
Canadian N64 buyers generally have four main options:
1. Local Retro Game Stores
This is usually the best balance of convenience, knowledge, and reliability. A reputable store should be able to help you understand condition, authenticity, accessories, and whether a console or game has been tested.
2. Online Retro Game Stores
A good online store gives buyers wider selection while still offering more accountability than a random marketplace seller.
3. Marketplace Apps and Classifieds
There are deals to be found, but there are also dirty consoles, untested controllers, missing Expansion Paks, and counterfeit cartridges. This is the route for people who are comfortable judging condition themselves.
4. Auctions and Collector Groups
These can be useful for uncommon pieces, but competition can push prices higher very quickly.
At Power Up Gaming, our general advice is simple: start with a clean, tested setup you can actually enjoy, then build outward from there. Buying the cheapest lot possible is not always the best deal if half of it needs replacing.
Building an N64 Collection Without Wasting Money
A little focus goes a long way.
Decide What Kind of Collection You Want
Before buying, ask yourself:
Do I want to play the classics?
Start with a console, good controller, and 5 to 10 excellent games.
Do I want a multiplayer shelf?
Prioritize four controllers and the party staples.
Do I want a curated collector library?
Buy fewer games in better condition.
Do I want every North American release?
That is a serious collecting project. Pace yourself.
The biggest mistake new collectors make is buying piles of games they do not actually care about because the price seemed decent in the moment.
Storing and Caring for N64 Games
N64 cartridges are sturdy, but they are not indestructible. If you want your collection to stay nice:
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Store games in a dry, temperature-stable space
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Keep cartridges away from direct sunlight
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Avoid damp basements and hot attics
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Use protective cases for better-condition labels or boxed games
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Do not force cartridges into a dirty or damaged console
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Be especially careful with boxes, manuals, and cardboard inserts
Collectors spend years upgrading condition. Good storage helps you avoid undoing that work yourself.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo 64 is still one of the easiest retro consoles to recommend. It has instantly recognizable classics, a huge local multiplayer identity, a colourful collecting scene, and enough quirky hidden gems to keep the hunt interesting for years.
For players, the smartest first purchase is a tested console, a good controller, a few essential cartridges, and the right video solution for your TV. For collectors, the key is slowing down, learning what you are buying, and avoiding the trap of chasing every listing that pops up.
Thirty years after launch, the N64 still has that rare quality: it is fun to collect, fun to display, and most importantly, still genuinely fun to play. (Nintendo)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Nintendo 64 in 2026
Is the Nintendo 64 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The N64 remains a fantastic retro console for both players and collectors. It has some of Nintendo’s most important games, excellent local multiplayer, and a strong collecting community built around original hardware, cartridges, boxes, and accessories. (Nintendo)
What do I need to play an N64 today?
At minimum, you need a working Nintendo 64 console, power supply, video solution, controller, a game cartridge, and either a Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak installed in the memory bay. (Archive.org)
Do I need the Expansion Pak?
You do not need it for every game, but it is highly recommended. Donkey Kong 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask require it, while Perfect Dark is heavily restricted without it. (Nintendo)
Do all N64 games save directly to the cartridge?
No. Many do, but some require a Controller Pak, and others use it for secondary save functions such as replays or extra data. Nintendo states that most games save to the Game Pak, while others require the Controller Pak. (Nintendo)
How do I know if an N64 game is fake?
Check the label quality, shell shape, rear text, screws, and back-label details. For expensive games, the best verification method is often opening the cartridge with the correct Gamebit screwdriver and inspecting the board. (Game Verifying)
Are N64 games expensive?
Some are still very affordable, while others have become serious collector pieces. The best way to start is with the major classics you actually want to play, then branch into rarer games once you understand condition and authenticity better.
What are the best first N64 games to buy?
A great first wave would be Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, Super Smash Bros., Banjo-Kazooie, and Diddy Kong Racing.
What is the best N64 game for multiplayer?
That depends on the group, but Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007, Mario Party 2, Mario Party 3, and WWF No Mercy are all excellent picks for couch multiplayer. The N64’s four built-in controller ports are a big reason these games remain so fun socially. (Nintendo)
Can I play N64 games on a modern TV?
Yes. You can use basic HDMI adapters, better dedicated scalers, N64-specific HDMI devices, or modern cartridge-compatible hardware like the Analogue 3D. Each option balances cost, simplicity, and image quality differently. (RetroTINK)
Can I play N64 games on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which currently includes a library of N64 games on Switch and Switch 2. Nintendo also supports modern features such as online multiplayer in certain games, save-anywhere options, and rewind on Switch 2. (Nintendo)
Is a loose cartridge better than Complete in Box?
For playing, loose cartridges are usually the best value. For collecting, Complete in Box copies are much more desirable, especially when the box, manual, and internal packaging are all in strong condition.
What is the most important thing to check when buying an N64 controller?
The analog Control Stick. A loose or badly worn stick can make many N64 games feel far worse than they should.
Is the Transfer Pak worth buying?
It is worth it if you care about supported games, especially Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2, where it unlocks one of the most memorable Game Boy-to-N64 experiences. (Nintendo)
Should I buy an original N64 or use modern hardware?
For collecting and nostalgia, original hardware is still the heart of the experience. For convenience or modern displays, systems like the Analogue 3D and Nintendo Switch Online’s N64 library are also excellent ways to enjoy the games. (Analogue)
