Displate Blog Ranks the 15 Best Nintendo 64 Games, Led by Ocarina of Time
In 2026, the Displate Blog identified the top 15 Nintendo 64 games, emphasizing the console's significance. Topping the list is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, boasting a remarkable Metacritic score of 99, particularly praised for its Z-targeting feature in 3D combat. Super Mario 64, which sold 11.91 million copies, is celebrated as the first successful 3D platformer. GoldenEye 007 revolutionized console first-person shooters, originating from a Super Nintendo concept. Additional notable titles include The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Perfect Dark, Mario Kart 64 (9.87 million units), Banjo-Kazooie, Super Smash Bros. (1999), and Donkey Kong 64. The final licensed game released was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 in 2002, while ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut is recognized as the rarest game.
Key facts
- Displate Blog published a ranked list of the 15 best Nintendo 64 games
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time leads the ranking with a 99 Metacritic score
- Super Mario 64 is the best-selling Nintendo 64 game with 11.91 million copies sold
- Mario Kart 64 ranks second in sales at 9.87 million units
- GoldenEye 007 sold 8.09 million copies and began as a side-scrolling Super Nintendo Entertainment System project
- Martin Hollis directed GoldenEye 007 and led early production of Perfect Dark during its three-year development
- Super Smash Bros. was released in 1999 and its sequel was developed in 13 months
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 was the last licensed Nintendo 64 game, released in 2002
- ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut is the rarest Nintendo 64 game, a Blockbuster rental exclusive with about 20,000 copies
- Donkey Kong 64 required the Expansion Pak and was reworked from 2.5D using the Banjo-Kazooie engine
Entities
Artists
- Martin Hollis
Institutions
- Displate
- Displate Blog
- Nintendo
- Rare Ltd
- Camelot
- Blockbuster
- Metacritic
- Xbox 360
- Nintendo Switch
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- GameCube