Ranking each year of the Nintendo 64’s lifespan is a challenging endeavor, akin to selecting a favorite among children. The console’s journey, starting from its 1996 debut with a modest yet remarkable selection of titles, to its 2002 farewell marked by the impressive release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, is often regarded as one of the most illustrious eras in gaming history.
While the N64’s controller may have sparked debate, the same can’t be said for its exceptional library of games. The console’s history is filled with iconic and groundbreaking titles that have left a lasting impact on gaming culture. Although we’ve explored some of the best N64 games previously, many hidden gems deserve recognition.
With that in mind, let’s explore and rank each year of the Nintendo 64’s offerings, using the North American release years of its games as our framework.
7 2002
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Among our rankings, 2002 stands out as the simplest choice, albeit for a limited reason. This was the year when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, the last game ever released for the Nintendo 64, debuted. While the year had few releases, this title was undeniably a highlight.
The decline in noteworthy titles in 2002 was notable, especially when compared to the strong performance of 2001, which will be discussed shortly. Furthermore, the introduction of the Nintendo GameCube marked a pivotal shift, leading to a decrease in support for older systems. Unlike today’s gaming landscape—where platforms like the PS4 receive new titles well after the release of their successors—the N64 faced a stark transition, ultimately resulting in a year that felt like a letdown.
6 1999
Donkey Kong 64, Super Smash Bros., Mario Party
1999 welcomed several major titles to the Nintendo 64, yet it failed to reach the heights of other years. This year was certainly not devoid of quality; games like Mario Golf and Donkey Kong 64 provided entertainment, while we also saw the inception of beloved franchises such as Super Smash Bros. and Mario Party.
What held this year back was a lack of standout masterpieces. While many games boasted depth and solid gameplay, there were no revolutionary blockbusters to captivate players. Interestingly, titles like Pokémon Snap added charm to the lineup, yet I wouldn’t place them among the N64’s most elite offerings.
5 2000
Perfect Dark, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Banjo-Tooie
As we delve deeper into the rankings, the task becomes increasingly difficult, particularly for 2000, which boasted an impressive roster of top-tier titles. Anchoring this year were Majora’s Mask and Perfect Dark, both of which could easily define any console’s legacy.
In addition to these standout titles, the year also featured sequels and new releases that enriched the N64’s catalog. From Mario Party 2 to Banjo-Kazooie and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, 2000 was a year filled with excitement. Even lesser-known titles like Excitebike 64 found their niche, contributing to a year that, while hinting at the console’s impending end, still managed to deliver memorable experiences.
4 1996
Super Mario 64, Wave Race 64, Cruis’n USA
In 1996, the Nintendo 64 made a grand entrance, featuring an impactful lineup that set the stage for future successes. At the forefront was Super Mario 64, heralded as one of the greatest launch titles of all time. Its innovation and gameplay were truly groundbreaking.
Other notable releases, including Wave Race 64 and the nostalgic Cruis’n USA, enriched the gaming experience. The latter remains one of my cherished memories of gaming, enjoyed countless times with friends and family while eagerly awaiting titles like Mario Kart 64, which would arrive in 1997.
3 2001
Paper Mario, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, Mario Party 3
While 2002 technically marks the final year for the Nintendo 64, 2001 arguably serves as its true closing chapter. The GameCube debuted this year, drawing attention away from the N64 and leaving it with a lackluster farewell filled predominantly with sports titles.
Yet 2001 was nothing short of stellar with gems such as Paper Mario, a beloved RPG that laid the groundwork for a successful franchise, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, which, despite its lack of visibility at the time, stands as one of the year’s best titles. It also saw the return of popular franchises with sequels like Mario Party 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.
2 1997
GoldenEye 007, Diddy Kong Racing, Star Fox 64, Mario Kart 64
1997 can be likened to the main course following a delectable appetizer: the N64’s game lineup truly began to flourish. The year gifted players with landmark titles such as GoldenEye 007, Diddy Kong Racing, Star Fox 64, and the trending Mario Kart 64.
The uniqueness of this year lay in its ability to combine cult classics like Blast Corps with mainstream hits, further enhancing its reputation. However, the only drawback is that the overwhelming quality of 1998 just surpassed it.
1 1998
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Could there ever be a more evident choice for the pinnacle of the Nintendo 64’s years than 1998? Ocarina of Time is often celebrated as one of the greatest games ever designed. While my personal favorite hails from this year as well—Banjo-Kazooie—there’s little disagreement that both title’s legacies resonate across the gaming landscape.
This year was additionally graced by the likes of Forsaken, Quake, and Yoshi’s Story, offering an eclectic mix that catered to a variety of gaming preferences. The phenomenon that was 1998 on the N64 truly showcased a remarkable moment in gaming history, characterized by multiple genre-defining experiences gracing the same console in a single year.
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