Reflecting on the Nintendo 64 evokes nostalgia for many gamers, as it was the inaugural gaming console for countless players. Although not the first 64-bit system, having been overtaken by the Atari Jaguar, the N64 established its dominance in the gaming landscape with an impressive lineup of iconic titles. While the awkward controller handling perplexed players at the time, it has still carved out a cherished niche in our memories.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate between sentimental attachment and the financial worth of these titles. As many video game collectors will attest, a game’s intrinsic quality isn’t the sole determinant of its market value. Factors such as scarcity and included bonuses often play a significant role in a game’s price tag.
While some beloved N64 classics command substantial prices in excellent condition, others have paradoxically inflated values despite being lesser-known or even poorly received during their initial releases. This peculiar phenomenon creates an intriguing dynamic within the world of retro gaming collectibles.
The following entries showcase the most valuable Nintendo 64 games, compiled from a comprehensive analysis of loose, complete-in-box, and brand-new pricing data sourced from PriceCharting.com, reflecting current market trends.
10. Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals
Why Is This Worth Money?
|
Loose |
$94.91 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$617.42 |
|
New |
$1, 914.00 |
An interesting case for value disparity is found with Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals, a fighting game inspired by the animated series of the same name. Regrettably, the game is often deemed lackluster, a conclusion I can personally support after renting it from Blockbuster during my childhood.
This game features a remarkably limited roster of Maximals and Predicons. Players engage in combat by firing lasers at each other until their stamina is depleted, then shifting forms into a vehicle or beast while the stamina recharges. Winning typically boils down to haphazardly mashing random buttons in the hopes of a lucky break.
Interestingly enough, Beast Wars was not commercially available for direct purchase; it could only be obtained via rentals at Blockbuster. This somewhat mystifying decision by Bandai or Blockbuster, considering its mediocre quality, has inadvertently inflated its value among collectors.
9. Gauntlet Legends (Figure Bundle)
That Little Figure Makes The Difference
|
Loose |
$186.57 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$599.50 |
|
New |
$1, 858.00 |
Bundled bonuses can significantly increase a game’s value, especially for titles like Gauntlet Legends. This action-packed adventure effortlessly merges classic arcade gameplay with modern elements, making it a solid favorite among gamers. However, despite its quality, a standard new copy barely fetches around $187.
If you happen to own the rare bundled version that includes a figurine depicting the game’s Warrior class, you’re in for a windfall; the complete package could net you nearly tenfold the value of the standard edition—showing that even small extras can lead to big paydays in the world of collectible gaming.
8. Super Smash Bros.
A Hallmark Of The Console
|
Loose |
$44.19 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$182.39 |
|
New |
$2, 496.64 |
Not every valuable game is shrouded in mystery; some, like the landmark title Super Smash Bros., worth its price due to widespread admiration and quality. As one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, it encapsulates everything appealing about their gaming universe.
A sealed edition of this beloved game is rare due to its popularity, which keeps new copies scarce. Owning an unopened version could potentially earn you enough money to purchase several complete-sets of N64 consoles—a testament to its enduring legacy in gaming culture.
7. Mario Kart 64
Everyone’s Old Favorite
|
Loose |
$39.32 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$140.00 |
|
New |
$2, 707.75 |
Turning our attention to another beloved franchise, the Mario Kart series has been a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming since its inception. Mario Kart 64, as the first 3D title in the franchise, holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, delivering enjoyable lap races enhanced by unique track designs and graphics for its time.
The game cleverly utilized a technique called “billboarding”to optimize performance, creating 3D racers based on pre-rendered images. Like Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 64’s value hails largely from its fandom. Loose cartridges are plentiful, but new copies are much rarer, often costing a pretty penny on the resale market.
6. Rampage 2: Universal Tour (Big Box)
I Want That Plushie
|
Loose |
N/A |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$747.79 |
|
New |
$2, 318.00 |
In the realm of pack-in games, most include smaller bonuses like figurines. One standout exception is the special big box version of Rampage 2: Universal Tour, which included a sizable plushie, the “Rampage Baby, ”that delighted fans when it launched. This edition also delivered explosive action and a variety of giant characters, building on the franchise’s arcade legacy.
While I fondly remember playing Rampage 2, a big box copy adorned with a plushie is a rare find and serves as a cherished collector’s item—adding both nostalgia and value to anyone lucky enough to own it.
5. Worms Armageddon
Wiggled Out Of PC
|
Loose |
$209.36 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$947.24 |
|
New |
$2, 936.00 |
The Nintendo 64 was also home to notable ports, one of the standout titles being Worms Armageddon, which transitioned from the PC to N64 with remarkable success. Released in 1999, this game maintained its beloved gameplay with various game modes and even a custom stage editor that appealed to players.
The reasoning behind its notable pricing remains somewhat of a mystery, with many collectors pointing out a disparity in availability between the U. S.and U. K.markets. Regardless, if you find a brand-new copy, its value soars to approximately $3, 000—highlighting the quirky nature of gaming collectibles.
4. F1 Racing Championship
Getting Into The Weeds
|
Loose |
$394.50 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$2, 299.35 |
|
New |
$5, 302.00 |
Diving deeper into the N64’s more obscure titles, we arrive at F1 Racing Championship, a simulation game that aims for realism. This title, a port from the PlayStation released in late 2000, showcased racers and tracks from the 1999 Formula One World Championship.
While this title might not resonate with many casual gamers, its impressive value reflects its rarity—seemingly a testament to its lower sales numbers, as evident from the limited availability of sealed copies flourishing in collector circles.
3. Stunt Racer
Mid Game, High Price
|
Loose |
$323.31 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$2, 299.35 |
|
New |
$7, 128.00 |
The N64’s racing game portfolio is robust, and amid the iconic titles, one obscure entry is Stunt Racer, also known as Stunt Racer 64. Released towards the tail end of the N64’s life cycle, it struggles to stand out due to minimal excitement and limited gameplay, often feeling like a filler title.
Exclusive to Blockbuster, its availability was already waning by the time it hit the resale market. This low distribution paired with those fond memories has allowed its value to swell—especially for collectors chasing after rare gems.
2. Super Bowling
Not Sure What’s Super About It
|
Loose |
$569.73 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$2, 337.42 |
|
New |
$7, 246.00 |
The N64’s sports game library is noteworthy, with titles spanning various activities, including an unexpected focus on bowling. One such title, Super Bowling, a 3D remake of a classic Super Nintendo game, offered gamers a straightforward experience without many distinctive features beyond pretty visuals.
Despite its average reception and low sales, its dwindling numbers on the market have paradoxically allowed it to attain a higher collector value, showcasing once again the contradictory nature of retro gaming economics in collectible landscapes.
1. ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut
I Miss Blockbuster
|
Loose |
$849.98 |
|---|---|
|
Complete-In-Box |
$5, 099.81 |
|
New |
$15, 809.00 |
Leading the pack in rarity and value is the illustrious ClayFighter: Sculptor’s Cut, a title underscored by its Blockbuster exclusivity—one of the strongest factors influencing its price. This updated iteration of ClayFighter 63⅓ introduced new characters and fatality moves—a nod to the popular Mortal Kombat franchise, amplifying its appeal within gaming communities.
After its rental period ended, Blockbuster locations sold their remaining copies at discounted rates, contributing to the title’s scarcity today. Consequently, a sealed copy can fetch an eye-watering price, capable of funding substantial educational expenses—ultimately representing the pinnacle of Nintendo 64 collectibles.
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