What is the Nintendo 64?
The Nintendo 64 (N64) is a home console by Nintendo, released in 1996. With more than 33 million units sold it wasn’t a commercial success on the scale of the PlayStation or SNES, but its cultural impact is enormous: the N64 was home to Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007 and Mario Kart 64 — games that are still considered milestones in gaming history.
The hardware is sturdy and robust — cartridges almost never fail, and the console itself is reliable. The big weak point is the infamous joystick on the N64 controller: the bowl wears down with heavy use and the stick starts to drift. Fortunately that’s easy to fix or replace.
Editions of the Nintendo 64
| Edition | Year | Colour | Notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N64 (grey/black) | 1996 | Grey | Standard version | Most people ✅ |
| N64 (various colours) | 1998–2002 | Purple, yellow, etc. | Limited editions | Collectors |
| N64 PAL | 1997 | Grey | European version (50Hz) | Europe |
Advice: A standard PAL N64 works great with European televisions. When buying, check the condition of the controller ports (they can wear out after decades of use).
Getting started {#getting-started}
Here’s what you need to play today:
- Power adapter — The N64 uses its own adapter; PAL and NTSC versions differ
- AV cable — Composite works, but SCART gives a much better picture. The N64 also has S-Video output on most models
- Controller — The original N64 controller; check the joystick condition before buying
When buying a second-hand N64 controller, always check the joystick: move it in circles a few times and let go. If it doesn't spring all the way back to centre, it's worn out. Installing a new stick costs a few euros.
Most popular games
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Most frequently voted the greatest game of all time.
Super Mario 64
The foundation of 3D platformers.
GoldenEye 007
The definitive multiplayer FPS of the nineties.
Mario Kart 64
Four players on one sofa — pure chaos.
Banjo-Kazooie
Charming platformer from Rare.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Darker, more complex, and equally special.
Super Smash Bros.
Where it all began.
Where to find games?
Physical
- Second-hand marketplaces — Good selection; popular titles have become expensive
- Thrift stores — N64 games show up less often than PS1 games, but it pays to look
- A specialist retro game shop or retro fairs — Reliable and specialised stock
The N64 has region locking: PAL cartridges (Europe) don't work on NTSC consoles (US/Japan) and vice versa. Buy PAL games for your PAL console, or use an Everdrive for the full international library.
Digital: Everdrive 64
With an Everdrive 64 you load games via an SD card. The complete N64 library — including Japanese titles that never came to Europe — on a single cartridge.
N64 games on AmazonCommon problems & fixes
- Joystick drifts or responds poorly → The bowl is worn out. Install a new mechanism or a Hall-effect stick. → Replace joystick
- No picture on startup → Dirty cartridge connector. Clean with isopropyl alcohol. → Clean the connector
- Grey screen with red flashing → Memory expansion port is empty (some games require the Expansion Pak)
- Controller not responding → Dirty or damaged controller port. → Clean the controller port
- Save game disappears → Internal battery in some cartridges is dead. → Replace cartridge battery
Mods & upgrades
- Upgrade to Hall-effect joystick — The definitive fix for the wear problems of the original stick. → Hall-effect joystick
- Set up Everdrive 64 — Full game library on a single cartridge. → Set up Everdrive
- UltraHDMI mod — Digital HDMI output for the sharpest possible picture quality (advanced)
- RGB upgrade — Better picture quality via SCART
Homebrew
The N64 homebrew scene is smaller than the SNES or GBA’s, but growing. Via an Everdrive you can run homebrew games directly. Active fans continue exploring N64 hardware with new projects.
Playing Ocarina of Time for the first time, or for the hundredth: the N64 is worth it.