Nintendo 64’s Legacy
Launched in 1996, the Nintendo 64 (N64) rapidly ascended to become one of the most beloved gaming consoles ever. It brought 3D gaming to the forefront and enjoyed a successful six-year lifespan until Nintendo introduced the GameCube in 2001, with official discontinuation occurring a year later.
The Resurgence of N64
In recent years, the rise of retro gaming has sparked a resurgence of interest in the N64. Gamers from Generation X and Millennials are eager to relive the nostalgic experience of classic titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, and Super Smash Bros.. Consequently, the value of N64 games has skyrocketed, with some selling for thousands, and even a few approaching million-dollar sales.
Valuable N64 Cartridges
If you have old N64 cartridges lying around, you might be sitting on a small fortune. Below are some of the most valuable N64 games, based on data from Heritage Auctions.
Top N64 Game Prices
- Super Mario 64 // $1,560,000
- Clay Fighter: Sculptor’s Cut // $175,000
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time // $168,000
- Mario Kart 64 // $144,000
- Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals // $37,500
- Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside // $33,600
- GoldenEye 007 // $33,600
- Wave Race 64 // $21,000
- Donkey Kong 64 // $18,000
High Prices for Classic Titles
When the N64 debuted in the U.S., it released with just two titles: Pilotwings 64 and Super Mario 64. An unopened, mint-condition copy of Super Mario 64 famously sold for $1,560,000 in 2021. In comparison, a mint-condition copy of Pilotwings 64 sold for $4,320 in 2022.
Significant Sales and Rare Titles
Among the standout titles, Clay Fighter: Sculptor’s Cut, released in limited quantities through Blockbuster, is exceptionally rare. Only about 20,000 copies were made, and a pristine copy fetched $175,000 in 2024. Similarly, a factory-sealed copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time sold for $168,000 in 2022.
The Enduring Impact of N64
The N64 remains culturally significant, as its innovations in 3D gameplay influenced many future game development techniques. Titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time continue to be celebrated as iconic examples of game design.
