Nearly 400 games were released for the Nintendo 64 over its six-year run.
The first games were the launch titles, Super Mario 64 and PilotWings 64, released with the system in 1996.
The last game was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, which was released a year after the console's production had ended, in 2002.
In these six years, Nintendo and its associated developers released numerous titles that received critical acclaim. These included:
- Super Mario 64, released 1996, was one of the first fully three-dimensional video games. Mario's leap into the third dimension was warmly received
by critics and fans alike. It remains the N64's best-selling title with over 11 million copies sold.
- GoldenEye 007, released 1997, was a shooting game based on the popular James Bond movie. Beloved for its multiplayer and smooth gameplay, GoldenEye
was the first truly successful shooter to have been originally designed for a console. Perfect Dark, a 2000 "sequel" to the game released without the
use of the James Bond brand, built upon GoldenEye with better graphics and new weapons.
- Star Fox 64, released 1997, was essentially a remake of a Super Nintendo game. What made it different? For one thing, it introduced the "Rumble Pak" controller shaker
to the world. And as an arcade-style video game, it gave players endless entertainment with its constant action and humorously repetitive
dialogue.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, released 1998, was the first 3D installment of the popular Zelda adventure franchise. By far the
best-received game on the system, Ocarina of Time broke retail pre-order records when it was released. In the years since, the game has continued to
linger at or near the top of "best games ever" lists, with critics and fans praising its catchy music, detailed environments and engrossing story.
- Super Smash Bros., released 1999, was a fighting game, but different from other fighting games for two reasons: simple controls that didn't rely
on complex button combos, and an extensive roster of Nintendo's own characters, from Mario to Pikachu. The accessibility of Smash Bros.
made it a popular choice for video game tournaments.
A common theme is present here: Nintendo's use of previously established intellectual property in its games. This system meant more resources were available to focus on bringing the titles into 3D, allowing for a better transition into the medium.