The Nintendo 64 wasn't just a console—it was a revolution. As Nintendo's bold leap into 3D gaming, it delivered experiences that still resonate decades later. With the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack bringing these treasures to modern audiences, players can now revisit groundbreaking adventures that shaped gaming history. These aren't mere relics; they're vibrant worlds waiting to be explored during commutes, lunch breaks, or lazy Sundays. From cult classics to genre-defining masterpieces, each title tells a story of innovation that continues to justify the subscription's value in 2025. 📜✨
10 Sin and Punishment
Not A Punishment To Play This Game
Treasure's on-rails shooter emerged as an unexpected gem, initially exclusive to Japan. Its unconventional controller scheme—designed for left-hand dominance—hinted at alternate realities for gamepad evolution. The frantic battles against mechanized foes felt like piloting an anime epic, with English voice acting adding quirky charm despite its regional limitations. Decades later, its cult status culminated in a Western Wii release, but the magic truly ignites with portable play via NSO. Modern players discover why this kinetic spectacle became synonymous with Nintendo's willingness to experiment. Dodging laser barrages during train rides? Pure adrenaline.
9 Banjo-Kazooie
Nothing Rare About This Choice
Rare's feathery duo took Super Mario 64's blueprint and cranked the whimsy to eleven. Jiggies, Mumbo tokens, and musical notes transformed Spiral Mountain into a playground of discovery. Though camera quirks echo early 3D growing pains, the writing remains hilariously sharp—Gruntilda's rhymes still land like comedic grenades. After Microsoft's acquisition stranded the bear-and-bird pair on Xbox islands, their NSO homecoming feels triumphant. Playing in bite-sized sessions highlights the genius pacing: collectathon cravings satisfied between subway stops. Who knew rescuing Tooty could feel so fresh twenty-plus years later?
8 Mario Tennis
An Ace Of A Game
Beyond birthing Nintendo's lanky antagonist icon, Camelot crafted tennis mechanics with surprising depth. Topspin lobs? Charged slices? The nuanced shot system rewarded timing over button-mashing. Ring Shot and Piranha Challenge modes offered chaotic alternatives to Wimbledon-style tournaments. While lacking the GBC version's RPG elements, the purity of its doubles matches shines on Switch. Quick rounds between meetings showcase why sports spinoffs became Nintendo staples—easy to grasp, hard to master. Waluigi's smug smirk after scoring? Timeless. 🎾
7 Pokémon Puzzle League
The Greatest Puzzle Is Why Haven’t We Had More
This Western-exclusive twist on Panel de Pon injected Pokémon's charm into match-three madness. Ash's "vacation-turned-tournament" premise was delightfully absurd, featuring deep-cut anime characters like Butch and Cassidy. The versus mode's escalating intensity—with boards climbing vertically—demanded lightning decision-making. Its absence in Japan until NSO's 2022 release remains puzzling, but modern players benefit from portable panic sessions. Clearing combos while Team Rocket taunts? It’s strategic catharsis disguised as kid-friendly fun. Where’s the sequel, Nintendo?
6 Excitebike 64
Exciting!
Leaps, bumps, and mid-air rotations felt revolutionary with the Rumble Pak's tactile feedback. Beyond standard races, quirky extras like soccer minigames foreshadowed Rocket League’s vehicular antics. The desert’s endless campfire hunt? An oddly poetic open-world prototype. NSO accessibility reveals nuanced physics—weight shifts during jumps, tire grip on mud—that rival modern racers. Unlockable cheats (giant riders, moon gravity) beg for experimentation during coffee breaks. Few racers balance simulation and silliness so flawlessly. 🏍️💨
5 Paper Mario
2D Charm In A 3D Land
Intelligent Systems’ RPG masterpiece emerged from polygonal limitations. Flat characters became a stylistic triumph, radiating personality through paper-thin winks and folds. Timed hits during battles—stomping Goombas with rhythmic precision—kept turn-based combat thrilling. Partners like Bombette and Bow offered puzzle-solving flair absent in later entries. Playing handheld emphasizes its cozy storybook appeal; each chapter unfolds like a bedtime story with strategic depth. Why trek through Toad Town on TV when you can do it under blankets?
4 Super Mario 64
A Star-Powered Success
Gaming's quantum leap into 3D still astounds. That first triple jump off the castle courtyard? Pure magic. Bob-omb Battlefield’s slopes, Hazy Maze Cave’s secrets—each course felt like a playground designed by mad scientists. The NSO version sidesteps the infuriatingly limited 35th Anniversary release, letting newcomers understand why "Doom, the Jump Man" echoes in speedrun history. Portable play transforms frustration into fascination; repeatedly failing Tick Tock Clock’s gears becomes hypnotic rather than enraging. Those piano notes near Jolly Roger Bay? Instant nostalgia injection. ⭐
3 Wave Race 64
Ride The Wave
Dubbed "F-Zero on water," this technical showcase made waves literal. Physics reacted to every turn—choppy swells demanded throttle finesse. Sunny skies and azure oceans epitomized late-90s optimism. Modern play reveals timeless elegance; leaning into turns while reading buoys feels like surfing on liquid glass. The lack of a true successor amplifies its NSO value—where else can you race dolphins at sunset during your morning commute? Shimmering reflections still outclass many indie titles today.
2 Perfect Dark
Almost A Perfect Game
Rare's spiritual GoldenEye successor traded Bond for cyborg conspiracies. Gadgets like the laptop-turned-machine-gun and alien weaponry pushed N64 hardware to its limits. Stealth segments demanded patience, while multiplayer bots offered chaotic solo fun. With Microsoft's reboot canceled in 2025, NSO provides the definitive Joanna Dark experience. The "mature" N64 Classics version preserves its dystopian edge—perfect for nighttime espionage sessions. Uncovering dataDyne’s secrets feels eerily relevant in our AI-driven era.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The G.O.A.T
Hyrule’s transition to 3D remains unparalleled. From Kokiri Forest’s dappled light to Ganondorf’s tower ascent, every frame pulses with adventure. The ocarina’s melodies—Zelda’s Lullaby, Saria’s Song—embed themselves in players’ minds. Dungeons like the Water Temple’s shifting currents exemplify ingenious design. While the 3DS remake polished visuals, NSO preserves the original’s pioneering spirit. Playing during travels makes horseback rides across Hyrule Field feel epic; defeating Phantom Ganon between errands proves why this tops "greatest ever" lists. 🗡️🛡️
Ready to time-travel through gaming's most influential era? Grab your Joy-Cons, subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, and experience history that still defines fun today! 🎮✨