18 Nintendo 64 games we want to see on the Nintendo Switch’s Virtual Console
With such a brilliant back library of games, we take a look at those N64 games that need to be on the Switch’s upcoming Virtual console, no matter how unlikely…
Nintendo Switch’s first year has been an unprecedented success. Not since the days of the Wii has Nintendo seen its home console sell so well! So far the company has relied on new games from its big hitting first party favourites in order to appeal to new and old Nintendo fans. But with such a brilliant back catalogue, and its competitors utilizing their older libraries, it’s time for Nintendo to do just that too.
Reggie Fils-Aime, the President of Nintendo America, has already confirmed that a Virtual Console is on its way for the Switch. Despite being one of the most popular Nintendo consoles, the Nintendo 64’s small-but-great games library has never really been utilized to its full potential. Hopefully this year’s E3 will give more details about the Virtual Console and the games it will include. Showcasing some N64 games will certainly make the Big N a hit at E3 again! We take a look at the games the Virtual Console should include, baed on how likely they are to happen.
Nintendo 64 games that are likely to appear on the Virtual Console
The Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask
It’s impossible to think of a Nintendo Virtual Console without these masterpieces. With the success of Breath of the Wild it seems almost certain that Nintendo would build on this with two of the best in the Zelda franchise.
Wave Race 64
The Nintendo 64 was well known for its multiplayer racers, but Wave Race 64 offered something new to this genre. Racing on sun-kissed beautiful oceans was one of the greatest joys to this game. The unique aspect of racing on a jet ski, and the vibe this created made Wave Race 64 a masterpiece. A well deserving candidate for the upcoming VC.
Snowboard Kids 1 and 2
Imagine if Mario Kart took place at the children’s version of the Winter Olympics: that’s Snowboard Kids. It was a great mix of tense racing, exciting tricks and luck. It used similar combat to Mario Kart, but the slopes offered new challenges and uses to these weapons and items. And the music is simply incredible. Snowboard Kids is not an IP owned by Nintendo, but both the developer and publisher are small companies so it wouldn’t be too challenging for Nintendo to get this IP. Snowboard Kids should certainly be added to the VC’s library, and with the rarity of the sequel, it could be a long awaited addition too.
Super Mario 64
Much like Zelda, Mario has also been a huge part to the Switch’s success. It seems almost certain that the great Super Mario 64 will also make it to the Virtual Console. A generation of Mario fans may have only played played Super Mario Odyssey, and they should experience the first ever 3D Mario game too.
Turok 1, 2 and 3
Originally based on a comic book character, the Turok series showcased a fierce protagonist who fought against a tirade of mutated dinosaur-like enemies. The Turok franchise helped to shake the perception that the N64 was for younger gamers: Turok was as difficult as it was scary at times. Seeds of Evil in particular pushed the bar for the series. Despite a remastered version being produced in 2017, the Turok franchise is one which could easily make its way onto Nintendo systems again.
Pokemon Snap
Pokemon is still a huge franchise for Nintendo, and a new open world adventure is coming to the Switch this year. But Pokemon Snap offered something different: a fun sight-seeing journey through the Kanto region. It had its own challenges, but was also a lighter look into the world of Pokemon. Hopefully this unique game will add to the wide range of Pokemon games currently available for modern Nintendo systems.
And those games that we hope will make it, but the odds are not in their favour…but never tell us the odds!
Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie
Following in the footsteps of Super Mario 64, Rare’s platforming adventure introduced two new loveable protagonists: Banjo and Kazooie. It’s noted as being one of the best platformers of its time; perhaps even better than Mario! But sadly Rare (who are now working on Sea of Thieves) own the rights to this classic, and with the company now in the hands of Microsoft it’s very unlikely that it’ll make its way to the VC. Rare did release Rare Replay though, a great chance to play some of Nintendo 64’s classics.
GoldenEye
No N64 list is complete without GoldenEye, arguably the best FPS of all time. Sadly its current ownership is a mess: Rare own the game’s rights, but not the rights to James Bond games. So it’s very unlikely that one of the Nintendo 64’s best games will make it to the Switch’s VC. The multiplayer aspect to the Switch would have worked so perfectly with GoldenEye…
Perfect Dark
The spiritual successor to GoldenEye, Perfect Dark introduced a kickass female protagonist and a futuristic setting. But most importantly it built on what made GoldenEye such a great FPS. But yet again Rare own the rights to this IP, so it most likely will not be anywhere near a Nintendo system.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day
The misbehaved squirrel, Conker, drank and swore his way into gamers’ hearts. But it was also a great game too with challenging and compelling platforming levels. Yet another of Rare’s brilliant creations available on Rare Replay.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Taking on the Empire in various Rebel fighters: Rogue Squadron could be the most thrilling Star Wars game ever made. It also included various cameos from the likes of Princess Leia, Han Solo and Darth Vader. But EA currently own the rights to Star Wars games, so it seems unlikely that this older Star Wars game will make it to the VC.
Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer
One of the most surprising racers on the N64, Episode 1 Racer was a fast paced and exciting addition to the genre. Based on the pod racing from The Phantom Menace (where Palpatine first saw the potential of Anakin) it allowed players to choose from a range of racers and various settings. It also included a challenging damage system and opportunities to upgrade your racer. But sadly it’s likely another Star Wars game resigned to history.
WWF: No Mercy
Maybe the best wrestling game ever, perhaps even the best fighting game of all time. WWF: No Mercy featured the dynamic characters of the Attitude Era and used a brilliant combat system - one also used in the Def Jam Vendetta series. But with the ‘get the F out’ campaign the WWF is no longer, and it’s unlikely that WWE would allow a game using its older name to be released. WWF: No Mercy will likely (in Taker's voice) rest in peace…
Do you have any other suggestions of games you’d like to be included? Get in touch and let us know! Keep tuned to TriForce Reviews for the latest updates to the Nintendo Switch and the Virtual Console.