Soapbox: Why A Nintendo 64 Classic Edition Might Not Be Such A Good Idea

I admit only N64 that i skipped from Nintendo buy list, reasons:
1. I wasn't raised by N64 vibes. I have no idea at all about N64 existence when i was Teen.
2. The library games of N64 are not really attractive as PS1. I admit PS1 has Very great games such as Dance Dance Revolution, FF VIII, FF IX, Punky Skunk, Pocket Fighter, Chocobo Racing, etc.
3. N64 machine & controller design was not really good as PS1 or Gamecube. I don't really like the button colors of N64, looked less interesting.

If i have to choose, i will choose PS One rather than N64 for better machine design and better games library & variety. PS One looked very cute by its petit size.

Even if it would be catalogue padding again, I'd much rather see those games on the Switch.

I posted this in another article but it's relevant here so will post again ::::::::::::::::

With the success of the NES and SNES mini consoles an N64 mini is obviously the next logical step.

Sadly I think I'd probably skip this one if I'm honest. I've played Mario 64 and Mario kart 64 to death via the virtual console so no real desire to buy one as they were my main go to N64 games.

The only game that would make me change my mind would be if it came with Diddy Kong Racing but sadly due to licencing issues I can't see that happening. (never say never of course)

If and when a Game Cube mini comes out I would be all over that as game cube games have never had the virtual console treatment and without firing up an old gamecube or mk1 Wii it's impossible to play the games

It's a shame about those Rare titles, but Nintendo has plenty of first and second party titles to choose from:
Super Mario 64
Donkey Kong 64
Yoshi's Story
Kirby 64
F-Zero X
Star Fox 64
Super Smash Bros
Mario Kart 64
Paper Mario
Zelda Ocarina of Time
Zelda Majora's Mask
Pokémon Snap
Wave Race 64
Pilotwings 64
Excitebike 64
Mario Party 1-3
1080° Snowboarding

Add to that the possibilities of some third parties like Mischief Makers, Sin and Punishment, Mega Man Legends,... and Nintendo could possibly make 2 N64 Classic consoles if they want to.

The joypad issue is my main concern. Playing 3D games without dual analogue sticks is just agonising.

I do hope it comes out for the ones who love the system. I would be slipping it though. I know it has some of the most revered and influential games in history on it, but polygonal games from that Era haven't aged well at all. Certainly not in the same way the 8 and 16 but sprite games did. Add to that the controller that likewise has some revolutionary ideas in it but I've always hated using it. All that aside like I said I do hope it releases this year, it's a sure fire cash boost and a great way to once again keep nintendo on the minds of the "blue ocean" people.

Weird article, because to me these mini systems have always been about offering the original experience. Fron that angle, the points brought up about remakes, VC and the controller are moot.

And about the games: sure, not having Rare games on it would suck, but it's not like a hypothetical N64 mini would include 30 games. First-party games alone can fill the catalog.

@Iconorobin S&P is first party (or second party, if you prefer). If anything, that's their Earthbound Beginnings/Star Fox 2 for this system.

Just read all that and still didn't see a reason against a N64 mini

Let's see.. An N64 Classic would have Mario 64, F-Zero X, Star Fox 64, Mario Party 2, Mario Kart 64, Pilot Wings 64, Zelda Ocarina of Time, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Kirby 64, Paper Mario, Super Smash Bros., and with any luck, Donkey Kong 64 and Diddy Kong Racing. Can you really say no to that?

Dean and Roman represent the rest of the NL staff.
Jon is played by Seth.

I have over 200 cib N64 games and I would still buy an N64 Mini day one.

I think it’s doable but not convinced it’ll happen. Part of me would prefer a Gameboy Advance Classic anyway.

The controller doesn’t seem to be too big an issue to me though. Supply was an issue but the NES Classic did sell the controller standalone so they could revert to that model. Ship one, maybe two and then offer additional as extras.

I also assume that any virtualisation used on these consoles is being developed with the Switch in mind too, so even if we aren’t seeing SNES or N64 titles at launch that effort to develop virtualisation for these systems isn’t being wasted.

I really hope they can get some good third party support if they make this. At least the rare classics like the banjo series, perfect dark, and Conker. As far as controllers go, I’d do 2 with the system. Just make the extra controllers easy to find.

Another Nintendolife article that completely ignores LucasArts 🤔

@Damo The closest thing to the original experience, if you prefer. The only alternative is going full retro, which just isn't as attractive for most people.

I personally don't see these issues because, at least as far as controller and visuals go, I like to believe people know what they're asking for. If Nintendo is willing to go the extra mile and tweak the graphics and resolution, that's great. If they aren't, well, I'm interested regardless.

Call it nostalgia if you want, but the original N64 versions of Ocarina and Majora will always be the best.

I'll definitely be getting an N64 mini as it's my favourite console of all time.

N64 was always trash.
Is trash.
Will always be - Trash.

I'm glad @Jon raised the point about the 3DS remakes, this is a point I made on the recent name registering article. Granted not everyone who will want an N64 mini will own a 3DS, but considering three of the best games can be played with superior versions the value of an N64 Mini becomes reduced.

@Anti-Matter - oh yes, the button colours are soooo important when buying a console, and of course the N64 was such an ugly beast. Rather than focusing on the most important aspect...games.

Actually, I think Nintendo could get the rights for the Rare titles. I mean Microsoft cares so little about Rare and their properties right now that Rare is willing to let just about anyone make a new Banjo Kazooie game. I think if Nintendo really wanted the Rare games then they could make a deal.

@NewAdvent
‘Star Wars Rouge Squadren’
If that games not included I’ll be red in the face 😊

I have great memories of this console but have to admit this era of consoles have not aged well at all. Coupled with the potential lack of games due to licence problems and it’s a tough ask. I’d honestly prefer Nintendo to do a gameboy or gameboy advance classic next.

I am psyched for a N64 Classic mini of all of Nintendo's console designs I think the N64 is the best the controller not so much but it was good in its time the console itself I love and still think its Nintendo's coolest design it's sleek and sexy for it's time . The only things I'm wondering about is will we get a rumble pack and a 8 megabyte memory card for the controller LoL..

I wish Nintendo would stop making these classic editions a limited run thing. Once they pull the plug on this and the virtual console eshop we will be back to square one of hunting down old cartridges that have dead batteries or require blowing on to get them to work.

I was just talking about this on Discord with my gaming buddies yesterday. We discussed the Nintendo list someone posted above and Nintendo could easily load some of those games on it to fill it up, even without Rare or few third parties. One aspect not discussed is cost. If Nintendo wants to keep it at $80, you can expect 15 games to be on it max, probably less. The N64 games are $10 per game on VC so they won’t put many on the N64 Classic, which makes it easier to fill up without Rare or third parties.

Looking at the list above, there are more Nintendo first party that aren’t listed. Mario Golf and Mario Tennis come to mind.

I can’t afford a hdmi mod. I want a 64 mini with scanlines

That controller is great!! But like the other "mini" consoles i wont get it as i still have my original that works fine, and has golden eye and perfect dark.

Frankly, i think a N64 mini wouldn't do so well because the visuals have aged spectacularly poorly, early 3D graphics look horribly fuzzy and blocky in shape, which will put a lot of people off.

Sprites have this sort of ageless factor to them (People are still making 8-bit looking games today), somehow they don't look nearly as dated, but seeing N64-level graphics on a new TV (With all the visual sharpness to show how low-poly the models are), the gameplay will still be fine, but when everything is low-res, low-poly and stuff, it still detracts from the experience a lot.

It keeps getting overlooked, but another possible reason it might be unlikely: third party controller pak support.

Look at the N64 games on the Wii and Wii U - none of them have working alternatives for the controller memory card. Maybe it’s a technical issue they’ve struggled with emulating or they just don’t see it being worth the effort, but Nintendo haven’t managed to get that working yet.

Which means games that relied on it for saving (Beetle Adventure Racing, Snowboard Kids, Castlevania, Doom, Goemon) are gimped without forcing use of save states - which feels against the theme of nostalgic purity.

Or they rework the controller to include rumble and memory paks built-in as standard. (Though this still leaves Pokemon Stadium pretty useless).

N64 mini would be a cheap way to get paper mario at least.

I think the Wii U was actually the best N64 emulator Nintendo made recently. I don't think the N64 classic is a good bet. I'd rather see a Gameboy version instead. If you have a Wii U, just buy 10 of your favourite games and play them there.

No more mini consoles please. I don't want a separate console, separate controllers, & piles of cables, for amounts to a single games collection that could be sold on one Switch card.

@chardir my though exactly. Both Sega and Rare have done this for current and previous gen.

@MysticX Maybe, but I don’t remember too many people complaining about the N64 games on VC. There was a huge difference in appearance between playing DK64 on my HDTV using an actual N64 versus playing it on the VC. I don’t think a classic N64 would do as well as the NES or SNES but I think there would still be enough demand to justify its existence.

@chardir That would be awesome! All 30 NES games for $59.99, All 21 SNES games for $59.99 etc. I'd easily buy those.

Still have my original n64 GameCube wii wiiu. Gameboy gba ds ds lite new 3dsxl. Few years ago I got a nes and snes but with a handful of games so nes and snes mini was perfect for me. But not sure I’d buy the n64 mini as I have all the best games for the system and still able to play them same with cube wii wiiu and hand helds. 🤔

I can’t afford paper mario

I would prefer that Nintendo continue to remaster their best games from that era. I'm envisioning SM64 using Odyssey engine and assets. Heck, they already have a head start on the Mushroom Kingdom.

The only way N64 Classic could make up for not having key 3rd party games is if the N64DD content like F-Zero X Expansion Kit were included.

As awesome as it was for its time, n64 games just don’t hold up graphically or in gameplay terms. Gameplay I mean a couple ways. You would need 4 people/controllers to get most enjoyment out of Goldeneye, smash, quake, turok etc... then just look at how the controls with oot or mario when compared to modern installments. I can’t even play mario kart64 due to how terrible controls are today. And I grew up with this system.
That all being said, I would be buying atleast 2 n64classics if they actually made one. Nostalgia breaks my wallet.
And I agree that most of the best games probably wouldn’t even be on it because of everything said in above article.

@jwfurness THIS!

I completely disagree.

First of all, the previous mini versions (nes and snes) had games that were tweaked for modern tv sets, and by general rule Virtual Console games don't have this, with the exception of 3DS VC, with its pixel perfect mode. So if there's going to be a n64 mini, it will likely have games that are tweaked to be playable on a modern, flat tv. This has not been the case with any n64 VC game, EVER. That's why I have an original n64 console, with original games, running on a 480i TV (I could also use a wii, but n64 emulation on the wii sucks). For example, I have Majora's Mask on my Wii U and I consider it to be unplayable: the night sky has no stars, just white blocky things, and everything looks... terrible.
Games on the N64 mini won't run or look the same way as a VC n64 game. Now, if they do, it certainly wouldn't be worth it, but I do think the games would recieve some kind of upscale, maybe like Final Fantasy IX for PC (this would mean that photorealistic backgrounds would look terrible, though).

Also, 3ds versions of Majora's and Ocarina are QUITE different from the originals. Ocarina's new design is lighter and charmier, and I do think that the 1998 version, in all it's polygon glory, and with its darker design, is better . Majora's had some gameplay changes (swimming with the zora, the stone mask, bomber's notebook and so on) that make the experience somewhat different from the original one. I wouldn't say that the 3DS are SUPERIOR just because they are more adequate to current standards. I like them a lot, but they do not replace the original games, at least not for me (also: TV is better than portable).

Last, and even if it's unlikely that the n64 mini will have the Rare titles, first party alone is more than enough to satisfy players, specially if we are assured that games will look better than the Wii U VC ones.

Oh, and if they remake the controller but with a better stick... that would be awesome.

I will buy the novalty value, but also can use these Controllers for the Wii / Wii U VC. I want to play N64 games with an N64 controller. I hate playing the Ocarina with an Anologue Stick, I need the 4 yellow buttons

All I wanted was Goemon's Great Adventure to be on the Virtual Console so I can play the darn thing without my memory getting erased.

For the most part, I could pass on a N64 mini but if they offer OoT, Golden Eye and WCW vs NWO i’ll probably fold and buy one.

I am more nostalgic for the nes, snes, gameboy, and genesis. During the 32 bit era i had a ps1. My sister got a watermelon pink N64 for Christmas one year. I bought wwf no mercy and perfect dark to play with her and had so much fun. Now i have my own jungle green N64 and most of the games i always wanted so a N64 mini doesn't appeal to me.

Ah the good old "well all the Rare games won't be in the N64 Mini, so it will suck", even know most of the Rare games were not developed well and aren't that fun to play. Everyone praises Goldeneye, despite it being very overrated. Check out Square Eyed Jak's unbiased review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhvNPTKNP3Q) which explains the issues in more detail.

The N64 does have a good backlog of games to pick from:
1 - Super Mario 64
2 - Mario Kart 64
3 - F-ZERO X
4 - Donkey Kong 64 (despite being developed by Rare, Nintendo own and can sell this game)
5 - Mario Tennis
6 - Mario Golf
7 - Mario Party 2
8 - Mario Party 3
9 - Pokémon Snap
10 - Pokémon Puzzle League (a bloody good puzzle game by Intelligent Systems)
11 - Ridge Racer 64 (owned by Namco, but I think they would allow it)
12 - Puyo Puyo Sun (owned by Sega now, they would happily allow this import)
13 - Sin and Punishment (Nintendo have translated this into English themselves)
14 - Mischief Makers (data for this title has existed in Wii U Virtual Console titles, so it could happen)
15 - Star Fox 64
16 - Tonic Troubles (I could see Ubisoft allowing this one)
17 - Rayman 2: The Great Escape (I could see Ubisoft allowing this one)
18 - Star Soldier: Vanishing Earth (owned by Konami, since PC Engine games are being released on the Wii U, this could happen)
19 - Yoshi's Story
20 - Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
21 - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
22 - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
23 - Super Smash Bros.
24 - Bomberman Hero
25 - 1080° Snowboarding
26 - Wave Racer 64
27 - Paper Mario
28 - Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
29 - Bomberman Hero
30 - Quest 64 (Konami would happily allow this one)

Now for the ones that would have issues:
1 - Mario Party (despite being owned by Nintendo, the Mini Games that involve rotating the stick are the issue).
2 - Star Wars: Racer (bloody Disney)
3 - Battle Tanx: Global Assault (not sure who owns the license for this one).
4 - Irritating Stick [insert long Japan title] (licensing issues with the show).
5 - Hot Wheels: Turbo Racing (bloody EA)
6 - Bust-A-Move 2 (not sure who owns the license for this one).
7 - Diddy Kong Racing (They would have to do what they did in the DS release and replace Conker and Banjo)

This a no brainer to me. Has one of the best library of games and people need to understand that this is a colectible item

I just wish that the classic edition consoles had an eshop where you could by more games than what's included on the console

I think an N64 mini is a bad idea for completely different reasons. The games have not aged well at all. The graphics of that era look downright ugly by today's standards. And there is not much nostalgia for the N64 as the games of that era became overly long and bloated, and the transition from 2D to 3D made games like Mario and Donkey Kong worse, not better. I've recently tried playing Mario 64 and Donkey Kong 64, and it is an absolute chore, partly due to the primitive camera, but mostly because the games suck. Nintendo developers may look back fondly at the N64 era as those games were certainly more fun for them to make, but they weren't nearly as much fun for us to play.

@JaxxDuffer ...He listed game library as an issue literally right above the button colours thing. To quote: "I admit PS1 has Very great games such as Dance Dance Revolution, FF VIII, FF IX, Punky Skunk, Pocket Fighter, Chocobo Racing, etc."

And it's not like looks aren't important as well. An ugly product will not sell as well as a good looking one, even if it's often subjective.

WWF No Mercy is like the final boss of licensing issues...

Sports (sports entertainment) games have enough licensing issues anyway

THQ no longer THQ

WWF no longer WWF

Many wrestlers in the game have since died in tragic circumstances, including one who murdered his own wife and son.

All in all, probably best left alone...

@JDORS This is so wrong.

I tend to agree. Early 3D games have aged terribly, and when you remove those rose tinted glasses you see poor frame rates, very low poly geometry, and fuzzy, low resolution textures. They're flat out ugly. Old SNES games by comparison can still look beautiful, and the vast, vast majority of 60fps (when not being slowed down by the hilariously bad SNES CPU).

I have both a NES and a SNES mini, but despite owning an N64 back in the day (it wasn't used much, the PSX destroyed it on the software front), I have no interest in an N64 mini.

Another point about the controllers:
Games like Star Fox had rumble as an integral part of the experience. Would nintendo produce controllers with rumble? Even without it the price of manufacturing an n64 controller is in a whole other league than NES and SNES, which is to say nothing about the fact that many of Nintendo’s first party games are meant to be played with 2-4 players... The n64 mini would be a very expensive ordeal

The best looking console ever

I don't know why so many people are convinced that an N64 Mini would be all 1st party titles. I just looked at the SNES Mini, and more than half of the games are from 2nd/3rd parties like HAL, Rare, Konami, Capcom, and Squaresoft. Some of those Konami games alone would make it a worthwhile purchase.
Also to keep in mind, if they keep the storage at 512MB, they wouldn't be able to fit a whole lot of ROMs. Maybe 15 of the largest ones (32MB each), depending on how much of the flash memory is filled with other things.

I can't speak for Star Fox 64. Never played it in any form. I can say I would be fine with Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask in their original form. Even after playing the remastered versions. I still play the originals from time to time on my Wii U anyways. For me, the gameplay still holds up and trumps the dated graphics. The only one that would be tough to go back to would be Mario Kart 64

The other points? All valid concerns. I suspect Nintendo would do it's due diligence to get a good portion of the games people want. And I can live without having four controllers. I don't think I ever personally owned more than two back in the day anyways. If we wanted to play any four player games, we just had our friends bring their controllers over

@RadioShadow I'm with you, there are plenty of decent games that could justify the N64 mini. Still think it would sell well too, it certainly wouldn't harm Nintendo to try.

I don't think i would buy an N64 classic to be honest, but mainly because I have the carts of the best games of the system already. I really don't enjoy the controller though, and I could see them charging another $80 for even fewer games based on the way they jumped up from NES to SNES mini.

IMO its no longer "retro" the 64 is just an old generation console

the NES SNES are legit considered retro era

and I agree with the concept that the best of the best would be hard to get the licences for

@JasonLee99 True, a decent filter could compensate i suppose, i only ever played N64 games (3DS ports aside anyway) on an actual N64...

I adore the N64 so much and despite what others say, I have never had any issue with the Controller - except in the durability department (more than a few originals have ruined joysticks). Despite actually having the PS1 first and having gotten the N64 second, I overwhelmingly like the N64 more. It boggles my mind that people like PS1 better. Not to say PS1 didn't have some good games, but N64 has a lot more that I still enjoy to this day. PS1 has Final Fantasy but the rest I don't really care about.

However the licensing issues are indeed a serious problem. That and the fact that a couple of my favorite games on the system, Pokemon stadium 1 and 2, would likely not have the ability to connect to their Game Boy counterparts - which was a crucial feature in my opinion - thus limiting their potential appeal.

I've probably said it 1000 times now, but I would rather have had virtual console on the Switch, but if we can't have that, I do want N64 Classic as a consolation prize... but then, not if most of the games I would want are still caught in legal or technical limbo.

The games I'd want to see most:
Mario 64
Both LoZ
Both Pokemon Stadium(or at least 2)
Mario Kart
1080 Snowboarding
Star Wars Rogue Squadron
Star Wars Shadows of the Empire
Banjo...

Nope. The prospects of owning another mint condition N64 controller trump everything noted in this article.

Day one purchase if it drops.

It would have to be done better than the other two and have at least 50 games built in fully done up in HD... I would buy soon as quake, turok series and more if it came to be lol

@Gerald Thank you, someone finally mentioned the benefits of the controller. Have you ever tried playing GoldenEye or TWINE with a dual stick controller? It's impossible, those games were made for the 4 C buttons. Not to mention the ocarina / instruments in OoT and MM. I would buy this in a heartbeat just to have those controllers again

And for anyone saying the graphics haven't aged well, 1) I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem making each or most of the titles 60 FPS, and 2) A great game is a great game, and after 5 min of gameplay you can be absorbed enough to not care

It is kind of useless to argue in favour of something not happening. If the writer really thinks that it is not a good idea, he shouldn't buy it if and when it comes out. But no matter how well thought out or how well reasoned your opinion may be, the truth is that there is a market out there for this product and the line-up will be as good as it can be, and most of us would be interested in buying it.

In this thread we argue against Nintendo releasing an N64 mini for those who want it.

I wish they’d release those N64 3DS remakes on Switch (minus 3D) and with a resolution boost.

I also think I’d prefer a Gameboy/Gameboy Color classic (with backlight) over an N64 classic next, although I want both to happen and would likely buy either.

The massive palm blisters I got from spinning the joystick during Mario Party are still some of my most vivid early-age-gaming memories. I want a new generation to experience the pain.

I pretty much agree, but what does "even compared to Mario Kart 7 mean?". It's a great game, does anybody doubt that? Or did I misunderstood the words?

@Anti-Matter what does that have to do with this article? PS One isn’t an option, so you sound really dumb.

@vitalemrecords wash your mouth out now.

@Louie06
I said, if i have to choose between N64 & PS1, i will choose PS1 based on the games library & machine design.

Very valid points here for sure... I think the remastered versions are off the table and exclusive to 3DS. That aside my wishlist does seem to be made up of games that just wouldn’t make it onto a classic edition:
Xtreme G
Turok 1 and 2
San Francisco Rush
Quest 64
Castlevania (and the sequel)
Goldeneye
Perfect Dark
Body Harvest
Top Gear Rally 1 and 2
Star Wars Rogue Squadron
Star Wars Shadows of the Empire
Star Fox 64
Starcraft 64
Beetle Adventure Racing
Zelda OOT
Mario 64
Excitebike 64
Wave Race 64
... I’m forgetting tons but I’ve owned all these and I’d LOVE to play them again. Yes, even Castlevania. I still think about getting chased through that hedge maze with the guy with the chain saw as I look for the brooch.

Also what would become of the controller slot? Built in rumble AND memory card number one? That’d be cool! I could bring my controller over friend’s houses.

What if the console was the controller?!

But realistically, I think all the games that are or were available on VC would be included. No more no less. All the infrastructure is already in place. Just pack ‘em up and go.

WWF No Mercy.
Conkers Bad Fur Day
Rogue Squadron
Goldeneye
Paper Mario
Mischief Makers
LoZ: Ocarina of Time
LoZ: Majora’s Mask
Super Smash Brothers
F-Zero X
1080 Snowboarding
Donkey Kong 64
Banjo Kazooie
Banjo Tooie
Doom 64
Quake
Silicon Valley
Sin & Punishment
Star Fox 64
Excitebike 64
Mystical Ninja starting Goemon
Castlevania
Jet Force Gemini

Release those on it. Sort out the licensing whereby the publishers receive a nominal percentage of each unit sold.

Or release a first party one only that can connect to the Nintendo account and initialise a store where ex N64 developers can release their back catalogue on the hardware for a price and a percentage goes to Nintendo

Yeah, I disagree with this entire premise. Those buying the mini consoles will buy an N64 mini, and it will be loaded with great games, notwithstanding the unfortunate omission of Rare. And I for one am completely fascinated with what N will do for the controllers. (Not sure why anyone would think 4 would be packed in; the N64 console was released in 150+ package variations and only a handful had 2 controllers at most.)

What about Gameboy mini first?

The last time these kind of rumours were going round the following week the SNES mini got announced, as I put on facebook I can't wait to see the box as it will be bigger than the other two designs! doubled layered to accommodate the controller.

I'm shocked so many people disliked the controller. I always felt it was one of the best controllers to ever be released (it's analog stick durability aside). Recently, I was in a pediatric waiting room that had a N64 hooked to a TV. I put the controller in my hand and it still felt comfortable, even after over 15 years of having not used an N64

@Alto now, the controller being the console is really interesting. Make it USB, so it can go via a cable in to a N64 shaped multi (four port) USB hub then HDMI to the TV and you could be on to something...

@UmbreonsPapa I don't like the controller either.

It'll never happen because sadly Factor 5 doesn't exist but it would have been incredible if Star Wars Rogue Squadron could have been added to the N64 Classic (if it turns out to exist). But that's a major pipedream & I bet getting Rare games on this possible machine would be more likely than Rogue Squadron if I'm being brutally honest. Another question though, if they do make an N64 Classic, I wonder if it'll come with a built-in Expansion Pack already applied? The EP definitely helped the games that were designed for them, and if DKC 64 is included on the machine, I don't know how it would be playable without the Expansion Pack (since it was bundled with the game). And I wonder if the controllers will come with built-in Rumble Pak (yes that 90s spelling) functionality since games like Star Fox 64 used it.

@Anti-Matter PlayStation 1 has more adult themed games than n64. I don’t understand man. I thought you said Sony was evil and Nintendo was blindly the best.

@Anti-Matter
Its a shame. N64 Nintendo was really Nintendo's golden years in terms of culture.

I really hope this comes out.

In regards to Rare games: who cares? We're all going to load Rare roms anyway. Hopefully the RAM is better than the expansion pack. Then we can finally play Perfect Dark split screen multiplayer without horrible frame rate drops.

@Trajan
Well... yeah.
Too bad.
I have never knew about N64 existence when i was Teen, back on year 1996.

@UmbreonsPapa I grew up with arcade sticks in my hand, teethed on the NES rectangle, grew with the SNES pad. N64 controller was bad. They made up for it with the heavenly GCN controller though, so I forgive them.

@Anti-Matter I was too scorned and too broke from buying the Virtual Boy to care about N64 at the time

@NEStalgia The N64!controller revolutionised everything in terms of controllers and brought everything forward a huge step just like the console.

3D analogue stick? The N64 Controller.
Rumble feedback? The N64 Controller.
Dual movement controls (now dual sticks) The N64 Controller
It was designed from its inception to give dual movement control without sacrificing the D-Pad, some games even went as far as letting you use two controllers per player to enable dual sticks if you wanted. Everything after was an idea taken from this controller.

@Damo

Plenty of SNES games are missing too tbf.

@gaga64

Eh. If most people aren't complaining about save states for the NES and SNES minis, most won't complain about this.

Then again, I've never had an N64, so your points are valid, seeing as you have had personal experience with it and all.

The easiest way to solve rights issues would be to add a cartridge port to the N64 classic. There are plenty of carts in circulation.

@chardir

Then don't buy one. Simple as that.

@NEStalgia Different strokes, I guess. I find the GC controller to be my least favorite Nintendo controller. And that's not indicative of the GameCube. It's probably my second favorite Nintendo console behind the N64. And I didn't think it was necessarily bad. Just kind of there. Weirdly, I did like the Wavebird. That remains a favorite of mine

The SNES mini uses the same hardware as the NES Mini. N64 games need more powerful hardware and that would drive the cost of a potential N64 Mini up to an amount that many casual buyers won't be willing to pay. The N64 controller would also be more expensive to produce than the ones for the NES and SNES. No I don't think we'll ever see a N64 Mini.

I think the greater consideration here would be technical / price. While NES and SNES games run happily on a Broadcom BCM2835 processor (in the original Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Zero, for example), N64 games require a beefier processor with a lot more RAM, which would drive the price up considerably. Add in a more expensive controller (the analog stick and those extra buttons and plastic grips cost money) and you're talking something that's probably closer to the original price range of the N64 to produce and sell ($199) than you are the NES mini ($60). At that point the value proposition really isn't there, especially since with a few exceptions the games aren't as fondly remembered.

But maybe Nintendo can find a way to pull it off somehow. I've learned never to bet against the big N.

First party alone would be enough for me to pick one up, throw in the bomberman games and the goemon games and I'm good to go. I think the rare catalogue gets too much hype. Everybody talks about nostalgia glasses for the Nintendo titles but many of the Rare games just didn't age well imo (and were okay when they were released). Also I have no issues with the trident (aside from the joystick the trident is one of my favorite controllers unlike the dreamcast or DS 1-3 or the duke).

@Darasin
Not enough to satisfy today's market. Nintendo knows that physical games are hard to come by and most people are not willing to pay the exorbitant prices asked for a lot of used titles. Adding a cartridge slot would also drive up the manufacturing costs and thus the retail price. I don't think that Nintendo would consider that a viable solution.

It was the first console I’d ever truly owned - I’d shared the Master System and Megadrive with both of my brothers - so I have an immense amount of nostalgia attached to it. If I didn’t still have my working N64 twenty years on I would not hesitate to buy this, with or without the third party games.

@1UP_MARIO
PS1 & PS2 were my Teenhood machines when i was Grade 9 Junior High School.
I still remember i have ever tried Magical Drop III, Punky Skunk, Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix, FF VIII, FF IX, FF Tactics, Chocobo Racing, Hello Kitty Cube Frenzy, etc.
Even when i was Teen, i NEVER & will NEVER played any rated M games because by Naturally i hate all of them. I kept playing Rated E & E10+ by Majorly, a few Teen games that i thought it still Acceptable.

And one thing, Only PS1 & PS2 that i still gave respect. I still playing DDR, Dance Dance Revolution on Arcade until today, for almost 15 years, learned from DDR PS1 & PS2 version. I also play other BEMANI games such as Para Para Paradise, DrumMania. I play K-1 because i like Kickboxing. I played Bomberman Battles & Land 3 for something Kiddie. I like Beatmania IIDX Musics even though i still can't play Beatmania IIDX very well. I played Monster Rancher 2 (ps1), obsessed with Gali, play Monster Rancher 4 (PS2) also. I still play Kiddie & rated Everyone games on both PS1 & PS2. I grew up from BEMANI games on PS1 & PS2. I owe something from Sony only for those machine. Whenever i play BEMANI games, i always remembered that was from Sony machine , Not from N64 / Gamecube. And my PS1 & PS2 games are Majorly DDR series and other BEMANI games (Guitar Freaks & DrumMania series).

I lost my respect with Sony since ps3 & even worse since ps4, despite i owned ps4 i still rarely use my ps4.

And you, don't pretend you don't know at all about me after i had explained about myself, keep replying me with Satire and Sarcastic comments. I said, back off. If you don't need to talk with me, don't start insulting me like you have no idea about me. Don't you ever bashing me with your Sarcastic & rude comments !

@KingSandyRavage Yeah I don't deny it was a major milestone in controller history and introduced most of our current norms (the DualShock was a blatant me-too, akin to PS Move to the Wiimote, after all.)

But it was an ergonomic disaster all the same. But they fixed it next time.

@Tempestryke Well, no, it's not as simple as that. Firstly if they released a Switch collection then that would be better. I could spend the same money on the collection and have a much nicer play experience ("anytime, anywhere, with anyone"), rather than tied to the TV by a 3 foot cable. It's possible they could release Switch collections in addition, but so far they haven't.

Secondly I don't like the environmental impact of all these extra single-purpose cheap electronics. We already have a ton of devices capable of playing these games, why produce more stuff that ultimately ends up in landfill.

@Anti-Matter

Nintendo 64 also had better 3D graphics than PS1. If Sony ever made a PS1 classic mini I would never buy that trash.

Unless your a big RPG fan the PS1 is junk compared to the N64. The N64 had the best first person shooters, racing games, and 3D platformers at the time, their even was RTS games on it.

@Yorumi

Agreed the N64 controller gets to much unneeded hate.

I believe the problem with the N64 controller was the fact that so many people didn't know how to hold it properly.

Indeed, N64 had good games, and many of them were third party. I don't see said third parties being able to work out a deal for the N64 Classic. Ugh.

@Meaty-cheeky
That was Not my fault if i have NO Idea about N64 existences when i was Teen.
Nintendo machines that ever knew during 90's era just only NES & SNES. My parents bought me a PS1 back on year 1998. I wasn't a gamer until i knew what it called RPG from FF VIII, Dancing games from Dance Dance Revolution, Farming life sims from Harvest Moon Back to Nature, etc.

My Mom & I also really like Magical Drop III PS1 version, me & my siblings was really hyped with Harvest Moon back to Nature, i knew about Dance Dance Revolution 3rd Mix from my cousin and it was a Booming during early year 2000.

And FF VIII & FF IX are Not Trash RPG games.
I really like the gameplay.

@Anti-Matter chill. Don’t get upset man

Maybe Nintendo needs to brainwash you 😉

@Anti-Matter In no way did the PS1 have a better games library than the N64. Super Mario 64, GoldenEye, the two Zelda games, Smash Bros, Mario Kart 64, WWF No Mercy... there's not a single PS1 game that's better than any of those.

Super Mario 64
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
Legend of Zelda Majoras Mask
1080 Snowboard
Waverace
Excitebike 64
Paper Mario
Mario Kart 64
Kirby 64
Pokemon Snap
Star Fox 64
F-Zero X
Super Smash Bros
Yoshi Story
Mario Party 2
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
Goemons Great Adventure
Bomberman 64
Ogre Battle 64
Sin and Punishment
Donkey Kong 64
Mario Tennis
Mario Golf
Mischief Makers
Dr Mario 64

@olrodlegacy Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo 1/2, FF7, the resident evils, the Sports games, Ape Escape, Castlevania SOTN, my God the Ridge racer games, I could go on and on. The games you listed are classics yes, but the ps1 had just as many revolutionary games as the N64 did tbh. We all have our preferences, but to say that one is leaps and bounds above the other (as far as games go) is a bit hyperbolic.

I think the NES mini was a test to gauge interest. After selling millions they decided to go with the classic edition consoles in place of a Virtual Console for the switch. I think a Nintendo 64 Classic is quite possible but I think that’s where it stops. I suppose they could also do a Game Cube classic but it would require a lot more storage. I’d get in line if they did.

I personally loved the N64 controller.

@olrodlegacy
Well...
Different people, different interest.
Let me tell you what PS1 games that i like:
1. Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) 3rd Mix
2. DDR Extra Mix
3. DDR 4th Mix
4. DDR 5th Mix
5. X-Men vs Street Fighter
6. Pocket Fighter
7. Street Fighter Alpha 3
8. Magical Drop III
9. Puzzle Bubble 3 DX
10. Magical Tetris feat. Disney
11. Hello Kitty Cube Frenzy
12. Wheel of Fortune
13. Harvest Moon Back to Nature
14. Monster Rancher 2
15. Punky Skunk
16. Final Fantasy VIII
17. Final Fantasy IX
18. Final Fantasy Tactics
19. Chocobo's Dungeon 2
20. Chocobo Racing
21. DDR Konamix
22. DDR Disney Mix
23. Bishi Bashi Special 2
24. Saiyuki: Journey to West

Well... just only that.

"Super Mario 64, GoldenEye, the two Zelda games, Smash Bros, Mario Kart 64, WWF No Mercy... there's not a single PS1 game that's better than any of those."

I'm sorry but i have No interest with those games.

I have thought about all of these points over the past year, especially the multiplayer and the licensing issues. I do feel, though, that there are plenty of non-licensed games to fill the system. MISCHIEF MAKERS, MYSTICAL NINJA, TETRISPHERE, OGRE BATTLE 64, STAR CRAFT 64, 1080, WAVE RACE, DIDDY KONG RACING, DONKEY KONG 64, SM64. Of course the RARE connection would be paramount. We need BANJO, JET FORCE, BLAST CORPS and PERFECT DARK on there.

Honestly the only games that would interest me on a potential N64 Classic would be Paper Mario, Mario Kart 64, and Majora's Mask. I already have my dad's old N64 with Ocarina of Time, Mario 64, Smash Bros, Goldeneye, etc.

This is what I consider when buying classic mini consoles. The only reason I got the SNES Classic was because my dad's old SNES doesn't have Earthbound, Zelda, F-ZERO, Mario Kart, etc.

@Anti-Matter "Well...
Different people, different interest."

To see you type that is delightfully ironic lol 😂

Early 3D games have not aged well.

@Anti-Matter xmen vs street fighter and street fighter alpha 3 were appalling on PSONE. I’d rather they made a mini Saturn with the proper arcade perfect versions of both those game along with games like Panzer Dragoon Saga, Burning Rangers and Other classics that would otherwise cost an utter fortune and not available anywhere else.

Just checked, and our N64 has Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Smash Bros, Pokémon Snap, Star Fox 64, Goldeneye, Quake II, and Rampage 2.

So yeah. I'd be interested in Paper Mario, Majora's Mask, and Mario Kart. And possibly F-ZERO.

What I'd really like is a GameCube Classic, since I've never played Mario Sunshine, the original Luigi's Mansion, or Paper Mario: TTYD. Or maybe just a GameCube collection on Switch. 😜

@NEStalgia everything Sony has ever released has always been a “Me-Too!!!” Following a Nintendo innovation.

That being said, while ergonomics were perfectly rectified in the form of the GameCube controller, the N64 was a mikes more ergonomic than the cannablised SNES pad form factor of the appalling PsOne controller, and waaaasay more ergonomic than what sega were putting out. If anything the N64 controller was the first console controller to adopt an ergonomic consideration in its design.

I've been replaying my N64 endlessly since getting it modded with an Ultra HDMI board. The graphics may look dated to some but the gameplay is still there for people willing to look past the graphics. That said, I don't have a problem with the N64's graphics, I think the early 3D stuff has a charm of its own, just like pixel art.

I would be all over an N64 mini if it meant fresh new joysticks being made, my trusty old green controller still mostly works but diagonals are definitely not reading the full range any more.

I wouldn't be too bothered by any games missing from an N64 Mini as I'm sure someone will work out how to add extra games in.

I like the original controller!

People who have played an N64/owned one will know what to expect with a 'mini' no need to create some mutant offspring.

@Yorumi Can you recommend a replacement? The ones I've bought over the years (one that was like a GC stick and one that was allegedly just like an N64 original) just didn't work as well.

The GC one just didn't handle small increments well and the N64-like one was very stiff and seemed to have a larger dead zone.

@BulkSlash did you do the hdmi mod yourself. How long was that waiting list.

@MarcelRguez "Weird article, because to me these mini systems have always been about offering the original experience. Fron that angle, the points brought up about remakes, VC and the controller are moot.

And about the games: sure, not having Rare games on it would suck, but it's not like a hypothetical N64 mini would include 30 games. First-party games alone can fill the catalog."

This.

@Anti-Matter Alot of the DDR games wouldn't as good without a dance mat (honestly I prefer the actual arcade machines) if a PS1 mini was made.

Agree with the article for the most part - but actually really want a Gameboy [Super?] classic before anything else anyway. Complete the holy trinity. Link's Awakening, DK 94, Mole Mania, Wario Land(s), Operation C (Contra), Belmont's Revenge...etc etc

Honestly would prefer a N64 mini over a NES and SNES minis.
Or at least have them on VC soon.

no Rare games would kill the concept totally for me. If this existed, Microsoft must be onboard for those IPs

I'd die for a GBA Classic - but thats the only thing that would get me super excited

I have already taken all the issues mentioned in this article into account, and I still want one!

@Iconorobin That is a pretty good list. As long as we get some good third parties I am game.

@KingSandyRavage Well I certainly agree with you on the PS controller. I have never met a Playstation controller I liked.

How is this relevant?

I'm looking forward to the Gameboy "mini." Make it colour with HDMI output and 30/40 games. Lovely.

@Iconorobin they won't release mario party 1 on it.

If they do release an N64 Mini I'd really want them to keep the seminal original controller. Playing GoldenEye 007 basically dual analog but holding one of them in each hand by the centre prong was kind of revolutionary for its time, and it actually still feels really good to use them like that today too. And the controller is just cool for both playing a game like Doom 64 more traditionally, using the left prong with the d-pad and right prong with the face buttons, or for the obvious centre and right prong combination for most other N64 games.

@edgedino
Any specific reason why they won't aside from Mario Party 2 being better?

The n64 is a bad idea in its own right. Save the plastic and buy the only good game for n64...doom 64.

These minis are tempting, but I'm really after a dreamcast mini as many dreamcasts are starting to suffer from disc read errors and a mini would make the perfect replacement.

@Eigotaku oh yeah! I was thinking something like a rechargeable controller with a cable with had HDMI at the end instead of USB. Just plug the controller into your TV and boom.

N64 is the worst Nintendo console I have ever played, so I wouldn’t get it even if I receive one for free.

@Iconorobin Bangai-o please

I don’t think the N64 has aged as well as SNES or NES. I prefer the sharper graphics of the previous systems as opposed to the muddied blocky graphics of the 64. I enjoyed the system during the time it was released, but nowadays can do without it.

Can we all just agree that very few things age well and move on from the whole, “early 3D graphics haven’t aged well” thing? I think this is the third N64 Classic thread in the last week that reads like a pet shop full of cage mad parrots all squawking the same phrase at each other.

Wow what a terrible article. First off I loved the N64 controller, it might not be everyone's favorite but it had a very unique design that was very satisfying to use. As for the games there is no shortage of great games outside of trademarks and Rareware, I have the Rare collection on Xbox and while it is nice it showed me how those Rare games didn't exactly age gracefully. As for the 3DS remakes, I am pretty sure we only got 3 games that did that which is the Zelda games and Starfox. There is no shortage of great games they could release on a N64 classic and I am sure the people who grew up with one like me would love to have one.

@Tempestryke yeah, including save states isn’t really an issue, it’s a nice additional option for anyone who wants it, my point was more that there’s an army of N64 games that rely on an outdated and apparently unreplicable hardware saving system that would make save states (which work in a completely different manner) an absolute essential - intrinsically changing how those games work.

Though to be honest, I have no idea what the technical issues are with it, or why Nintendo have never bothered finding a software-related workaround in their own N64 emulators.

And the GB Transfer Pak is also utterly unworkable here, making Pokemon Stadium almost worthless, and undermining certain other games too (Mario Tennis / Golf, Perfect Dark).

@1UP_MARIO

Lol. Name a time he hasn't contradicted himself

I know is a personal opinion but I think that the N64 is a very overrated console in the history of Nintendo. It has some good games but with a few exceptions like Ocarina of time, they haven't aged well (to be fair, that can be said of the PS1 games too). Mario 64 is a very tedious game, Mario Kart controls' are a mess, Smash bros. is good but the newer ones are better playable. And the other classics like Goldeneye, are jarring to play today and like the article stated is covered with red tape.

If they release a mini version, I doubt it'll sell better than the NES or SNES minis. Those two consoles aged much better and have more interesting games.

Everyone post-2011 saying games on the Nintendo 64 haven't "aged well", and I'm just sitting here like:

Let's be true to ourselves as Nintendo fans: we all love these Nintendo 64 games just how they are. We understand a game doesn't need to run at 2160p 60fps with 1m+ polygon 3D models to be a beautiful game. The progress in graphic fidelity seen in the games that came after them does not diminish the awe-inspiring impact and sense of adventure these masterful games instilled in us at their release nor the impact they will have on future players.

I'm someone who actually loves the Controller.

Since I see people saying they prefer the PS 1 when it has nothing to do with this topic, it just feels like they are bragging

Just put goldeneye 007 on the switch and I will be more happy than happy.

I love N64, but I now only game on the go - so it’s Switch or nothing for me

Both VCs that had N64 games managed to have 20+ games released. That should be plenty along with 1 or 2 games that never saw a VC release (Stadium 1+2 with compatibility with the 3DS VC games anyone?).

As for that controller well, there's no way they can do the same stick again, not after the blisters that came from Mario Party 1 so they might actually improve it. As for the controller, don't forget the fact you can plug in Classic Controllers and other controllers the Wiimote had. That should be plenty of options to find your ideal controller set up.

@Anti-Matter

Nintendo 64 also had harvest moon games as well. Never said that the Final Fantasy games are trash. In comparison the N64 is superior to the PS1 in every way unless your a huge RPG fan.

You should buy yourself a Nintendo 64 so you wont be so biased towards the system since you have never owned one. Get yourself some S-video cables for it or get an HDMI mod for a better N64 experience.

This article makes great points. I too loved the N64 and the games have aged well, but most are already better ported elsewhere. Unless Nintendo can somehow add Goldeneye, IMO this mini would sell less well than the other two and significantly so. And I own a mini NES, Famicom and mini SNES.

Nintendo 64 was the one N console I never bought for myself, although I did help my friends buy some games for theirs because the multiplayer was amazing. I just hated the console itself. Outside of Smash, Mario Kart, F Zero X and Goldeneye, along with No Mercy, it didn't have much appeal to me. I doubt there would be enough games in a N64 Classic to warrant a purchase, especially with the controller issues and the fact that N64's graphics have not aged very well at all.

@Yorumi

Whats Crazy is that the N64 controller was a better controllers during that generation. The only controller that was just as good or better was the more rare SEGA Saturn 3D controller.

Also the first PS1 controller was a joke, SONY just copied the SNES controller and just added a shoulder grip.

@Panopticon Hello there. I never tried Golden Eye with Dual Anologue. I know it was possible to use 2 N64 Controllers (1 in each hand) to play Dual Analogue. But at that time single Analogue was new, so never thought about the advantages of having dual.
Is that what you mean? Or did you somehow play it with a modern controller?

@Meaty-cheeky The N64 had Nintendo and little else because the cost of the cartridges caused every third party developer to jump ship to Sony. Playstation era brought Squaresoft (Parasite Eve, Final Fantasy 7-9, Final Fantasy Tactics, Brave Fencer Musashi); Konami (Symphony of the Night, Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill); Capcom (Resident Evil, Street Fighter); plus the quality stuff from EA, Sony, and other publishers. The release droughts between quality titles on the N64 was even worse than the ones we experienced on the Wii U.

This probably isn't likely just for the simple reason that you can look at the number of N64 games that released on Wii U from third party publishers. A single title each from Konami, Squaresoft, and Natsume and then 18 titles from Nintendo. Of the possible good games left, they are locked up in licensing hell as the franchises have hopped from one publisher to the next (Goldeneye, Star Wars, Turok, anything Rare Developed except DK64).

The interest isn't there and the fondness for that console doesn't reach as far because Sony dominated that generation with the Playstation (102 million consoles vs 32 million).

EDIT: We might as well be debating the likelihood of a VirtualBoy Mini as the chances of an N64 mini.

@Darknyht The PS1 was cheaper and was out longer than the Nintendo 64, also casuals used the PS1 as a home CD player.

I'm a huge gamer and a bit of a collector of retro systems and I don't know of many people collecting for PS1 titles. Nintendo 64 has held up better than the PS1 for an early 3D gaming console.

@Iconorobin

Don't forget pokemon stadiums 1 and 2.

A game boy adaptor built in would also be cool to transfer from classics red/blue to stadium too.

@Iconorobin its because of the fact mario party 1 with how people had to use the stick for certain minigames it caused people injuries and i doubt nintendo will want to go through that mess again, thats why they havn't rereleased it so far.

@1UP_MARIO One of the guys distributing the Ultra HDMI mod installed it for me as a favour so I didn’t have to wait. I’d seen his soldering skills installing the mod on YouTube so I knew he’d do a much better job than me!

@Yorumi Thanks for the link, I’ll definitely check that stick out, it’s extremely important to have precise aiming in GoldenEye!

@BulkSlash you lucky man. Enjoy

Even without Rare and Midway there are tons of sweet games, and lets be honest who isn't going to hack their system and put all the missing gems on it.

@Jokerwolf me, i'm not.

Wonderful article. Another problem is that 2D graphical elements don't scale as they're forever locked in 240p. It's just about acceptable on Wii/U virtual console but on a dedicated unit like an N64 mini it would look wierd. The game itself would have to run at 1080p but the 2D elements for all games would have to be meticulously recreated in high resolution which would take extra time and effort. It would be fantastic if they did so.

@IceEarthGuard agreed, I absolutely adore the N64 controller - it felt so fluid, comfortable and natural. I'm always baffled when people say it was awkward or unintuitive.

@Majora101 love this - I absolutely agree. In fact the way Nintendo and others blew us away with such simple graphics that enabled us to be so engrossed in their worlds with so few polygons at their disposal is a testament to that.

Another problem is that an N64 mini would require an FGPA that's much more sophisticated than the SNES/NES minis use. This may not be viable at a decent price point.

@1UP_MARIO I have the HDMI mod. Although it's not for everyone, I think the console looks much nicer on a small CRT than blown up on a big screen.

So, your potential issues are:
1. Licensing issues limiting the library
Not a legitimate fear, as Nintendo made plenty of deals with third-parties for their past mini systems. Even if they make none this time, there are over 25 fantastic first-party N64 titles to fill the slots for this one.

2. Controller is weird
This entirely subjective observation didn't turn people away in 1996, nor will it do so, today (at least not for those who played the N64 during its lifetime). I could make the same claim about the PSX controller's jagged figure and uncomfortably segmented directional buttons (not to mention its necessarily poorly-placed left analog stick).

3. Unlike for the NES and SNES, the N64's graphics did not age well
Also subjective (see A Link To the Past's or Mario World's humanoid sprite designs, for a counterexample), but perhaps more understandable than the controller thing. However, this is not likely to turn away any previous N64 fan (even if they've been playing remakes like OoT3D) nor anyone who remotely finds the idea of a "3D compilation mini system" attractive. Remember, this is all about nostalgia.

This almost sounds like a Kotaku-esque screed. Don't let those elitist opinions get to you.

@Mips it looks beautiful on a crt. But those heavyweight TVs are all dying. I wish I still had one but truthfully I don’t have the space

@Yorumi Perfectly put - love that controller.

@1UP_MARIO Absolutely understandable 👍

@1UP_MARIO what a beautiful sight!

@Meaty-cheeky
I wasn't biased between N64 & PS1.
I choose PS1 rather than N64 due to More appealing titles on PS1 than on N64.
Did you see the list of 24 PS1 games i mention about ?
Those were only my PS1 games that i like.
I didn't play games that typically peoples play on N64 by mostly.
I have Different gaming taste.
I didn't say N64 library games are bad, just less appealing and almost no titles that made me want to buy the games.

N64 has Harvest Moon, but 20 years ago, Harvest Moon Back to Nature was my Basic foundation & knowledge about what it called Harvest Moon.

N64 has Dance Dance Revolution, but after DDR was very popular on PS1, especially after DDR 3rd Mix booming. DDR on N64 used different songs & Not based on DDR Arcade. DDR PS1 was based on DDR Arcade and there were a lot of songs that i can learn from PS1 version before i tried the Arcade version. DDR 3rd Mix was my "Mentor" of Dancing simulation games.

N64 has RPG games, but 20 years ago, i didn't even know what it called RPG games. I knew what is RPG from FF VIII, when my sibling tried FF VIII for the first time. Before that, i didn't have any interest & knowledge about RPG games. After i grew up, i checked on N64 games list. Well.... too bad. The titles on N64 were less appealing compared on PS1.

N64 has 3D platformer, Mario 64. But, 20 years ago, i knew about Crash Bandicoot, Croc, Spyro the Dragon for 3D Platformer. When i compared them with Mario 64, Mario 64 was quite interesting but still not enough to convince me to buy & play it. The remake on NDS version was a bit appealing than the N64 version.

N64 had Mario Kart 64, Diddy Kong Race, but Chocobo Racing was my first experience about racing games with items. After i grown up, when i checked Mario 64, i didn't really impressed that much due to graphic factor and something else.

To tell you, i had compared both N64 & PS1 games, but i found PS1 had more appealing titles for me than N64. I didn't say N64 was bad, just less appealing. I didn't have to buy N64 to feel N64 experiences, because i checked the gameplay first from Youtube.

For the case between N64 & PS1, sorry, i choose PS1 for many games that shaped and guided me to understand about RPG, Rhythm, Puzzle, etc. N64 was quite good but i found PS1 had shaped my Basic interest about gaming, even after 20 years later , i still miss some of PS1 games.

I still have my console and a good amount of games for it, so honestly I'd probably skip it, unlike the SNES Mini, of which I've never owned an SNES,. surprisingly. Someday though, for the light gun games the SNES Mini obviously can't do...

@Mips - I have size options, but I usually play my old consoles on a 13” CRT, and I always use that one for my N64. It looks so good on that tight little frame. I’ve never seen an HDMI modded 64 in person, but I’m totally happy with my setup. I realize some couldn’t fathom using a screen that small, but that’s the size television I grew up with, and it looks great, so it’s fine by me. I love sitting super close, tethered to a tiny screen.

If it has mariokart, zelda OOT and mario 64, none of these well thought out and interesting points won't matter. Normies will swarm for it just like the NES and SNES classics. Also Mario 64 got a DS remake, which even on the DS had improved graphics over the original. The only other game I can think that would really seal the deal for the normies is golden eye. I Banjo Kazooie would just be icing on the cake for most at that point. Any other memorable titles would only really be there for the more hardcore videogame fan, and that isn't really the selling audience of these things.

As much as I think an N64 classic rom machine would be kind of pointless, give it a core of 3 or 4 good games and it will be a feeding frenzy.

Zelda OoT and MM were so good as 3DS remakes it would be a travesty to bring them back in N64 glory. I loved N64 and I have so many fond memories of playing those games. I loved the N64 controller even. I would rather spend my money on great remakes (bring em to Switch or 3DS). Heck I would buy a 3DS AGAIN before I thought about trying to get my hands on a N64 mini.

I would prefer cartridges with Classic Edition games on them for switch.

Games like Hey you pikachu, pokemon snap or even Pokemon Stadium...feel like cheap gimmicks by today standards. My older brother had the Pikachu N64. It was 64 bit but still felt outdated compared to Playstation for some reason

@Meaty-cheeky You are not helping your argument. The Classic mini series is not targeting collectors, but the mass market of nostalgia filled consumers. Collectors may appreciate the N64 as being better, but the PLayStation (and the games on it) is what most remember from that generation. It isn’t a knock of the system, but a reality of the public consciousness. NES/SNES, Gameboy, Genesis/Mega Drive, Atari 2600 and PSX and PS2 are unique in that regard. Maybe the GBA and DS could carry the same power.

This same feeling will happen in 20-30 years when the 13 million Wii U owners are nostalgic for the system they loved and the public will remember PS4/Xbox One. It has already happened to the Dreamcast, collectors love it and everyone else has barely heard of it outside of collectors fanboying the system.

EDIt: correct system name, replying an hour after I should be sleeping is a bad idea.

These games have aged terribly aesthetically. Home to some of my favs, Mario 64, Goldeneye, Rogue Squadron, StarFox 64, though.

Still, if hackchi covers a potential N64 mini, we can at least put whatever titles on it we wish. I still have an N64 with all my games, it just looks a bit crummy on modern sets.

@dimi Not surprising since you just named three gimmick spin-offs by design (not to say any of these isn't great fun). Digimon World for PSX is an appropriate comparison to these games.

@edgedino
Oh yeah, I remember hearing about that.

At this rate though.. we're bound to see a Nintendo Switch Classic lol

Even though it was so phenomenal for it’s time, the games haven’t really aged well. Snes games still look amazing. The controller is my least favorite Nintendo controller in both looks and ergonomics. I already own better versions of the only N64 games I’d ever want to play, on DS and 3ds. Mario 64, Starfox, Zelda OOT, and MM. Maybe the DS Mario 64 is not necessarily better, but you can play as Yoshi. I’d rather have a Gamecube mini or better still, I’d rather they skip these and just release a few of the best ones for both on Switch, at least as remasters if we don’t get a VC.

There are only a few N64 games that I want to play still. I have the Zelda games and Starfox 64 on my 3ds, and I played SM64 on my original DS. I want to play Paper Mario and possibly Mario Party 2 or 3, but I honestly think that I’d rather get a new Paper Mario or Mario Party game on switch instead. Additionally, if any N64 Mario Party games come to Nintendo’s online vc thingy, there would be online supported play which is more ideal for me since I don’t see my siblings long enough to play old games with them most of the time.

@Anti-Matter I’m with you on that. I’d rather replay PSone games than N64. Though I’d most want Metal Gear Solid and Ape Escape at the top of that list.

Whether there are game not available for licence or not, this would quickly become hacked and anyone can add whatever they want. This is very much a good idea although the controllers are horrible. I would pick one up for the collection only.

WHAT?.. We're done with the SNES already..shoot, ..pass on N64 Mini, nothing I wanna spend time replaying except maybe those Lucas Arts and Rare games..most of the good games otherwise have a better version out later to play...so SNES Mini 2, please?

@chardir I totally agree. I would rather see these as Switch compilations on cart.

@timson72 agree and the control pad was amazing imo. They would really need to strike a deal with MS imo to get alot of folk buying as games like Goldeneye, banjo and conkers will be expected on the system but I'd buy one whatever. Loved the system!

I would rather see a cart version on Switch with a compilation of 8-12 games. I think that it would be received better this way than with a mini.
The mini would need to be a custom board for it since N64 was a more sophisticated machine. Multiplayer would be ideal for the Switch cart, especially with the new online service coming. Tie In??

I like the Classic mini consoles in addition to Virtual Console, not instead of.

No Resident Evil 2???

When Nintendo launched the virtual console for the Wii it was an awesome idea,I had tonnes of games downloaded for it and had lots of fun playing them,the Wii U continued the service in a slightly less vigorous fashion but did have a Wii built into the new console,so all your games were still there.

I think Nintendo see the virtual console as a very niche market,as if they saw it as a huge money maker it would already be on the Switch,and their new direction is going to be with classic mini consoles as I feel they tap into a much bigger market and have a greater sense of nostalgia.

I personally think Nintendo would be much better off making HD remakes of certain Gamecube and Wii titles,while leaving it's older games for the mini classic consoles and online subscription service.

@edgedino To each their own, I respect your decision.

Day one! The N64 is my favorite console besides the NES and SNES. PS1 was never even an option. Slow loading times and bad graphics. Plus the PS1 didn't have any titles that could compare to what the N64 offered besides Tomb Raider. Yes, I played both back in the 90's and never thought much about the PS1 or the PS2 for that matter.

This is a nice remake of a N64 controller.
http://retrofighters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/n64_front_800x653_sm.png

@bimmy-lee The 13" CRT has to be the absolute best way to play the actual console in terms of image quality. People say the N64 looks bad these days - not if you have a 13" CRT!

Favorite console by far. Seeing those pictures of a crispy N64 and the golden controller, oh the nostalgia. I migh just posterize a picture of the N64. What a beautiful site.

@Anti-Matter What it boils down to is that you have fond memories of the games you grew up with, and not so much with the games you didn't play. That's completely fair - the tide of opinion is against you because this is a Nintendo site, but I'm sure if you asked on a PS site, most people would agree with you. Nostalgia plays a huge part.

I think it's true that only a relatively small percentage of old games hold up well today to a mass market - those with nostalgia for the games will of course love them. Those that didn't experience them when they were new and groundbreaking are just less likely to be impressed. I remember playing Mario 64 and being utterly bowled over, but if I was playing it for the first time today, I'd be struggling to see the appeal.

On a separate note, I agree with others that the early 3D graphics haven't aged so well. They were amazing at the time but look pretty ropey by today standards. IMO it's because 3D graphics have always intended to look more life-like, which 2D generally don't (except digitized). As tech improves and we have graphics that look much closer to real-life today, the old tech looks worse and worse. It's the same with movies. Old cartoons look stylised, but not bad. Old CGI graphics in film look rubbish, unless you have a particular interest or fondness for them. I'm sure the 3D graphics of today will be laughed at in 20 years time.

And for the record, I have extremely fond memories of the N64. First console I saved up for and bought myself, and I had a great time with it, both single player and with a bunch of friends crowded round my good old 14" CRT.

My only issue is the controller. I think it has to be replica, even in size, because having the right controller is a huge part of the sense memory that injects nostalgia into the veins. The problem is that it is bulky and huge in comparison to the others. It's bigger than the entire box the NES and SNES came in. That's a real downer in shipping, shelf space, etc. (Though how long these things stay on shelves is maybe not much of an issue. )

I love the NES and SNES classic minis and though I do go and play them every once in awhile, I just like the ability to collect it, showcase it, and actually play it. At this point, I would be very disappointed if Nintendo skipped the N64.

I wish someone would really do mini-justice to the SEGA Master System, and Genesis/MD, and the PS1 as well, and PC Engine, too.

I'll definitely buy an N64 Classic if only to have those controllers to use with Wii U VC. If I ever replay DK64 again, I'd prefer to use C-buttons and not the controller setup I used last time that only made it... slightly less awkward to play.

The N64 is probably one of the most disappointing consoles I've ever owned, don't know what it was, it just didn't appeal to me. I liked Mario Kart 64, didn't mind Mario 64 but it didn't grip me, F Zero I didn't mind, Goldeneye was great, outside of those nothing really clicked. I think probably because a lot of games were very brown, blurry and foggy. Much like I hated the excessive green and brown with the Xbox and the horrible warping of the Playstation. I pretty much dropped the N64 as soon as the Dreamcast surfaced.

If they do an N64 mini I will most likely give it a miss.

I for one wouldn't mind them making one but alot depends on what games and how upgraded the graphics will be. Since everyone is just pure speculating nothing will be known. So unless we go a Insider saything otherwise about developments I have yet to see any notice that is concrete about it.

Nintendo hates the N64, so it probably won't happen (only a few vc titles on both the Wii and Wii u). And Skyward sword HD probably won't happen either. They either have to rework the entire game for button control (ain't gonna happen) or use the motion-sensors of the joy-cons. Wich probably can't be compared with the Wiimote. I don't see it happen.

Amazing how nostalgia taints our memories. The N64 was quite unpopular at the time, and criticised by media, mostly by the decision to stick with cartridges. Graphics, while neater and more advanced than PS, were low-res and blurry as a side-effect. Then the controller, it's still a bit weird, and possibly the solution is more a Gamecube looking one. There's no reason for a third prong for the control stick when all modern ones, including the Switch, position them on the left side.

Getting the third party games will be critical. Without Goldeneye, or even Perfect Dark, it can't call itself "a classic" at all. Rogue Squadron is another mandatory game. Beyond that, it sustains itself with Nintendo's own games, notably Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Wave Race 64, Pilotwings 64, 1080 Snowboarding, Zelda Ocarina & Majora, F-Zero 64, Starfox 64, Smash Bros, Excitebike 64, Mario Tennis & Pokemon Snap. A sports title like ISS 2000 would be great, and a conventional racing game. That's almost 20 ultra classics!

Another issue is those low-res blurry graphics. Will they translate well to a modern TV without some serious work? The NES worked so well because of the simple block style of graphics, while the SNES, with its higher detail, you began to see it quite pixelated. I only shudder about prospects of the N64 converting well.

@Meaty-cheeky Weird. Every game had a manual back then, and each manual featured pictures showing how to hold the controller in case people were wondering. It was among the first things you could see in those handlets, and for a lot of games, it was actually self-explanatory after a few minutes.

@Panopticon Aha, I purchased the Majora's Mask 3DS version day one only because I never found an affordable RAM and cartridge back when the orignal was released. And now, I barely touch it because of weird things packed within the "remake" like this events book, and more importantly, the lack of controls compared to the N64 pad.
ANd I had the same problem when I tried to play on Wii VC or emulators

I think more important than any other consideration is could nintendo produce affordable hardware to run N64 roms and could the roms run without issues.

The NES and SNES classic just do emulation with run of the mill roms that have existed since the 90's when SNES was current and that those roms have run flawlessly on all kinds of hardware ever since.

The NES/SNES classic is some pretty light weight hardware which can easily handle running these roms.

By contrast N64 Roms (in general) have never really been great, and have performance issues and graphical glitches even on beefy hardware.

So I think it would be unlikely that nintendo could produce an affordable N64 mini at all.

If they stayed with the emulation route they would have to increase the performance of the hardware over the snes classic, and even then there would be a limited selection of roms that would run true to the original.

Granted you can run n64 roms on a raspberry pi, which is budget hardware, but most of them do not run perfectly.

SNES/NES roms aren't perfect to the original but they are so close that I would challenge anyone to actually point out the defects.

What I would like to see with an N64 classic would be true hardware solution. So they make a system with a compatible cpu/gpu architecture of the original, and then embed the games using a hardware 'cartridge' similar to what the Everdrive 64 does.

So, literally a miniaturized N64.

Lastly, N64 games kind of look like crap and don't really hold up over time, especially on big TVs, where as SNES era games seem to hold up.

@HalBailman expanding on tained memories. I think putting goldeneye on the system would do more harm than good. People don't realize how badly that game performed. 10-20 fps. 4 player multiplayer is excruciating by todays standards. It's really, really slow.

I know i'm late to the party

but....

I think anyone asking if these games help up over time needs to REALLY re-look at the NES and SNES classic graphics. It's grainy, it's dated and it technically doesn't "hold up". It's the fondness of the games that holds up. I keep reading N64 graphics just don't look good by todays standards. That's true. Then again, neither do the SNES and NES classic graphics. They're dated. That's why it's a CLASSIC edition. If you're expecting it to look amazing and aesthetically pleasing, you're looking for the wrong thing.

IF you're trying to take a walk down memory lane, this is what you're looking for. I'm keen to see an N64 on the market. I'm sure Nintendo (of all companies) could develop an emulation program for THEIR SYSTEM that would allow at least 90% of games to run perfectly. Then remember the fact that THEY choose the games that run on the system and I think you'll find that the games will run perfectly.

People who then choose to hack the system face the issues of some games not working properly. The system wasn't designed for added games. You added them. These are the consequences. Get over it.

In terms of money making, it's doable. The creation of a small system can be done on the retropie with pretty decent effects, meaning a company that is dedicated to making sure THEIR software works on their system is 110% doable.

In terms of marketing or announcements. I think we'll be waiting until after the SNES and NES classic stops being stocked. It's a no brainer to ensure people purchase the products that they've had to go to the effort of RE-DISTRIBUTING long BEFORE making any announcements. The box would obviously need to be bigger than the other two systems, and the price would be higher still (especially getting all the controllers and the more than likely required extension cables). True fans will be happy to pay for the product. People who don't want it, don't need to get it. I would definitely get it because fills a gap in my childhood. Growing up I was never able to get these consoles and now I FINALLY have the chance. So I'd get em. All of them.

That said, only Nintendo knows what they're going to do. I think its smarter for them to sell out ALL the stock they have for these two systems and then POSSIBLY announce it later this year and release it around June-July of next year. Who knows. Could be later than that even.

AND for everyone saying they don't want these mini's but would rather Nintendo released these games on the SWITCH, and claiming they would make more money that way. You're very incorrect. These systems are most likely for people who would like to play the older games but don't wish to purchase a switch. That means Nintendo rakes in profits from people who want the feel of the old consoles, and don't want to buy the new console. Once they get ALL the money from that, they can then move to (if they choose) implementing these games on a Switch VC. That means, for those who have the mini edtions but ALSO want them on the switch, those people will purchase the games for a second time while others will buy them for the first time. It also means that Nintendo can, essentially, double the profits for these games than they would had they simply released it on the VC. So stop complaining about it. Nintendo clearly understands how they're able to make more money from ONE product (that's one per system). If it were my company, I'd do the same thing because it's WAY more profitable.

and @vitalemrecords I wouldn't say it's trash. And I would imagine a lot of people would disagree with you. But hey, to each their own.

Anyways.

That's my spiel.

Have a good one!

I've got Rare Replay and a Wii U, so I'll horde VC games. For Diddy Kong Racing and the ones with licensing issues? Ebay is my friend.

I agree that a N64 classic would be impractical (bc of the need for 4 controllers), I'd rather have N64 wireless controllers compatible with the Switch, so it's multipurpose, then perhaps a Virtual Console of N64 games (or even a bundle of games as the 'N64 classic bundle', made available on the Switch)

If so, I'd say my list would be:

Super Mario 64
Legend of Zelda OOT
Star Fox 64
Jet Force Gemini
Mischief Makers
Mario Tennis
Mario Party 3

Mario Kart 64
Diddy Kong Racing
Banjo Kazooie

Pokemon Snap
Pokemon Puzzle League
Pokemon Stadium
Super Smash Bros
Bomberman 64
Kirby 64
Quest 64
Paper Mario

~Golden Eye
~Yoshi's Story
~Donkey Kong 64
~Clay Fighters
~Chamelon Twist
~Wonder Project J2