It wasn’t easy for the N64 to earn its prestigious place in video game history. Despite a surprising lack of third-party support, Nintendo's powerhouse delivered some of the best first-party titles ever released.
Most often, it's remembered for iconic single-player adventures like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But let’s not forget the unbeatable fun of couch co-op and 4-player showdowns. The N64 has one of the strongest multiplayer libraries of any retro console.
If you're looking for the best multiplayer N64 games to relive the glory days—or just trying to find the best 2 player N64 games for your next gaming night—this guide has you covered. Here are the essential titles that prove the N64 was built for friends, rivalries, and long weekends.
The Table of Contents
Here are Best Multiplayer N64 Games You Need to Play
1. Super Smash Bros – The Iconic 4-Player Fighting Game
Yes, we know you’ve played several other games in this series. And that means that you
know how unique each version is.
Specifically, most versions have exclusive playable characters, stages, and fighting moves. And, many of the sequels tweak the physics of their predecessors.
So, at first glance, this Super Smash Bros game seems rather limited. The original 12 characters are featured in every sequel, with many additional moves they didn’t have in the first game.
However, what this really means is that the original N64 release is the same game we all know and love, but in its purest form. The stages and gameplay are simple, straightforward, and well-balanced. 5 of the 8 stages are unique to this version and don’t return until Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Most notably, the physics in this game are unlike any of the sequels. Characters seem more weightless when they fall and their actions are slower. This gives you more time to plan your attacks.
2. Perfect Dark – The Best N64 FPS With Co-Op and Bots
You may have expected us to include the FPS classic GoldenEye 007 on this list. The reason we
didn’t is Perfect Dark.
It’s basically the same game—it’s even made by the same people—except that it’s better in every way. To be specific, in Perfect Dark:
- The characters are no longer flat-faced, block-headed freaks
- There are 3 multiplayer games instead of 1
- You can play the story mode as a 2-player co-op
- You can add NPC opponents in vs game modes
- You can customize weapon sets, your avatar, the music, and other settings
- There is no connection to a cheesy Bond movie from the 1990s
Seriously, Rare took everything that was brilliant about their original masterpiece, Goldeneye, and spent 3 years improving it. And the result was Perfect Dark: a polished upgrade to its predecessor with 25 times more depth.
3. Mario Party 2 & 3 – Classic N64 Party Games at Their Peak
Yes, you’ve played several of these games, too. And, as with the previous game Perfect Dark, the
creators of these games have had many years to perfect what makes them great.
So, how good could the second-oldest game in the series be? According to the reputable game reviewers at Den of Geek, it’s the best there is.
The game features tons of the best mini-games in the series, several game boards, and the super-challenging, 1-player minigame coaster. This title combines board game and video game fun better than any other game, with one possible exception.
There’s still a neverending debate over Mario Party 2 vs Mario Party 3. Many argue that 3 trumps 2 because it features way more game boards and many co op games.
So which is truly the best? Apparently, you’ll have to decide for yourself.
4. Diddy Kong Racing – An Underrated Kart Racer With Multiplayer Depth
Once again, we include an obscure title that trumps its extremely well-known competitor. Sadly,
Diddy Kong Racing never attained the prestige it deserved because gamers assumed it was “just another Mario Kart rip-off.” Plus, the titular character is a sidekick from a spinoff of another old Nintendo title.
It literally looks like the most derivative racing game possible. Shockingly, though, it’s actually deeper and far more enjoyable than Mario Kart 64.
Obviously, DKR is indeed a kart racing game, at first. But then, as you progress through the story mode, you unlock two additional types of racing vehicles: hovercrafts and planes.
This means you can enjoy all 20 racetracks in 3 different ways. That’s like 60 different racing experiences. Comparably, Mario Kart 64 has 16 tracks and 1 vehicle type. The game features a multiplayer mode for up to four players.
Plus, as mentioned, there’s a surprisingly decent story mode. Altogether, there are so many ways to love this game.
5. Gauntlet Legends – 4-Player N64 Hack-and-Slash Madness
For a game as perfectly simplex as Gauntlet Legends, there’s really not much to say. It brings the
classic arcade hit home as a console game for play on your Nintendo 64.
In other words, you and 3 buddies sit on a couch all day to hack-and-slash the bejeezus out of medieval baddies. There’s absolutely no better way to de-stress on your day off.
While it may not have the flashiest graphics, Gauntlet Legends delivers pure, chaotic fun—especially with friends.
It’s one of the best 2 player N64 games if you’re craving teamwork and nonstop action. Even better, the game supports up to four players, making it a perfect couch co-op choice for retro game nights.
Its arcade roots shine through in the fast-paced gameplay, satisfying power-ups, and nonstop waves of enemies. Whether you're teaming up with a buddy or going full 4-player chaos, Gauntlet Legends remains one of the most underrated N64 multiplayer games that still holds up today.
6. The New Tetris – The Ultimate 4-Player Puzzle Battle
Despite its title, The New Tetris is a
surprisingly faithful rendition of the beloved original game. The creators wisely chose not to reinvent the wheel, here.
However, the few, minor tweaks they added make this the title the best Tetris game ever. For starters, it’s mostly just regular Tetris, but for 4 players.
In contrast, you may have noticed that other multiplayer Tetris games (Tetrisphere, Tetris Attack) are so massively altered that they barely resemble Tetris at all.
Next, if you make a 4 x 4 square with your Tetrominoes, the square turns gold. Eliminating a gold square adds bonus lines to your score.
There is also a “hold” feature that allows you to store a specific Tetromino for use at an opportune time later. You can switch your saved piece in at any time.
Another tweak is that you can rotate a Tetromino even if it’s “blocked” by another Tetromino or the border of the playing field. Ultimately, The New Tetris is, hands-down, the perfect Tetris game.
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Host the Ultimate N64 Multiplayer Game Night
These are just a few of the best multiplayer N64 games to dive into. Whether you're reliving old rivalries or introducing younger gamers to the golden age of 4-player gaming, these titles hold up. Other honorable mentions include Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Pokémon Stadium, WCW/NWO Revenge, and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun 2 player N64 games not on the main list?
- Jet Force Gemini
- Bomberman 64
- F-Zero X
- Mario Tennis
- Mario Golf.
These titles offer a mix of competitive and cooperative gameplay that's perfect for two players.
What are the best multiplayer N64 games not on this list?
- Destruction Derby 64
- Turok: Rage Wars
- Battletanx: Global Assault
- StarFox 64
- Conker’s Bad Fur Day
What Nintendo 64 games are worth the most money?
- Clay Fighter: Sculptor’s Cut
- Super Bowling
- F1 Racing Championship.
- Rare Not for Resale cartridges like Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Donkey Kong 64 also fetch high prices among collectors.
