Nintendo has thus far been successful with its NES and SNES Mini, but the rumored N64 Mini looks set to up the ante considerably. We’ve all played the classics from the Big N’s 8- and 16-bit eras, but Nintendo’s first foray into 3D features more than a few gems that haven’t really popped up elsewhere. While a GameCube Mini will still be the mini console to end all mini consoles, we’re still reasonably excited for the N64 Mini. But what games should be on the as-yet-unannounced tiny system?
The GameRevolution editorial team has shared their thoughts on the matter, and you can share your own opinions in the comments section below. As always, we’ll feature our favorite.
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: I missed out on the Nintendo 64 the first time around, so I’d like an N64 Mini to contain all the games I wanted to play back in the late ’90s. Pokemon Stadium, Diddy Kong Racing, Majora’s Mask, Conker’s Bad Fur Day; let me be the “NINTENDO SIXTY-FOOOOUR!” kid but in 2018, lightly bearded, with a mortgage and heavy bags under my eyes.
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: I’m torn between wanting to see classics on the N64 Mini or games that people maybe didn’t catch the first time around. Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Star Fox 64, Paper Mario, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 64, and Pilotwings are obvious choices. However, a lot of potential games might be mired up in rights issues. Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, Jet Force Gemini, Blast Corps, Banjo Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day could all potentially be unavailable since they’re from Rare. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer and Shadows of the Empire might be a fight to get. Although there are 20 or so first-party games that could be put on an N64 Mini, I feel like it might lean way too heavy on Nintendo-produced games and not show some of the beautiful third-party games that made the console a joy to play.
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: GoldenEye 007. In a world where 100-player battle royales are all the rage, I think a trip back in time to intense, couch face-offs would be refreshing. In addition to the friendship-busting multiplayer, there’s the equally awesome single-player, which gives players the freedom to explore open levels and complete a variety of objectives based on difficulty. Then there are the cheats… This is a no-brainer!
Michael Leri, sub-editor: Superman 64. Few games are as ahead of their time as this famous iteration of DC’s most powerful Boy Scout. Back then, it was chastised for its crappy design and broken gameplay. But now, it could be seen as a licensed tie-in to Man of Steel or the DCEU, which is a movie and cinematic universe as poorly planned out as Superman 64.*
*This joke flew in from 2013 to be with us today.
Bradley Russell, sub-editor: Pokemon Snap. Duh. It’s the perfect game for a N64 Mini — a quick nostalgia rush (which, whisper it, might not hold up that well) and a game inextricably tied to that era. It’ll get people plunking their money down quicker than playing Ocarina of Time for the 367th time, that’s for sure. Even better, it might even drum up support for a Pokemon Snap 2 on Switch.
