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Mario Kart 64 is the best all-around pick for familiar kart racing and online play; F-Zero X suits futuristic racing, Wave Race 64 stands out for watercraft and changing conditions, and Excitebike 64 is the choice for motocross, tricks, and course creation. These are editorial picks by racing style, not an official or objective ranking. Nintendo’s US Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics catalog also lists Extreme G, RIDGE RACER 64, and Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls.
Which N64 racing game should you play first?
Pick the game that matches the kind of racing you want. Nintendo’s collection spans kart, futuristic, watercraft, and motocross racing rather than offering several versions of the same experience.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Wave Race 64 - Nintendo 64 (Renewed) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hot Wheels Turbo Racing - Nintendo 64 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Rush 2 Extreme Racing USA - Nintendo 64 (Renewed) | $40.85 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Multi Racing Championship - Nintendo 64 (Renewed) | $23.64 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
San Francisco Rush Extreme Racing - Nintendo 64 (Renewed) | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Game | Best fit | What the available official information establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 64 | Familiar kart racing and playing online with friends | Nintendo promotes online races for up to four players. Nintendo’s US N64 collection page. |
| F-Zero X | Futuristic racing | Nintendo lists it in the collection; the catalog information cited here does not detail its mechanics. Nintendo’s US N64 collection page. |
| Wave Race 64 | Watercraft handling and changing conditions | Nintendo describes four watercraft racers, nine courses, several modes, and weather and waves that affect racing. Nintendo’s 2022 announcement. |
| Excitebike 64 | Motocross, tricks, and course creation | Nintendo describes six riders, more than a dozen tricks, 20 stadium tracks and outdoor courses, course creation, and races against up to three friends. Nintendo’s 2023 announcement. |
| Extreme G | An additional arcade-style racing option | Nintendo lists it in the collection; the cited catalog does not establish detailed modes or handling. Nintendo’s Australian N64 collection page. |
| RIDGE RACER 64 | An additional arcade-style racing option | Nintendo lists it in the collection; the cited catalog does not establish detailed modes or handling. Nintendo’s Australian N64 collection page. |
Best picks by racing style
Mario Kart 64: best for a familiar multiplayer race
Start here if you want accessible kart racing or a game to play with friends. Nintendo specifically promotes online Mario Kart 64 races for up to four players. That player count is specific to the feature Nintendo describes for Mario Kart 64; it should not be assumed for the other games in the collection. See Nintendo’s collection information.
F-Zero X: best for futuristic racing
Choose F-Zero X if the futuristic setting is the draw. Nintendo confirms that it is in the N64 collection, making it an alternative to the kart, watercraft, and motocross picks. The catalog information cited here does not provide a comparative speed measurement or enough detail to rank its mechanics against other games.
#1 Best Overall
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only.
- It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
Wave Race 64: best for water and changing conditions
Wave Race 64 gives racing a distinctive setting: watercraft move through courses where waves respond to racers, while weather can affect the water or visibility. Nintendo’s 2022 announcement describes four racers with different abilities and styles, nine courses, and Championship, Time Trial, Stunt, and two-player versus modes. Those features make it the clearest choice for someone who wants something other than road or track racing. Nintendo’s Wave Race 64 announcement.
Excitebike 64: best for motocross and making tracks
Pick Excitebike 64 for motocross racing with tricks and a course editor. Nintendo’s 2023 announcement describes six riders, more than a dozen tricks, and 20 stadium tracks and outdoor courses. It also says players can make their own courses and race against up to three friends. Nintendo’s Excitebike 64 announcement.
Rank #2
- Hot Wheels Turbo Racing
Extreme G and RIDGE RACER 64: other arcade-style options
Both titles are listed in Nintendo’s regional N64 collection catalog. The catalog evidence cited here does not establish enough detail about their handling, modes, or other features to recommend one over the other. If either is the style of racing you are seeking, check the collection listing for your region. Nintendo’s Australian catalog.
What else is included in the N64 collection?
Nintendo’s US N64 collection list also includes Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls and 1080° Snowboarding. The first is racing-adjacent, while the second is a snowboarding game that may appeal if you are open to time-trial-style competition. The cited catalog confirms availability but does not describe their mechanics or modes, so they are not part of the main racing shortlist. Catalogs can vary by region and change; check Nintendo’s listing for your market. Nintendo’s US collection page.
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What you need to play on Switch
Access to Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Nintendo also lists an N64-style wireless controller as an accessory for members, but it is optional: the collection does not require that controller. Check Nintendo’s membership and collection details.
Nintendo notes that the compiled games can differ in performance and presentation from their original versions. Do not assume that every title behaves identically to the original N64 release. Nintendo’s collection information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
