15 Rarest & Most Valuable N64 Games of All Time
The Nintendo 64 introduced a generation to 3D gaming in 1996, and today, retro video game collecting has turned certain N64 cartridges into serious investments. While classics like Super Mario 64 remain affordable, the most valuable N64 games now command hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this guide covers 15 of the rarest and most expensive N64 titles, highlighting the going prices and the factors that make each one worth hunting down. You'll learn why Blockbuster exclusives, late-lifecycle releases, and complete-in-box condition create such dramatic value differences in the retro gaming market.
Why Are Some N64 Games So Valuable?
Certain Nintendo 64 cartridges have transformed from childhood favorites into genuine collector investments. While popular games like Ocarina of Time and Mario Kart 64 remain easy to find, the rarest N64 games command serious prices.
The reasons behind their high values come down to a few key factors that every retro gaming enthusiast should understand:
Limited production runs - N64 cartridges were expensive to produce, which meant third-party publishers and niche games often had limited print runs
Late-lifecycle releases - Games released between 2000 and 2001 faced even smaller audiences since attention had already shifted to the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast
Blockbuster exclusives - Some of the rarest N64 games were never sold at retail stores and had exclusive rental agreements with Blockbuster Video, making them incredibly difficult to track down today
Condition plays a massive role in determining value. A loose cartridge is worth far less than a complete-in-box (CIB) copy with its original box and manual.
Factory-sealed copies command the highest premiums of all, with price differences often reaching 10 times the loose cart value. All prices mentioned here reflect recent sale data and can fluctuate based on demand and condition.
1. ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut (1998)
This enhanced version of ClayFighter 63 ⅓ holds legendary status among collectors. The game was available exclusively as a Blockbuster rental and never appeared on store shelves.
Roughly 20,000 copies were produced [1], making it the holy grail of N64 collecting. Locating one in the wild feels like striking gold.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $850 to $1,000
Complete-in-box: Over $4,000
Factory-sealed (graded): Reached $175,000 in 2024 [2]
2. Super Bowling (2000)
This N64 game launched in January 2000 as a 3D remake of a Super Nintendo bowling game with almost zero fanfare. Ironically, poor sales at release created today's scarcity.
The game itself isn't particularly memorable, but like many collectibles worth money, its value comes entirely from how few copies exist.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $500 to $600
Complete-in-box: Over $2,000
3. Stunt Racer 64 (2000)
Another Blockbuster-exclusive in October 2000, this racing game never saw a wide release. Most gamers never knew it existed.
Boxed copies only ended up in Blockbuster employees' hands, making complete versions with the original box incredibly tough to find. Racing fans and Blockbuster-exclusive hunters both chase this one. If you spot one while browsing auctions, it’s worth a closer look.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $1,500 to $2,500
4. Bomberman 64: The Second Attack (2000)
Released late in the console’s life, this sequel didn’t get much attention at the time. Today, that limited exposure makes it a sought-after edition for collectors. These factors combined to create a commercial disappointment that's now a collector's favorite.
The price gap between loose and complete copies tells the story. That box and manual make all the difference.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: Around $200
Complete-in-box: Over $1,000
5. Worms Armageddon (2000)
This N64 version had a much smaller North American release than its European counterpart. If you’re hoping to play games from the era with a unique twist, this one still turns up occasionally in secondhand listings.
It's specifically the NTSC version that commands high prices. Many consider this the definitive Worms experience.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: Around $200
Complete-in-box: $900 to $1,000
6. Conker's Bad Fur Day (2001)
Developed by Rare, this late-era release pushed the console to its limits. Its mature tone and limited audience at launch helped create long-term demand. Today, it’s a staple for anyone building a serious collection.
A cult following and widespread critical praise have steadily pushed values higher over recent years. The game also showcases impressive technical achievements that pushed the hardware to its limits.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $300 or more
7. Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (1999)
This title is a tactical RPG with a smaller print run than its Japanese counterpart, and stands out for its depth and replay value. RPG fans often keep an eye out for this one when browsing. It remains the only game of its kind on the entire console.
RPG collectors consider this N64 game essential to any serious collection. Strong critical reviews from its original release continue to sustain steady demand.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $250 to $300
8. Harvest Moon 64 (1999)
This cozy classic laid the groundwork for modern farming sims. As newer players discover the genre, demand continues to rise. Production quantities stayed modest despite the game's quality.
Modern farming simulation hits like Stardew Valley have driven new collectors back to this classic. Nostalgia and genre appreciation fuel ongoing interest.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $500 to $600
9. Snowboard Kids 2 (1999)
Atlus published this N64 game with a significantly smaller print run than the original Snowboard Kids. The first game earned a Player's Choice reprint, but the sequel never received similar treatment. It’s a great example of how small distribution differences can affect long-term value.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $100 to $150
Complete-in-box: Significantly more
10. StarCraft 64 (2000)
Bringing a PC strategy hit to console was no small feat. This N64 version includes unique features like split-screen multiplayer, making it a standout for both fans and collectors.
Console ports of Blizzard games remain unusual, giving this version crossover appeal. Both PC fans and N64 collectors seek this one out.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $80 to $100
Complete-in-box: Significantly higher
11. Resident Evil 2 (1999)
Capcom's N64 port achieved something remarkable by compressing a two-disc PlayStation game onto one cartridge. Many consider it among the most impressive technical accomplishments of the era.
Franchise popularity and the shrinking supply of complete copies keep values climbing. Both Resident Evil enthusiasts and N64 collectors actively pursue this valuable game.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $150 to $200
12. International Superstar Soccer 2000
Konami's late-arriving N64 game launched when most sports gamers had already moved to newer platforms. Minimal awareness at release resulted in very low production numbers.
This scarcity sets it apart from mainstream N64 sports games. Retro soccer gaming collectors particularly prize this overlooked release.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $80 to $120
13. Mega Man 64 (2000)
This N64 port of Mega Man Legends had a substantially smaller print run than the PlayStation original. The source material remains beloved among Capcom fans.
Franchise loyalty keeps demand strong, even though the PS1 version is easier to source. Capcom collectors often pursue both versions.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $150 to $200
14. Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine (2000)
LucasArts released this N64 game as the console was winding down. Very few copies were produced during this late period.
The combination of the Indiana Jones license, LucasArts reputation, and genuine rarity creates strong resale value.
Current market values:
Loose cartridge: $80 to $120
Complete-in-box: Considerably higher
15. Mario Party 3 (2000)
The third and final Mario Party on N64 is widely considered the console's best Mario game in the series. Loose cartridges remain relatively common compared to other games on this list.
The real value lies in complete and sealed copies. Ongoing franchise popularity ensures consistent demand from Nintendo fans looking to buy.
Current market values:
Complete-in-box: $150 to $200
Factory-sealed: Significantly more
A Few Notable Mentions
While not always the most expensive, these titles still stand out:
The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time (gold cartridge edition). A fan favorite with lasting appeal.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask - Known for its darker tone and unique mechanics.
GoldenEye 007 - A defining first-person experience from the era.
Super Smash Bros - A multiplayer staple that still brings people together.
Donkey Kong 64 - A colorful adventure from the console’s glory days.
Explore Retro N64 Games on ShopGoodwill.com
Nintendo 64 games haven’t been produced for decades, so every cartridge you see today has its own story. That’s part of what makes collecting so fun.
ShopGoodwill.com brings together items from Goodwill locations across the country, which means consoles, cartridges, and bundles are always rotating. One day you might spot a common title, and the next you could come across something much harder to find.
You can also browse used gaming consoles for sale to pair hardware with your growing cartridge collection.
Every ShopGoodwill.com purchase supports Goodwill's job training and community programs. Whether you're hunting for a holy grail like ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut or simply want to play childhood favorites, you can find what you need here.
Sources:
cllct. Ultra-rare copy of 'Clay Fighter: Sculptor's Cut' sells for $175k. https://www.cllct.com/sports-collectibles/auctions/ultra-rare-copy-of-clay-fighter-sculptor-s-cut-to-sell-publicly-for-first-time
CGC Video Games. Sweeping the Competition: Video Games Certified by CGC Realize Top 3 Prices in 2024 Heritage Sales. https://www.cgcvideogames.com/en-US/news-and-events/news/sweeping-the-competition-video-games-certified-by-cgc-realize-top-3-prices-in-2024-heritage-sales/eyxrehh6hh3qe1igcbc95b95
