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Can You Play Nintendo 64 Games on Nintendo Switch?

Play selected Nintendo 64 games on Switch or Switch 2 through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Here’s what you need, which controllers work and how to get started.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Yes. You can play selected Nintendo 64 games on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 through the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app, but you need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The original cartridges do not run on the console; Nintendo offers reproductions of selected games through the membership collection.

What you need to play N64 games on Switch

  • A Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.
  • An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The standard Nintendo Switch Online tier does not include the N64 collection.
  • The Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app, available through the console’s Nintendo Switch Online area.
  • A supported controller. Joy-Con and compatible Pro Controllers work; the N64-style controller is optional.

Nintendo describes the collection as reproductions of original N64 games, and cautions that performance and presentation may differ from the original versions. Its listing gives the app a file size of 1.9 GB on both Switch and Switch 2, but says storage needs increase as games are added, so check the current listing for the latest requirement. Nintendo’s N64 – Nintendo Classics listing

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Which Nintendo 64 games are available?

The collection includes a selection of games, not the full N64 catalog. Nintendo’s current listing includes titles such as Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Paper Mario, Super Mario 64, Dr. Mario 64, Yoshi’s Story, GoldenEye 007 and Sin & Punishment. Nintendo says more games are on the way; check its listing for the current roster, as the selection can change. See Nintendo’s current game list

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Which membership includes the N64 collection?

You need Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. On Nintendo’s US page, the annual price is $49.99 for an individual membership or $79.99 for a family membership covering up to eight Nintendo Accounts. The family option may be a better fit when several accounts will use the membership. Prices, terms and availability vary by region and can change; check Nintendo’s current local offer before subscribing. Memberships automatically renew after the initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Nintendo Switch Online plans and terms

#1 Best Overall
miadore 4 Pack Classic 64 Controller, Wired N64 Controllers with Upgraded Joystick (Non PC USB Version) (Black/Clear Green/Clear Blue/Clear Orange)
  • It features ten buttons, one analog "Control Stick" and a 8-way directional pad, all laid out in an "M" shape.
  • Compatible with 64. Perfect controller for Mario Kart, Perfect Dark, and many other classic 64 games.
  • Rumble Pak & Memory Card Feature. Provides force feedback while playing video games. Enhances the gaming experience. Note: This controller doesn’t contain Memory Card and Rumble Pak in package, need to purchase separately.
  • Color: Black, Grey, Blue, Red, Yellow, Transparent Orange, Transparent Blue, Transparent Green, Transparent Red; Cord Length: Approx. 6 ft.
  • Third-party Product, not original 64 controller, but no difference in quality from the original controllers!

Do you need the N64-style controller?

No. Nintendo says the N64 controller is optional. The collection also supports Joy-Con, Joy-Con 2, Switch Pro Controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller. Choose the N64-style controller if you want its original-style layout, not because it is required to play. Nintendo says the controller is designed for the N64 collection; it may work with other software, but all options and features are not guaranteed in those games. Nintendo 64 Controller · Nintendo Support: How to Use the Nintendo 64 Controller

What changes on Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo lists CRT filter and rewind as features exclusive to Switch 2 for the N64 collection. The app is supported on Switch 2, and Nintendo’s compatibility notice says game behavior is consistent with Nintendo Switch. Nintendo also cautions that performance and presentation can differ from the original N64 versions, so the collection should not be treated as a promise of identical original-hardware behavior. Nintendo’s compatibility and feature details

Rank #2
Hyperkin "Captain" Premium Controller for N64 (Turquoise) - Nintendo 64
  • Compatible with all N64 models
  • 10 ft. Cable
  • Ergonomic, Premium build
  • Analog Joysticks
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How to start playing

  1. Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack through Nintendo’s online-service page or the console’s membership options.
  2. Open the Nintendo Switch Online area on your console and download or launch Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics.
  3. Open the app and choose a game from the available list.

Switch Lite can use the collection. Nintendo Support says its N64 controller pairs wirelessly with Switch Lite; because Lite is handheld-only, check Nintendo’s current support details if you have questions about controller pairing or your preferred setup. Nintendo Support controller guidance

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Best Value
Classic 64 Wired Controller Joystick for N64 Game System N64 Console (2Packs, Red and Blue)
  • The controller for N64 have 10 function buttons (Included Left and Right shoulder buttons and Z-trigger), an analog stick/thumb joystick. Shaped like "M", with improved ergonomic technology design,designed to please your hand with a comfortable feeling when holding it.
  • Want to play classic games with your kids, but you don't want to destroy the expensive original N64 controller, our controller can perfectly replace the N64 controller. It can also be used as a multiplayer game controller, you need a spare controller to play games with friends.
  • The controller's line length is 5.8 feet, which can save you from having to be so close to the screen, better protect your eyes, and is suitable for people of all ages, enjoy the classic games easier.
  • Rumble Pak & Memory Card Feature. Provides force feedback while playing video games. Enhances the gaming experience. Note: This controller doesn’t contain Memory Card and Rumble Pak in package, need to purchase separately.
  • Third-party Product. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please believe that we will put the customer experience first. We will provide you with the best solution.
Rank #4
KIWITATA 2xClassic N64 Controller, Retro N64 Remote Wired Game Joystick Replacement Controller for N64 Console N 64 System Black+Gray
  • ⚡【Compatibility】2 Pack wired controller fully compatible with N64 system console, perfect for Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda,Perfect Dark, Super Mario 64,ocarina of time 64,Super smash, Ocarina of Time and many other classic N64 retro games.
  • ⚡CLASSIC DESIGN: Tight and accurate analog control, the controller features 10 function buttons (including Left and Right shoulder functions and Z-trigger). This is a great replacement for any old original N64 controller you have.
  • ⚡Rumble Pak & Memory Card Feature: Compatible with most of game memory cards. you can use a memory card and transfer to an SD card. Not support Transfer Pak function.
  • ⚡COMFORTABLE GRIP: Ergonomic handle design fits naturally in your hands during extended gaming sessions. The cord is approx 6ft. Use a N64 Controller Extension Cord Cables,you can play across the room.
  • ⚡Third party controller, not original N64 controller.The best alternative wired controller for N64 games, that will bring back those childhood memories when you are playing classic games.
Rank #3
Wired Classic N64 Controller Joystick Remote for Original N64 Console Gray
  • 🎮[Compatible ]Compatible with the original N64 system console, wired controller for enjoying old school Online N64 video games, perfectly for Mario Kart 64, Zelda n64, Mario party, Perfect Dark, Super Mario 64, ocarina of time 64,Super Smash Bros and many other N64 games.(Not for Windows PC Games)
  • 🎮[Ergonomic Design]Tight and accurate analog control, the controller features 10 function buttons (including Left and Right shoulder functions and Z-trigger). Based on ergonomic and designed to fit your hands nicely, easier to grip than other controllers. It is a great replacement for old original N64 controller you have.
  • 🎮[Rumble Pak & Memory Card ]: Compatible with most of game memory cards. you can use a memory card and transfer the game memory card save data. Upgraded 3D analog control stick commands your action with precision, perfectly compatible with N64 System console.
  • 🎮[N64 Wired connection]The cord is approx. 1.7 meters (6ft), including a push-on N64 connector and easy to use. Use a N64 Controller Extension Cord Cables, you can play across the room. The joystick is removeable and replaceable.
  • 🎮Third party controller, not original N64 controller(non-USB edition). The best gift for your families or friends, that will bring back those childhood memories when you are playing these classic N64 games.

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.

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