The Nintendo 64 was a console adorned with dozens of rare, unique games. Now, roughly 18 years after the last game was released for the console, collectors are scouring flea markets, online stores and other retail outlets for titles that are not in their collection.
If you’re wondering how far some people will go to build their collection, you only need to look at the rarest (and most valuable) N64 games. The console has spawned several real hidden treasures that are selling at a whopping price in the marketplace, and many of them are nearly impossible to find today.
It doesn’t matter if you’re collecting or just digging into gaming history, these are the rarest games on the N64.
Turok: Rage Wars Gray Cart
Turok is one of the most popular games for the Nintendo 64, but Rage Wars hasn’t received the same acclaim. First, it is not considered a canon entry in the series. It also placed more emphasis on multiplayer than other games, but was hampered by a serious bug.
The original version of Turok: Rage Wars is released in a black cartridge. As soon as the bug was discovered, Acclaim released a fix. The corrected version of the game is released on a gray cartridge.
Collectors have recently realized the value of the gray cart. While the black cart version of the game can be purchased for as little as $ 12, the gray cartridge can cost $ 350 or more.
Starcraft 64
Real-time strategy games have never been more popular on consoles, especially during the Nintendo 64 era. Starcraft 64 earned recognition for its simplistic control scheme (and a place on Toonami that attracted many young gamers).
Only after the release of Starcraft II on PC did the N64 version of the original game become popular. Since the game did not initially have widespread popularity, it was already difficult to find it. The copy will now set you back about $ 35 on eBay.
However, don’t let the low price fool you. Starcraft 64 is one of the rarest N64 games in the lineup and can be hard to find.
Stunt Racer 64
There were quite a few limited editions released during the N64 era, including some games that were only released in specific locations. Stunt Racer 64 is one such game. This was only available through Blockbuster. While not as expensive as some of the other games on this list, it can be difficult to find.
While a loose cartridge can be found relatively easily, collectors looking for a complete copy in a box will pay for this privilege, with prices as high as $ 600. A complete copy of Stunt Racer 64 is one of the rarest N64 games.
Bomberman 64: The Second Attack
Bomberman 64 was not the most popular game, although it was still fun. Other entries in the series received more critical and commercial praise. Regardless, Hudson Soft released another game for the N64 at the end of the console’s lifespan.
Due to the late release, many retailers did not sell it in stores. The cost of copies ranges from $ 25 and up, but the closed version of the game can cost over $ 1,000.
Clay Fighter 63 Sculptor’s Cut
Clay Fighter 63 ½, another blockbuster exclusive, is now considered one of the rarest N64 games of all time. You can find a standalone cartridge at “reasonable†prices, but the full boxed version will make even the most dedicated collector blanche.
Sculptor’s Cut is not too different from the main game, but it adds a few additional characters. Today, a boxed copy of a game will set you back about $ 1,100, while a complete copy with manual can cost you $ 1,700 or more.
The reason for this rarity is that it was a Blockbuster exclusive. As a result, finding a manual and / or a box in good condition is nearly impossible.
Super Bowling
The idea of ??bowling is not so rare today. After all, Wii Bowling is the standard for what to expect from a home console. In the late 90s and early 2000s, bowling was not a popular form of game on home consoles.
Super Bowling came out just before the Gamecube launch, so it lost a lot of sales to the upcoming console. Given that such a niche audience initially liked it, it’s understandable that the game is one of the rarest games for the N64, and hard to find.
Today, you can get a copy of Super Bowling for just over $ 100 per cartridge alone, but a full boxed copy can cost anywhere from $ 300 to $ 600.
Hey Pikachu!
Hello Pikachu! It was a strange game, to begin with. He used a microphone that was connected to the N64 and allowed the player to talk to Pikachu, asking him to complete specific tasks and interact on a level never seen before. It came out towards the end of the N64’s lifespan and capitalized on the popularity of the Pokemon franchise.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t received the same acclaim as other games. One of the reasons was the lack of a storyline. Secondly, there was simply no technology – despite the added microphone, Hey you Pikachu! did not work.
While it’s not that hard to find a copy of a cartridge, finding a complete copy of a game with a working microphone and other attachments is not easy. A full boxed copy can cost $ 450.
What’s your favorite rarest N64 game? Let us know in the comments below.
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