The Nintendo 64 home video game console's library of games were primarily released in a plastic ROM cartridge called the Game Pak. This strategic choice of high-performance but lower-capacity medium was met with some controversy compared to CD-ROM.[1][2][3][4] Two small indentations on the back of each cartridge allow it to connect or pass through the system's cartridge dustcover flaps.[5] All regions have the same connectors, and region-locked cartridges will fit into the other regions' systems by using a cartridge converter or by simply removing the cartridge's casing.[6] However, the systems are also equipped with lockout chips that will only allow them to play their appropriate games. Both Japanese and North American systems have the same NTSC lockout, and Europe has a PAL lockout. A bypass device such as the N64 Passport or the Datel Action Replay can be used to play import games, but a few require an additional boot code.[7]
The Nintendo 64 was first launched in Japan on June 23, 1996, with Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64, and Saikyō Habu Shōgi; in North America with Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64; and in Europe with Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. The final first-party games are Dōbutsu no Mori on April 14, 2001, in Japan, and Mario Party 3 on May 7, 2001, in North America. The final licensed game to be published for the system is the North American exclusive Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 on August 20, 2002. The best-selling game is Super Mario 64 with 11 million units as of May 21, 2003[update].[8] The total unit sales of Nintendo 64 software has exceeded the total unit sales of GameCube software,[9] but it has the lowest software sales per console sold among all Nintendo consoles.[10]
There are 388 games listed below.[11] This list is initially organized by either the game's English language title, or the Hepburn romanization of Japan-only releases. All English titles are listed first, followed by alternate titles, and there are no unofficial translations. Games for the 64DD peripheral and the Aleck 64 arcade system are not included in this list. For games that were announced or in development for the Nintendo 64, but never released, see the list of cancelled Nintendo 64 games.