Is a N64 worth getting nowadays?

[Damon Plus]

I want to get one, but it seems most of its games are meant to be player in multiplayer mode. Yes, there are some great single player games (Super Mario 64, both Zeldas, Paper Mario...) but what about games like Mario Kart, Perfect Dark, Goldeneye...?

[Xizer]

I want to get one, but it seems most of its games are meant to be player in multiplayer mode. Yes, there are some great single player games (Super Mario 64, both Zeldas, Paper Mario...) but what about games like Mario Kart, Perfect Dark, Goldeneye...?

Goldeneye, Perfect Dark - Great single player games. Even Mario Kart 64, which can be obtained for around 5 bucks these days, is worth the price of admission. A stroll through all the courses in single player is pretty fun the first time around, and the second time, and by the third time it starts to get boring, but hey, it was 5 bucks

Since you can get an N64 for $20, I have only one question: Why in the hell not? You've already listed four games you think would be good single player games. That's dozens of hours of entertainment right there. That should be more than enough to justify $20, even if you don't get anything other than Super Mario 64, Zelda, and Paper Mario.

This is basically a "recommend me some N64 games" thread, isn't it?

[JSoup]

Have a Wii? Many of the really good games (Ocarina of Time, Paper Mario, Kirby 64, etc) are already available on the virtual console for far less than what you'll spend trying to track down the cartridges.

[Xizer]

Have a Wii? Many of the really good games (Ocarina of Time, Paper Mario, Kirby 64, etc) are already available on the virtual console for far less than what you'll spend trying to track down the cartridges.

Eww, gross. Digital games.

In my opinion, if you're not even going to get a physical copy of it, you might as well just pirate it.

I'd recommend modding a Wii and throwing the games on there for free. Modded Xboxes can also play most N64 games well - they suck at emulating Banjo-Tooie, Perfect Dark and Donkey Kong 64, though. Those are the only three awesome N64 games that the Xbox chokes on.

[thetoxicone]

Also depending on where you are, you could probably find a decent deal on one with games over craigslist or yard sales so I definately think it is worth it.

[roushimsx]

Until Stunt Racer 64, World Driver Championship, Rogue Squadron, Battle for Naboo, and Mystical Ninja Staring Goemon are all properly emulated, I think there's still a valid reason to pick up a physical N64.

[LifeGame]

I will buy 100 copies of Mario Kart at 5$ a piece. Anyone let me know.

[DigitalSpace]

It's definitely worth it. And be sure to check out Beetle Adventure Racing, Blast Corps, Micro Machines 64 Turbo, Rocket: Robot on Wheels, and Diddy Kong Racing (which offers a pretty good single player mode).

[Wraith Storm]

I passed on buying an N64 for years. Then a few months ago I realized just how many EXCLUSIVE ARCADE racers the 64 had. I love arcade racing games, something that we don't get many of now that the arcade scene is virtually gone. A friend sold me his N64 and I am loving it!

Every weekend I have been out buying arcade racers for the system and when I think I have all the ones that I want, I end up discovering another.

[James8BitStar]

I think you kinda have to have some nostalgia for the N64 for it to be worthwhile. That being said it had a lot of great games. Here's some of the less-mentioned ones:

Wave Race 64 (IMO probably the best game on the console)
Pilotwings 64
Shadowgate Trial of the Four Towers
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

[DigitalSpace]

The N64 has a lot of racers - I currently own 58 N64 games, and 29 of them are racing titles.

A few more recommendations:
-The three Cruis'n games (USA, World, Exotica)
-Pokemon Snap (a short but unique game that's pretty easy to find on the cheap)
-Duck Dodgers (absolutely worth checking out if you're a fan of the cartoon - one of the better third party platformers)
-Excitebike 64
-Star Soldier: Vanishing Earth

[DefaultGen]

.....

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Other than the Genesis, the N64 is often the system I see cheapest in the wild. And most pawn shops still carry N64 games, if you're looking for good deals. It's an oft shat upon system, but there are still many good games available for it. Goldeneye is in my top 5 games of all time- I have many fond memories of playing that one.

[PentiumMMX]

The N64 is a great system, and it's not too expensive at the moment. If you hunt around, you can find some great games at decent prices. Just don't go in expecting it to be equal to Super NES (That's why most people hate the N64)

[otaku]

Definetly ( trust me playing mario 64 is not the same on the wii as it is on the 64) I bought mine at launch and still love it. Definetly get one and there are tons of games for it to get

[Ed Oscuro]

Eww, gross. Digital games.

In my opinion, if you're not even going to get a physical copy of it, you might as well just pirate it.
I'd rather emulate and use my 360 controller than the Wii's controller anyhow.

Some other games worth finding:

Mischief Makers
Castlevania and Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness
Extreme-G 1 & 2

[MrSparkle]

f-zero x (whether or not you like racers this game rocks)
turok 1 (though id steer clear of the sequels)
1080 (it still rocks suck it ssx, though pulling off a 1080 in this game may be harder than pulling one off in real life)
Banjo-Kazooie & banjo-tooie
donkey kong 64 (best platformer on the system imho)
gauntlet legends (hands down the best version released on a home console)
mario party 2 (the peak of the series, makes no case for single player games really but it is a blast with 4 friends)
nfl blitz 2000 (one of about 10 sports games that i consider great and actually play)
resident evil 2 (has a new item randomization mode not featured on the psx release ;) )
starfox 64 (the absolute height of the starfox series and one of the best games on the system a must play)
and lets not leave out superman 64, you too can play a game that somehow manages to be worse than shaq-fu!

[jahvybe]

I bought my first n64 only for the purpose of playing mario kart 64. It was totally worth it. Single player and multi player are both amazing.

I actually never played Goldeneye until one day when I was having a huge gaming party at my house and someone else saw that I had Goldeneye (yes I had it and never played it along with the other 6.34 million games that I haven't gotten around to playing yet). So we played Goldeneye multi player and it I was hooked, even though i couldn't have sucked more at the game. So after that I played through the single player to get better at it. It is still the most played game in my collection, both single player and multi player.

So even if there were no other sweet games, which there definitely are, it would be worth it for Goldeneye and Mario Kart alone.

I passed up a complete n64 yesterday for $5.99 at the local thrift store because I already have like 7 or 8 n64's. And I have never paid more than 3.99 for Mario Kart or Goldeneye at a thrift store and they show up all the time because they were so popular.

[Sudo]

Yeah, it's definitely worth it IMO. Most of the games have aged pretty well.

[Press_Start]

Recently got an N64 myself and most of the games mentioned above are awesome! :D :D :D

My only complaint is with N64 controller itself. My hands were getting cramps trying to get to all buttons. You either had your left hand on the stick and Z button or the control pad and L button (and possibly the Z button if your ring finger can reach it).

I do remember spotting a third-party controller that rectified this at Joe's store, but I can't remember the name. No matter, I'm stopping by this place anyway or should have a picture up shortly after that.

[MrSparkle]

the use of flat shaded polys rather than bitmap textures has made its aging more elegant than say psx. flat shaded polys for the win!

[roushimsx]

the use of flat shaded polys rather than bitmap textures has made its aging more elegant than say psx. flat shaded polys for the win!

Too bad so many games on the N64 use insanely low resolution, blurry and smeared textures (hey, it's a feature!) and run at questionable framerates. I agree that flat shaded stuff from that era has totally aged better.

[Xizer]

I will buy 100 copies of Mario Kart at 5$ a piece. Anyone let me know.

Do you actually use eBay or something

I've encountered plenty of copies at garage sales for such a price, or less

[Greg2600]

N64 systems are pretty cheap, but the popular games are not. The Mario Party's are a lot of fun, but pretty expensive. The racing games were terrific. Cruisin, SF Rush, Cal Speed. Both Bond games and Perfect Dark are great FPS, and Resident Evil 2 is not bad. I never liked the Zelda games, but the Conker, Donkey Kong, and Banjo/Kazooie games are fun. One of the good things about the N64 is that there are not a ton of great games, IMO, so you could have a really thorough collection with only a couple dozen games. N64 was spared, unfortunately, of many of the classic game sequels like Metroid, Contra, Gradius, Metal Gear, TMNT, etc. Other classics like Castlevania, Star Wars, Indiana Jones are there. Like it or hate it, the N64 is very much a unique system with many games exclusive to it.

As for the whole N64 on the Wii thing, can you play Mariokart in multiplayer? The absence of Goldeneye though.....

[outsider]

Yes, even if only for playing Perfect Dark, which can be found quite cheap sealed.

[suppafly]

Any gaming system worth less that one new next-gen game and with at least 2-3 good games its totally worth it

[Drixxel]

A few other worthy titles thus far unmentioned:

Doom 64
Goemon's Great Adventure (which reminds me, the rarity guide features a misprint for this title -- "Goeman's...")
Space Station Silicon Valley

Space Station Silicon Valley is especially neat.

[8bitgamer]

I think you kinda have to have some nostalgia for the N64 for it to be worthwhile. That being said it had a lot of great games. Here's some of the less-mentioned ones:

Wave Race 64 (IMO probably the best game on the console)
Pilotwings 64
Shadowgate Trial of the Four Towers
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

I couldn't agree more on Wave Race 64. I still play it from time to time.

[misfits859]

Do you actually use eBay or something

I've encountered plenty of copies at garage sales for such a price, or less

I'll match the desire to pay $5 apiece for all copies I can get. These still fetch $10-$20 cart only in my neck of the woods and they go quick too.

[NytroSkull7]

Have a Wii? Many of the really good games (Ocarina of Time, Paper Mario, Kirby 64, etc) are already available on the virtual console for far less than what you'll spend trying to track down the cartridges.

Are you Serious!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I can't believe that you said that. I mean yeah o.k. if you live in an area where N64 is impossible to get, then i understand, but nothing is better that to own the real thing. Plus who didn't love N64 awsome controller. @_@

[Trevelyan]

I'm always bumping out my N64 & still get suprised by my new purchases i.e games that I never played back in its peak. I always see consoles & it's big, standout titles for really good prices. Go for it!

[kainemaxwell]

Sure, why not?

[Rob2600]

I agree with a lot of recommendations that have already been listed (Star Fox 64, Pokemon Snap, 1080, Wave Race, Perfect Dark, Mischief Makers, etc.).

Also, in March, I compiled a list of the best and worst rated Nintendo 64 games. Check out the thread:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114086


From the list, I strongly recommend:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - 9.8
2. Goldeneye 007 - 9.6
3. Super Mario 64 - 9.5
4. Perfect Dark - 9.4
10. Wave Race 64 - 9.1
11. Conker's Bad Fur Day - 9.1
12. Rayman 2: The Great Escape - 9.1
19. Star Fox 64 - 9.0
20. Mario Golf - 9.0
23. 1080 Snowboarding - 8.9
33. Sin and Punishment: Successor to the Earth - 8.6 (Japan and Wii Virtual Console only)
35. Mario Kart 64 - 8.5
47. Ridge Racer 64 - 8.3
51. Pokemon Puzzle League - 8.2

Of course, there are a bunch of other great games too (All-Star Baseball, International Superstar Soccer, Space Station Silicon Valley, Quake II, Blast Corps, Worms Armageddon, etc.), but to me, these are the ultimate must-haves.


By the way, if you're into professional wrestling and/or Star Wars, then the N64 is your dream console.

[slackur]

I scanned the thread and I might of missed it, but I didn't see my favorite N64 game recommended:

Tetrisphere.

Wow, is that a great game. Massively addictive, a progressive single player 'campaign', awesome 2p versus, and music that puts 99% of the N64 library to shame.

Seriously, I was listening to the Tetrisphere soundtrack in my car yesterday. Strange.

If you even remotely like puzzlers, BUY!!

[Rob2600]

I was listening to the Tetrisphere soundtrack in my car yesterday.

I used to listen to Tetrisphere's music, too. It's great! :) The game is fun too, although I think Pokemon Puzzle League and Bust-a-Move '99 are the best puzzle games on the N64.

Another N64 game with an awesome soundtrack is Killer Instinct Gold.

[JSoup]

Are you Serious!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I can't believe that you said that. I mean yeah o.k. if you live in an area where N64 is impossible to get, then i understand, but nothing is better that to own the real thing. Plus who didn't love N64 awsome controller. @_@

0_o I was thinking about being cost efficient. Sure, you could get a N64 at just about any used game store for little. However, any games worth playing will weigh down your wallet very quickly. If you already own a Wii, buying the games for $10 off the shop channel is a much more cost effective way to do things.

However, as Xizer pointed out, if you have the means to mod your Wii, that would be even more cost effective.

[Rob2600]

If you already own a Wii, buying the games for $10 off the shop channel is a much more cost effective way to do things.

One benefit is that N64 games run at 480p on the Virtual Console.

[JSoup]

Seriously, I was listening to the Tetrisphere soundtrack in my car yesterday.

I loved the OST for Tetrisphere. The best part about that game is how it melts your brain. Psychedelic, 3D backgrounds, trippy music and near silent sound effects make for one intense experience.

[swlovinist]

The N64 is totally worth having. It is a tough system, and has alot of great memorable games. If you can get used to the controller(I love it), then it has a great library of platform, racing, and arcade style games. It was a far from perfect system, but it has such timeless classics on it, that I think that history will look upon it pretty favorably.

You cant go wrong with Goldeneye, Mario Kart 64 or Mario 64

Rogue Squadron is one heck of a game. Heck, I like all four of the Star Wars games for the system.

For being a fairly early polygon 3D system, I was always impressed with it.

Get N or get out!

[Kamisama]

I dont like many of the N64 Games :)

But there are a few gems of course which always make a good play. My favorite probably is F-Zero X.

[Ed Oscuro]

0_o I was thinking about being cost efficient. Sure, you could get a N64 at just about any used game store for little. However, any games worth playing will weigh down your wallet very quickly.
Brand new, Perfect Dark cost me somewhere in the range of $15 within the last year.

[exit]

Castlevania 64 is a pretty good game, although it's not quite popular among Castlevania fans, it's probably one of my favorite games for N64. I would recommend picking up Legacy of Darkness, since it's the more "complete" version of the game and fixed some of the issues that the original had.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Castlevania 64 is a pretty good game, although it's not quite popular among Castlevania fans, it's probably one of my favorite games for N64. I would recommend picking up Legacy of Darkness, since it's the more "complete" version of the game and fixed some of the issues that the original had.

Uggghhh... I played this game for a total of an hour or so and hated it. I barely got past the 1st boss and kept dying soon after. For some odd reason it was really hard for me. I got frustrated that I wasn't getting anywhere, and didn't enjoy it at all. Of course, it's partly my fault for being so shitty at it. I just don't think games should be so difficult so early on- but again, maybe the game isn't that hard and I'm just a dumbass.

[Ed Oscuro]

CV64 isn't hard, in absolute terms, but if you're not experienced with 3D platformers you have a perfectly good excuse.

Even if you are, it's a bit unfamiliar compared to Super Mario 64. Some of the later platforming-intensive sections (pull-ups in Castlevania, hooray - Tower of Sorcery) were madness the first...uhh...dozen times through. I'm a slow learner though. Still, once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad.

The main thing to keep in mind about it is that it's not Ninja Gaiden; you're not supposed to mash buttons but rather just keep your distance from things and use your attacks as you can.


Castlevania 64 is a pretty good game, although it's not quite popular among Castlevania fans, it's probably one of my favorite games for N64. I would recommend picking up Legacy of Darkness, since it's the more "complete" version of the game and fixed some of the issues that the original had.
This post makes me smile :)

Actually, some of us that've hung about the CV Dungeon for years like it quite a bit. TG Magus has been a big promoter of the games, and I like to put in a good word for them as well.

[Rob2600]

CV64 isn't hard, in absolute terms, but if you're not experienced with 3D platformers you have a perfectly good excuse.

I thought the first level was well done. Out of nowhere, lightning strikes a tree and it falls right in front of the character. Each one of my friends flinched the first time playing it. :)

The only frustratingly difficult part I remember was the level where I had to carry a bomb through different rooms. Jumping or falling off a ledge caused the bomb to explode, resulting in instant death. It took me a while to figure out where exactly I had to walk.

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, that first level is interesting. I loved the skeletons (still do - the fact that you can beat various parts off them still impresses me), and the atmospheric bits.

Hate the actual structure and look of that landscape though.

The game looks MUCH better when you get a ways in, as you know. Legacy of Darkness looks better than that all the way through.

And also, dear god, the bomb puzzle.

>_________<;

One of the most needlessly frustrating puzzles around. I'd get almost all the way through it and then absent-mindedly hit the jump button and...well, I think I could get through it in very nearly my first try if I were to play the game now...actually, I think I'll do that this weekend.

[JSoup]

Brand new, Perfect Dark cost me somewhere in the range of $15 within the last year.

Going off of cost alone, downloading it for Virtual Console (if it's available, not sure if it is) for $10, or downloading it for a modded Wii for free is still more cost efficient.

[Ed Oscuro]

Going off of cost alone, downloading it for Virtual Console (if it's available, not sure if it is) for $10, or downloading it for a modded Wii for free is still more cost efficient.
Resale value.

[JSoup]

Resale value.

http://search.ebay.com/perfect-dark_W0QQa14Z24216QQalistZa14QQfromZR40QQgcsZ1135Q QpfidZ1413QQpfmodeZ2QQreqtypeZ1QQsacatZQ2d100

Yeah......

[Ed Oscuro]

http://search.ebay.com/perfect-dark_W0QQa14Z24216QQalistZa14QQfromZR40QQgcsZ1135Q QpfidZ1413QQpfmodeZ2QQreqtypeZ1QQsacatZQ2d100

Yeah......
I agree.

Perfect Dark Nintendo 64 game COMPLETE
This seller accepts PayPal 8 $7.20
$8.45
And if you run outta luck and sell one for $2.50 before S&H, then you're helping somebody else soundly beat the $10 VC cost.

[JSoup]

I agree.

And if you run outta luck and sell one for $2.50 before S&H, then you're helping somebody else soundly beat the $10 VC cost.

Free download via modded Wii.

Unless you can find a way to have a resale value at below $0, we're done here.

[Ed Oscuro]

Free download via modded Wii.
FREE free via megaupload pirating and a computer. Heck, you can even play the game with a mouse & keyboard.

Seriously, modded Wii?? Now that's just desperate (and also, as far as I can tell, not legal; let's not talk about it if so.)

[JSoup]

FREE free via megaupload pirating and a computer. Heck, you can even play the game with a mouse & keyboard.

Ignoring that you can get the ROM off a ROM site, skipping megaupload altogether, the Wii is a better option if you already have one. N64 emulation sucks ass on a PC.

[cyberfluxor]

Don't forget to pick up the Bomberman games, they are actually good single player and you can setup computers for multi-player if you want. Also since you were thinking about FPS games, be sure to check out Quake 1 and 2 as they are great games for the system.

[Rob2600]

N64 emulation sucks ass on a PC.

That's been my experience, which is why I don't even bother. I stick with my console and cartridges.

Besides, is Perfect Dark even available on the Virtual Console?


And yes, the N64 is definitely worth getting!

[JSoup]

Just for the record, I agree that just getting the N64 is a good idea. It's a good system with an assload of awesome games. Unless you like RPGs. There's, like, four RPGs available, only two of them any good.

[Ed Oscuro]

Ignoring that you can get the ROM off a ROM site, skipping megaupload altogether, the Wii is a better option if you already have one.
And if you don't have an N64, and you don't care about the Transfer Pak stuff (nothing truly exclusive there aside from perhaps a few screens, it seems), and you'd rather use the Wiimote instead of a N64 controller (wait...I'll probably regret that one), and if you juggle all the hidden cheese statues in my house while singing in an Irish brogue under the full moon while the rainspout empties into your hat brim.


N64 emulation sucks ass on a PC.
Man, that's so pre-Project64_1.7.0.54. The only game I've tried thus far that didn't work properly won't be on the VC anyhow (Duke Nukem Zero Hour).

[JSoup]

And if you don't have an N64, and you don't care about the Transfer Pak stuff (nothing truly exclusive there aside from perhaps a few screens, it seems), and you'd rather use the Wiimote instead of a N64 controller (wait...I'll probably regret that one), and if you juggle all the hidden cheese statues in my house while singing in an Irish brogue under the full moon while the rainspout empties into your hat brim.


What the fuck are you on about? If you knew anything at all about emulation, you'd know the Transfer Pak isn't needed. Yes, I guess you could use the Wiimote if you so wished to. Personally, I'd use the Classic Controller or a GCN controller.

[Tommy]

Good System to buy right now, cheap and games are inexpensive. Go for it.

[murdoc rose]

how can u not have a 64. Probably the system I've played the most in my life. It may be over shadowed my a 300+ count nes collection and a 200+ 2600 collection but it is easily one of the most playable systems ever. Not being a big playstation fan at least for first gen for that matter im not a huge fan of disk games in general so that may have something to do with it. However its a common inexpensive system that's a must have for a gamer.

[Ed Oscuro]

What the fuck are you on about? If you knew anything at all about emulation, you'd know the Transfer Pak isn't needed.
this is hilarious in so many ways

The transfer pak isn't needed for Perfect Dark on any system, but some of us like having it around.

I guess it's time to point out that Perfect Dark isn't even available on the Virtual Console.

It was fun arguing about it as a hypothetical though.

[JSoup]

this is hilarious in so many ways

I have to agree. You seem to have forgotten that my argument was about cost and are adding things to the pile of 'what I might need' for owning an N64.


The transfer pak isn't needed for Perfect Dark on any system, but some of us like having it around.

You said Transfer Pak, but I was thinking Expansion Pak (or whatever the thing is called). My mistake. However, it doesn't change the fact that you can't get the cost any lower than I have.


I guess it's time to point out that Perfect Dark isn't even available on the Virtual Console.

Modded Wii, ROM, etc. We've been over this.

[Ed Oscuro]

Modded Wii, ROM, etc. We've been over this.
And it's a worse idea than simply putting an emulator on a PC for a reason that should be obvious (voiding the warranty).

[JSoup]

And it's a worse idea than simply putting an emulator on a PC for a reason that should be obvious (voiding the warranty).


Again, the argument was about cost. Cost wise, using a modded Wii is a better option (let's also consider that you can BUY modded Wiis), IF you already have a Wii. Otherwise, yes, the PC works too.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

What are you guys even talking about? First, you don't have to mod your Wii to use homebrew, it's done with a software exploit. Second, there is no good homebrew N64 emulator available for the Wii.


...word is bondage...

[exit]

N64 emulation sucks ass on a PC.

The emulators wasn't that bad when I played through Ocarina of Time, which was about 4 years ago and I'm sure it's gotten much better by now. The only downside was finding the right plug-ins, (obviously) game compatibility and getting the settings just right for your system.

[roushimsx]

Man, that's so pre-Project64_1.7.0.54. The only game I've tried thus far that didn't work properly won't be on the VC anyhow (Duke Nukem Zero Hour).

I haven't tested it out in the latest PJ64 (I've been slacking on sending in a donation), but on the last public release, Duke Nukem Zero Hour works awesome. Hell, it works better than on a real N64 (no slowdown!), the mouse and keyboard is easy to properly setup (far easier than Perfect Dark or Goldeneye), and the save states correct the one major drawback of the game's design / source of the game's high level of difficulty (no mid level save points mixed with at times cheap enemy placement). IIRC, the Rice GPU plugin had some issues but the normal Jaboo plugin with the N-Rage DInput plugin for m+kb did wonders. I think I still have my settings stored on my PC if you'd like me to shoot them your way sometime... the game is a blast to play on the PC (far, far, far more enjoyable than it was on the N64).

I don't disagree that N64 emulation on the PC is a bit of a mess. The sooner we move away from plugin-dependency and towards a singular software-based solution (akin to what Xebra and pSX Emulator do for PS1 emulation or SSF does for Saturn emulation), the better. I love how the latest ePSXe bundles in a high quality software-based render that you can toggle to at any point in time fairly easily. As it is, trying to enable and configure Z64 is a bit of a pain in the ass and it doesn't much matter anyway since it seems like hoping that Stunt Racer 64 gets its graphics emulated is on par with hoping for a stand alone hardware accelerated emulator for the arcade game War, complete with TCP/IP networking to handle multiplayer games.

Let's see which one happens first.

tl;dr - The emulation on PC has problems, but at least we're not talking about N64 emulation on the Mac or Linux. Good god do those guys get fucked.

[carlcarlson]

I played through Mario 64 ~10 years ago on my PC using UltraHLE and didn't have any problems. I got all the stars and everything. It's kind of funny that I was able to play that game flawlessly that long ago, yet we still don't have an emulator that works great with everything.

[Ed Oscuro]

What are you guys even talking about? First, you don't have to mod your Wii to use homebrew, it's done with a software exploit. Second, there is no good homebrew N64 emulator available for the Wii.
See, I like how things are so much simpler in reality than Gameboy Color makes them out to be.

roushimsx: The last two releases I played (1.7.1.0, and 1.7.0.54 which is actually newer for some reason) crash Hero Zour after the helicopter flies into the sky at the end of the first stage. Pain in th'arse.

[JSoup]

What are you guys even talking about? First, you don't have to mod your Wii to use homebrew, it's done with a software exploit. Second, there is no good homebrew N64 emulator available for the Wii.

I wasn't speaking of homebrew, I was speaking of modding. At one time, there was a chip that allowed for use of the Wiis internal emulator (or whatever the Virtual Console uses) at will, although a quick Wikipedia check tells me that it's no longer available (or, at least, the website selling them no longer exists).

Although, now that I think about it, you'd have to buy the damn chip for, probably, around $10, so PC emulation remains the most cost efficient method.


See, I like how things are so much simpler in reality than Gameboy Color makes them out to be.

Oh, come now. The world isn't as simple as you like, deal with it.

[Greg2600]

Again, the argument was about cost. Cost wise, using a modded Wii is a better option (let's also consider that you can BUY modded Wiis), IF you already have a Wii. Otherwise, yes, the PC works too.

I suppose if the argument is simply cost, then downloading N64 games on a Wii might be a couple bucks a game cheaper. However, it's unlikely Nintendo will ever relent on the RARE/Microsoft issue. Even now, there are only 15 N64 games I see on the VC. Unless you want to go the PC emulation route, the only proper choice is to get the system itself. If you only need the carts, nothing complete, there are plenty available, but as I said, some games are pricey. Again, the N64 is a great system to get, because it is very unique and you can make due with under 20 games.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I wasn't speaking of homebrew, I was speaking of modding. At one time, there was a chip that allowed for use of the Wiis internal emulator (or whatever the Virtual Console uses) at will, although a quick Wikipedia check tells me that it's no longer available (or, at least, the website selling them no longer exists).
Wii modchips let you play the regular virtual console releases without buying them, but I've never heard of one that let you add whatever games you want to the virtual console.


...word is bondage...

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh, come now. The world isn't as simple as you like, deal with it.
My only aim in this back and forth, which seems to not have entered your brain, is pointing out the various options available.

* There's PC emulation, which is currently great if you have a controller and a good enough PC (potentially a high cost). Range anywhere from effectively "free" (in my case, since I bought a 360 controller ages ago for MAME) to $1000+ to buy a new system (although currently N64 emulation isn't so CPU intensive as it would be in a MAME-style setup, due to the use of graphics plugins).

* There's the cost of a N64 system, and the cost is determined by how many games you buy for it (and any needed accessories). The cost there is anywhere from $5 at a garage sale to $1000+? for all the games you can find...

* Then there's the Wii, and if I'm following along properly:
- Modded Wiis won't run N64 emulators since there are none
- Perfect Dark isn't in the store so you can't run it on the Virtual Console.
- Another option available? I've checked out Google but don't see anything relevant.

I don't mean to be offensive, but you keep coming back with unresearched "answers" to my devil's advocate questions that turn out to be utterly false. The idea somebody could theoretically pay $200 or whatever a Wii goes for on the basis of your misinformation (and don't say it wouldn't happen: how many people buy PSPs just for emulation? You'd be surprised) should be reason enough for you to be more careful in the future.

[Mordan]

N64 would be great except for the controllers.

Playing GoldenEye totally screws the thumbstick. And we only play that over here.

Has anyone a cost effective way to solve this problem?

I bought brand new 3rd party controllers and the thumbsticks SUCK hard. GoldenEye is impossible to play.

really shitty thumbsticks. I hate Nitentdo for not thinking sturdiness with that one. because we have this N64 sitting there and nobody wants to play GoldenEye anymore.

[justinec101]

There's just something. . . blech about downloading old games for the wii. I just like grabbing a cartridge, sticking it in the system, and turning it on. I'm even considering going and buying back a gamecube because I hate turning on the wii, having to select gamecube, clicking start game. . . And as far as paying for something that's digital. . . I've only done it a few times on xbox live, but I easily would've paid 14.99 to get a physical copy of pacman CE instead.

Anyway, get Bomberman Hero for N64. It's one of the best interpretations of 2D platforming in 3D. Tons of short levels and a bunch of bosses. Very Linear, one of the few platforming games of that era that doesn't try to be all big and exploration based like banjo or mario.