The Nintendo 64 Game That Was The Console's Best Seller

The Nintendo 64 remains a standout console in Nintendo's catalog decades later, partially thanks to the number of quality games that Nintendo itself and other developers made for the system. The Nintendo 64 marked the jump from 2D to 3D for Nintendo games, featuring a strange controller with an analog stick on it. While there are tons of good games on the console, like "GoldenEye 007," "The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time," and "Super Smash Bros.," the best-selling game on the Nintendo 64 happens to also be one of the most memorable titles for the platform.

While the Nintendo Switch Online versions of older Nintendo 64 titles have been a bit rough around the edges, it has provided a way for newer generations to enjoy some of the older games without the hassle of finding a Nintendo 64 or using emulation. It's no surprise that one of the most popular emulated games is also the bestseller for the N64. 

Sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct one, with "Super Mario 64" being the best-selling game on Nintendo 64, selling 11.91 million copies (via Statista.) A launch title for the console, Super Mario 64 has generally been considered to be one of the best games of all time, sitting at a 94 on Metacritic. While Nintendo would go on to build on "Super Mario 64" with games like "Super Mario Sunshine" and "Super Mario Galaxy," the original Nintendo 64 game has held a special place in people's hearts.

It wasn't a close competition either, with the second best-selling game on the Nintendo 64 being "Mario Kart 64" at 9.87 million copies and "GoldenEye 007" coming in at 8.09 million. Rounding out the rest of the top five is "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Super Smash Bros." It's no surprise this hit is still popular even years later.