Collecting Nintendo 64: what to look for and Spanish PAL variants
The Nintendo 64 has a smaller library than its rivals, but with plenty of much-loved games and, like the Super Nintendo, cardboard boxes that few people kept. This guide covers what to bear in mind with PAL editions, which accessories belong in the collection and which games people look for.
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The console in Europe
The Nintendo 64 came out in Europe in March 1997. Cartridges are region-locked, by shape and by chip, so a North American or Japanese game will not work on a European console without an adaptor. Many of the console's PAL games run at 50 Hz, slower than their NTSC versions; we explain this in PAL vs NTSC.
How to identify the edition
- The cartridge and box code starts with NUS and ends in a country or region suffix: ESP, EUR, NOE, FRA, UKV, ITA…
- Many European Nintendo 64 games have no Spanish text in the game, even if the box and manual are in Spanish. Check the languages before buying if you want to play in Spanish.
- A complete copy includes the cardboard box, the manual and the inner tray that holds the cartridge.
Expansion Pak and other accessories
The Expansion Pak increases the console's memory. Some games need it to run or to unlock almost all their modes: Donkey Kong 64 came with one in the box, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask requires it and Perfect Dark needs it for most of its modes. If you buy one of these games, make sure you have the accessory.
The Rumble Pak (vibration), the Controller Pak (memory for saves) and the Transfer Pak (connects Game Boy cartridges) are also collected. With their original box, they are collectables in their own right.
What to collect
Nintendo and Rare games are the heart of any collection for the console: Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie… Loose they are easy to find; complete and in good condition, much less so.
Beyond the big names there are well-regarded games with smaller print runs, such as Doom 64. And special-colour controllers and consoles have their own following too.
Repros and care
As with the Super Nintendo, expensive cartridges get reproduced. Check the label, the security screws and the board (how to tell if a game is genuine). Some games save using a battery, which may be dead.
The cardboard boxes need a rigid protector and should be stored upright. More tips in how to store your collection, and the full catalogue on the Nintendo 64 page.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Nintendo 64 games need the Expansion Pak?
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask requires it and Perfect Dark needs it for most of its modes. Donkey Kong 64 came with one in the box.
- Do American Nintendo 64 games work on a European console?
- Not without an adaptor: the cartridges are region-locked by shape and by chip.
More guides
See all guides- Collecting PlayStation 2: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsFirst editions vs Platinum, Spanish-dubbed games, short-run titles and the European console models.Read the guide
- Collecting GameCube: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsEdition codes, Player's Choice, sought-after games, 50/60 Hz, console models and accessories that are collectable in their own right.Read the guide
- Collecting Super Nintendo: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsCardboard boxes, ESP codes, games translated into Spanish, titles that never came out in PAL and how to avoid repros.Read the guide
Work out what your collection is worth
Log each copy with its region and condition, and Games Library adds up its market value and shows you how it changes over time.