Collecting for the Nintendo 64 is an adventure in itself. The system is home to some of the most iconic titles of the late ’90s, but if you dig a little deeper, there’s an entire subculture built around tracking down the rarest games in the library. These aren’t your everyday cartridges sitting on thrift store shelves, many of them were limited releases, rental exclusives, or games that just didn’t catch on back in the day. For me, hunting the rarest N64 games and where to find them has become one of the most rewarding parts of collecting retro games.

The N64 library isn’t enormous compared to other consoles, but the rarity curve is steep. Some games that were produced in small quantities now go for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Knowing what to look for, how to identify authentic cartridges, and where to track them down has helped me avoid scams and score some gems for my collection.

Here’s a deep dive into the rarest N64 games and where to find them, along with tips on how to navigate the tricky world of retro game collecting.

ClayFighter Sculptor’s Cut

This game has become legendary among collectors. ClayFighter Sculptor’s Cut was a Blockbuster-exclusive rental title, meaning it was never available for direct purchase. That alone made it scarce, but factor in that many rental copies were damaged, lost, or tossed out, and it’s easy to see why this one tops most rarity lists.

The game itself is a slightly enhanced version of ClayFighter 63⅓, with added characters and tweaks to the gameplay. It’s not a huge improvement mechanically, but the novelty of the Sculptor’s Cut makes it a high-demand collector’s item. I found my copy through a private seller who had bought out a Blockbuster’s old inventory years ago.

If you’re searching for the rarest N64 games and where to find them, start by networking with long-time collectors and checking dedicated N64 Facebook groups or Discord servers. eBay listings pop up now and then, but prices are steep, and authenticity can be a gamble.

Worms: Armageddon

Worms: Armageddon on N64 didn’t get the attention it deserved. It was released late in the system’s life cycle, with much more prominent versions on PC and PlayStation stealing the spotlight. Because of that, the N64 version saw a very limited print run, making it one of the harder titles to locate.

This version has some unique quirks. The gameplay is still chaotic and fun, with strategic, turn-based warfare between teams of worms using ridiculous weapons. It doesn’t include all the features of the PC version, but it’s surprisingly well-optimized for a cartridge-based system. I came across my copy at a retro game convention, buried under a stack of sports games at a vendor’s table.

When you’re trying to hunt down the rarest N64 games and where to find them, events like gaming expos and conventions can yield unexpected results. It’s all about digging, asking around, and sometimes just getting lucky.

Super Bowling

Most people don’t associate sports titles with rarity, but Super Bowling flips that expectation on its head. It was one of the final games released for the N64 and received an extremely limited release. Because bowling games weren’t exactly hot sellers in 2001, most copies either went unnoticed or ended up in bargain bins and later disappeared.

The gameplay itself is casual and straightforward, but the cartoonish visuals and pick-up-and-play nature make it a surprisingly fun party title. I managed to snag a copy through a classified listing from a retired game store owner, and I’ve only seen it pop up a handful of times since.

If you’re serious about exploring the rarest N64 games and where to find them, sometimes small-town game shops and local classified ads are where the real treasures lie.

Stunt Racer 64

Stunt Racer 64 is another Blockbuster rental exclusive and one of the most elusive N64 titles out there. It never saw a wide retail release, and even back in the day, it wasn’t easy to find. That scarcity has only intensified over time.

The game features futuristic racing with a focus on aerial stunts and boosts. It’s a solid title with fluid controls and a unique gameplay loop that sets it apart from the rest of the N64’s racing catalog. When I finally added it to my collection, I had to act fast on a local listing before someone else jumped on it.

If you’re determined to locate the rarest N64 games and where to find them, you’ll need to keep a close eye on auction sites and marketplaces, and don’t be afraid to message sellers directly, sometimes they’re willing to negotiate or reveal items not yet listed.

Bomberman 64: The Second Attack!

Bomberman games are usually easy to find, but this sequel didn’t perform well commercially and was released in limited quantities. As a result, Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! has become a high-priority item for collectors looking to complete their libraries.

What sets it apart is the addition of RPG elements and a companion creature named Pommy, who evolves over time. The levels are larger, the combat is deeper, and the single-player mode offers more exploration. It’s a well-made game that just got lost in the shuffle during the system’s final years.

In my case, I found a copy through an old-school gaming forum where a collector was downsizing. Patience and community involvement go a long way when it comes to the rarest N64 games and where to find them.

Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber

This tactical RPG is one of the few on the N64, and it’s a gem in every sense of the word. While it had a wider release than others on this list, the demand for Ogre Battle 64 has always outpaced its supply. Between RPG enthusiasts and collectors, copies don’t stay on shelves for long.

The game combines deep tactical combat with political intrigue and branching storylines. It’s not a casual playthrough, you’ll need to invest time, but it’s easily one of the most rewarding N64 experiences. I found mine in a used game store where the clerk had just put it in the case minutes before I walked in.

Being in the right place at the right time is key when dealing with the rarest N64 games and where to find them. Frequent visits to shops, setting up alerts on reseller apps, and building relationships with store owners can all pay off.

Turok: Rage Wars (Gray Cartridge)

Turok: Rage Wars is easy enough to find, but there’s a rare gray cartridge variant that’s become highly sought after. Most copies were released in black, but a bug in the original version prompted a fixed re-release in gray plastic, making those carts incredibly rare.

The game itself is a multiplayer-focused spin-off of the Turok series, with fast-paced arena combat and an arsenal of weapons. It’s a blast with friends and holds up surprisingly well for a late-’90s shooter. I stumbled onto my gray cart by accident when buying a lot of games on Craigslist.

Variants like this show that the rarest N64 games and where to find them isn’t just about obscure titles, it’s about details, misprints, and small-run fixes that collectors crave.

Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine

This title was originally intended as a PC game, and the N64 port was published by Blockbuster as a rental exclusive. Like others on this list, that limited distribution makes it one of the rarest games on the system.

It’s a 3D action-adventure game in the spirit of Tomb Raider, with Indy traveling through temples, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. The controls can be a bit clunky, but the level design and atmosphere are great. I found my copy at a flea market from a vendor who didn’t realize what he had.

One thing I’ve learned when searching for the rarest N64 games and where to find them is that opportunities can come from anywhere, yard sales, estate sales, even forgotten storage boxes. Always keep an open mind and an eye out.

Tips for Finding Rare N64 Games

Finding these gems takes more than luck. Here are a few tips that have helped me track down some truly rare finds:

  • Join retro gaming communities: Forums, Facebook groups, and Discord servers are great places to find leads and connect with sellers who know what they have.
  • Set up search alerts: Use platforms like eBay, Mercari, and OfferUp to set alerts for specific titles or keywords like “N64 lot” or “rental exclusive.”
  • Visit local shops regularly: Game store owners may get new inventory without always listing it online. Visiting in person gives you first dibs.
  • Use trade bait: Sometimes you’ll find rare games by offering up valuable duplicates or sought-after items from other systems.
  • Verify authenticity: Always check for reproduction labels, odd screws, or incorrect fonts. There are plenty of guides online that show how to spot fakes.

Final Thoughts

Collecting rare games isn’t just about the value, it’s about the thrill of the hunt, the stories behind each acquisition, and the joy of preserving pieces of gaming history. Whether it’s a Blockbuster rental cart, a late-release RPG, or a forgotten sports title, every item tells a story.

The world of the rarest N64 games and where to find them is vast and ever-evolving. New discoveries are still being made, and prices continue to shift as demand grows. For anyone looking to dive into serious collecting or just looking to expand their retro shelf with something special, the N64 offers plenty of rewarding challenges.

Happy hunting, and don’t be afraid to chase those elusive gray carts and forgotten gems. You never know what might turn up at the next garage sale, convention booth, or dusty back shelf.