Nintendo 64 Turns 30 – How It Holds Up Today vs the Switch
Released in 1996, the Nintendo 64 (N64) is celebrating its 30th anniversary — a milestone that highlights just how far gaming has come. For many Australians, the N64 wasn’t just another console, it was the gateway to classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007.
Three decades later, the question remains: how does the N64 stack up against today’s Nintendo Switch?
N64 vs. Switch – Generational Leap
-
Graphics & Performance:
The N64 was groundbreaking in 1996 with 64-bit 3D graphics, but by today’s standards, the visuals are blocky and simple. The Switch delivers smooth HD graphics, portable play, and digital downloads. -
Controllers:
The iconic three-pronged N64 controller was loved and hated in equal measure. It introduced the analogue stick, a feature still core to gaming today. The Switch’s Joy-Cons are far more versatile, with motion controls, portability, and detachable multiplayer options. -
Games Library:
The N64 launched with around 400 titles worldwide, many of which are still considered all-time classics. The Switch, by contrast, has a massive catalogue of 5,000+ games, including modern hits and digital re-releases of retro favourites (some N64 classics included in Switch Online).
The Second-Hand Market in Australia
The retro gaming boom has turned the Nintendo 64 into one of the most collectible consoles in Australia. Here’s what the market looks like in 2025:
-
Loose N64 consoles: around $150–$250 AUD depending on condition.
-
Boxed/Complete consoles: often fetch $400–$600 AUD from collectors.
-
-
Common titles (Mario Kart 64, Diddy Kong Racing) average $40–$80 AUD.
-
Rarer releases (Conker’s Bad Fur Day, ClayFighter Sculptor’s Cut) can exceed $500+ AUD.
-
By comparison, a brand-new Nintendo Switch OLED in Australia retails for $469 AUD — meaning in some cases, you could spend more on a boxed N64 than the newest hardware.
Legacy & Collector’s Value
The Nintendo 64 will always be remembered as the console that bridged retro and modern gaming. While the Switch is the present-day face of Nintendo, the N64’s nostalgia factor makes it a collector’s gem.
For those who grew up in the 90s, hunting down original consoles and cartridges has become a way to relive childhood. And as supply shrinks over time, expect values in the second-hand market to keep rising.
Final Thoughts
The Switch may be superior in technology, but the Nintendo 64’s impact on gaming culture is timeless. Thirty years later, it remains a valuable collectible and a reminder of Nintendo’s innovation. Whether you’re playing Mario Kart on a Switch or plugging in an old N64 with friends, the joy of Nintendo gaming has stood the test of time.