Top 18 Nintendo 64 Games Utilizing the Expansion Pak, Ranked

Discover the games that pushed the N64 to its limits with enhanced graphics and performance.
Top 18 Nintendo 64 Games Utilizing the Expansion Pak, Ranked

Highlights

  • The Expansion Pak boosted the N64's RAM and allowed for improved resolutions and rendering of objects at a further distance.
  • Several games, such as StarCraft 64 and Gauntlet Legends, required the Expansion Pak to access additional content or multiplayer modes.
  • Games like Duke Nukem: Zero Hour and Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness offered players the option to increase resolution or frame rate with the Expansion Pak.

The Nintendo 64 was a pioneer in three-dimensional gameplay and the introduction of the Expansion Pak elevated its capabilities to new heights. The Expansion Pak, which doubled the N64's RAM from 4MB to 8MB, enabled improved resolutions and rendering of objects at a further distance. The following games took full advantage of the Expansion Pak, delivering enhanced experiences that pushed the boundaries of the N64's capabilities.

Updated January 19, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The specifications have been added for the mentioned N64 Expansion Pak games.

18 StarCraft 64

Brood War

StarCraft 64 made unique use of the Expansion Pak, requiring it for the Brood War expansion. Without the Expansion Pak, players were limited to the base game, offering a distinctive utilization of the hardware.

17 Gauntlet Legends

4-Player Multiplayer Enabled

To enable the four-player local co-op mode in Gauntlet Legends, the Expansion Pak was a necessity, making it a pivotal addition for multiplayer enthusiasts.

16 Duke Nukem: Zero Hour

Improve Resolution Or Performance

Duke Nukem: Zero Hour offered players the choice to enhance resolution or frame rate, showcasing a unique approach to utilizing the Expansion Pak.

15 Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness

Better Resolution At The Cost Of Performance

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness increased resolution to 490x355, albeit with performance issues, presenting a trade-off for players using the Expansion Pak.

14 Daikatana

Widescreen Mode

Daikatana offered a widescreen mode when played with an Expansion Pak, enhancing the visual experience for players.

13 Turok 2: Seeds of Evil

Two Resolution Modes

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil offered two special high-res modes, providing players with enhanced visual options when using the Expansion Pak.

12 Army Men: Sarge's Heroes 2

Granted Access To Improved Resolution

Using the Expansion Pak on Army Men: Sarge's Heroes 2 boosted the game's resolution to 640x240, enhancing the visual quality for players.

11 Pokémon Stadium 2

Using the Expansion Pak on Pokémon Stadium 2 enabled 640x480 resolution, offering improved visuals for players.

10 Rayman 2: The Great Escape

High-Resolution Mode

Rayman 2: The Great Escape delivered a high-resolution mode when paired with an Expansion Pak, enhancing the visual experience for players.

9 Excitebike 64

Improved Resolution

Using the Expansion Pak on Excitebike 64 enabled a high-resolution mode, enhancing the visual quality for an optimal gaming experience.

8 Donkey Kong 64

Must-Own, So Much So That It Came Bundled With Expansion Pak

Bundled with an Expansion Pak, Donkey Kong 64 utilized the hardware to increase frame rate and improve rendering, making it an essential addition for players.

7 Re-Volt

Heightened Resolution

The Expansion Pak heightened resolution in Re-Volt, offering players a more vivid visual experience and enriching the gameplay.

6 Hydro Thunder

Multiplayer Allows Four Players

The Expansion Pak elevated multiplayer excitement in Hydro Thunder, enabling up to four players to race together and intensify the gaming experience.

5 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Enhanced Resolution, Much Better 3D Experience

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron utilized the Expansion Pak to enhance resolution and deliver a superior 3D experience, elevating the game's visual quality.

4 Resident Evil 2

Improves The Resolution

The Expansion Pak improved Resident Evil 2's resolution, enhancing the visual quality and enriching the gaming experience for players.

3 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

Boost Performance

Using the Expansion Pak boosted performance in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, enhancing the gaming experience and intensifying the gameplay.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Expansion Pak Is A Must-Own To Run Majora's Mask

Required to run The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, the Expansion Pak was essential in delivering the game's complex graphics and pushing the N64 to its limits.

1 Perfect Dark

Play Levels Of Campaign & Multiplayer

Essential for playing the campaign and most multiplayer modes, the Expansion Pak was a must-have for Perfect Dark, enriching the gaming experience and intensifying the gameplay.