Best Nintendo 64 Consoles AI pick

Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.

AI pick: Nintendo Nintendo 64 NUS-001

The original console runs every cartridge and accessory exactly as intended, and it is famously durable.

Not for: People who mainly play on a modern 4K TV and don't want to buy an upscaler, since its analog output looks soft on flat screens.

Analogue 3D

An FPGA-based console that plays original N64 cartridges with clean digital video output.

Not for: Purists who want original hardware, or anyone on a tight budget who already owns a working N64.

Included memory pak: Confirm a Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak is in the top slot. Prefer bundles that include the Expansion Pak. Without one of them the console won't boot, and the Expansion Pak is needed for several major games.
Region: Match the region to your games: NTSC-U, NTSC-J or PAL. PAL units output 50Hz. Cartridge shell tabs block cross-region games, and PAL timing can cause problems on some North American TVs.
Complete set: Make sure it comes with the correct power brick, a multi-out AV cable and at least one controller with a tight stick. Missing or worn parts quickly add cost and hassle to a used console.
Video expectations: Stock NTSC consoles output only composite and S-Video. RGB output requires a modification. This decides how sharp the picture will look on your TV, and whether you need a mod or upscaler.

Nintendo: The only maker of original N64 hardware; units are durable and widely available used.
Analogue: Makes the 3D, an FPGA N64-compatible console designed for HDMI displays.

Only for games that require it, such as Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64. Most games run with the Jumper Pak alone.