We already published the list of best N64 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best N64 arcade racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the N64 definitely has a great library of arcade racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the N64 and arcade racing games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Cruis’n World
- Release Data: Eurocom/Nintendo, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
All in all, Cruis’n World isn’t a bad game, but it certainly isn’t very good, either.
Most of the time spent with this game will be centered around driving in first place, only to have it taken away from you by the CPU-controlled cars at the very last second.
Simply put, there’s no room for error if you want to win.
#24. Destruction Derby 64
- Release Data: Looking Glass Studios/THQ, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Destruction Derby 64 is a better game than its PlayStation counterparts, but overall, it’s still roughly the same in its one-player mode.
The meat of the game is in its multiplayer modes, and Destruction Derby 64 should make a fine party game for you and your friends.
#23. Roadsters
- Release Data: Titus Software, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
The developer took bits and pieces from some of the best racing games out there, but they didn’t take all of the best parts and they didn’t necessarily integrate them in the best possible way.
If you have a lot of racers, skip this one. If you want an example of a typical N64 racer, Roadsters is a good entry.
#22. Hydro Thunder
- Release Data: Eurocom/Midway, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
Hydro Thunder Nintendo 64 has it all.
Great arcade style play mechanics intermixed with futuristic water-based environments, realistic wave physics and a whole crop of different boats to race with.
The port also features an excellent two-player mode and nearly all of the graphic effects that Nintendo 64 can handle without exploding.
#21. MRC: Multi-Racing Championship
- Release Data: Genki/Imagineer, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
With its measly three tracks, lackluster two-player mode, average aesthetics, and short replay value, MRC ends up only being slightly better than Cruis’n World.
But if you are a huge fan of time trial racing, you might get a lot of enjoyment out of the game.
#20. Mickey’s Speedway USA
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
With 20 tracks, four battle arenas, and a lot of hidden characters and cheats to unlock, Mickey’s Speedway USA has enough substance to keep even the most dedicated kart racing fanatics coming back for more.
While young ones will find later circuits too difficult, those who can get past the colorful exterior will find a somewhat deep racing game.
#19. Road Rash 64
- Release Data: Pacific Coast Power & Light/THQ, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
At its best, the Road Rash series is the perfect blend of motorcycle racing and slapstick combat.
It’s a game worth completing, worth inviting your friends over to play, and worth owning.
Yes, hitting people while driving a motorcycle is that much fun.
#18. Iggy’s Reckin’ Balls
- Release Data: Iguana Entertainment/Acclaim Japan, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
This bizarre puzzle/racing/platform game isn’t particularly difficult. In fact, some of the challenges are downright easy.
However, the game is fairly steep, with four modes of play, about ten levels in each, with about ten towers of difficulty in each one of the levels.
Fans of multiplayer puzzle or racing games will probably have a lot of fun with this title.
#17. Automobili Lamborghini
- Release Data: Titus Software, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Automobili Lamborghini is not without a few special features.
There are secret, faster cars to unlock. The split-screen multiplayer mode allows for multiple human and AI players in the same race.
However, with the exception of slowdown problems, the graphics and control make for one of the most thrilling rides on any console system.
#16. Hot Wheels Turbo Racing
- Release Data: Stormfront Studios/Electronic Arts, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Hot Wheels Turbo Racing is a good take on the popular toy license for N64 owners.
The game features a ton of classic vehicles, a simplistic stunt system that does the “trick” and lots of well-designed 3D tracks and environments.
With that said, the title comes recommended as a good racer that’s going to appeal to stunt-lovers and not simulation fans.
#15. S.C.A.R.S.
- Release Data: Vivid Image/Ubisoft, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Vivid Image has put together a good-looking battle racer that only has a few flaws.
But once you get used to them, you will find a rewarding, highly addictive game.
Especially the multiplayer modes stand out with smooth framerates and a high amount of detail.
#14. Supercross 2000
- Release Data: MBL Research/Electronic Arts, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
One thing about the game is that it features a pretty nice physics model, and the bikes buckle and bounce in a realistic fashion after big jumps.
If you’re a fan of supercross, and you’ve been waiting for a good game to come along on the N64, Supercross 2000 is good enough as a first effort.
#13. Star Wars Episode I: Racer
- Release Data: LucasArts/Nintendo, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Star Wars Episode I: Racer is a solid racing game, featuring tight game mechanics, great track design and impressive visuals.
Despite being based on a film which most Star Wars fans would rather forget, the fast and frantic gameplay more than makes up for it.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an extensive single-player racing experience, then it’s certainly worth a look.
#12. Top Gear Overdrive
- Release Data: Snowblind Studios/Kemco, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If players can overcome the precarious analog stick controls and master powersliding on a dime, Top Gear Overdrive will be a fun game that invites multiple replays to look for hidden paths and unlock secret cars.
Furthermore, there is no other racer on the Nintendo 64 that can reproduce Top Gear Overdrive‘s excessive sense of speed and momentum.
#11. Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA
- Release Data: Midway, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Both graphics and sound in Rush 2 suffer from an acute case of mediocrity, but the controls have improved to highlight the game’s new racing emphasis.
That said, the Stunt Track alone makes Rush 2 just as good if not better than San Francisco Rush.
#10. San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing
- Release Data: Atari Games/Midway, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In essence, the home version of San Francisco Rush can’t truly compete with the behind-the-wheel experience the arcade machine furnishes – not even with a Rumble Pak.
But the console system does score in the variety of options it offers.
The game excels in nearly every aspect and proves to be, without a doubt, one of the best racers on N64.
#9. Extreme-G
- Release Data: Probe Entertainment Limited/Acclaim Japan, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
In all, Extreme G is a good, solid title that stacks up in both single-player and multiplayer mode.
If you’re still starved for titles for your Nintendo 64, here’s one of the few that won’t leave you feeling dissatisfied the morning after.
#8. Ridge Racer 64
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Ridge Racer 64 makes for a nice introduction to the series, and there’s also definitely enough action here for those of you who have been playing Ridge Racer games since the PlayStation launched.
With the new course, the numerous cars, and the great multiplayer action, Ridge Racer 64 has to be one of the best racing games on the system.
#7. Wipeout 64
- Release Data: Psygnosis/Midway, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Overall, Wipeout 64 is a great installment in the simple, yet complex, Wipeout universe.
Wipeout 64 is a great example of a somewhat unique racing franchise not trying too hard to be something that it’s not.
It is exactly what one would expect. It’s fun, and it’s enjoyable.
#6. Mario Kart 64
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Although it doesn’t break any new grounds in originality, Mario Kart 64 is a great addition to the N64 line-up.
The solid graphics, good sound, and addictive gameplay—coupled with features like being able to race yourself in a special ghost mode—make you want to play it forever.
#5. F-Zero X
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1998
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
In the grand scheme of things, F-Zero X will probably appeal to older gamers more, who want pure racing over arcade frills and still have a soft spot for the original F-Zero.
If you can look beyond presentation, you will easily fall in love with the smooth gameplay, insane speed and great four-player mode.
#4. Diddy Kong Racing
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1997
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
What initially appears to be yet another cutesy Mario Kart clone aimed at kids not only manages to successfully differentiate itself from its main source of inspiration, but also provides a surprisingly engrossing and stubborn challenge.
There are a few forgettable characters and the environments are perhaps somewhat generic, but Diddy Kong Racing still comes highly recommended.
#3. Excitebike 64
- Release Data: Left Field Productions/Nintendo, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
All told, Excitebike 64 is an excellent rebirth of the Excitebike franchise.
The gameplay is arcade-like, the visuals aren’t perfect, but they are stunning nonetheless.
Most importantly, the game is both fun and addicting, giving oldsters and youngsters alike a chance to revel in the glory that is Excitebike.
#2. Beetle Adventure Racing
- Release Data: Paradigm Entertainment/Square EA, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Beetle Adventure Racing is a great deal of fun.
It’s an excellent game, whatever genre or sub-genre you try to classify it in, and its flaws don’t drag it down nearly as much as they might sound.
This game is not to be missed and highly recommended.
#1. Wave Race 64
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
It’s a game with simple controls that work well, combining with effective sound effects and great water physics to immerse you in the action as you speed around the various courses.
Throw in the ability to race a friend in the two-player mode and Wave Race 64 is a game that comes highly recommended.
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See also: Best SNES Games & Best GBC Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which N64 arcade racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!