Four Classic N64 Gems Nintendo Could Revive for Switch 2

When Nintendo announced a full‑blown remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the upcoming Switch 2, the buzz was palpable. Fans are already dreaming of updated textures, smoother controls and that sweet, nostalgic story‑telling, all wrapped in a modern package. If the company is willing to pour resources into a classic, why stop there? The N64 library is chock‑full of titles that could use a fresh coat of paint – and a few of them would actually feel at home on today’s hardware.

4. Diddy Kong Racing

Let’s start with the kart that most people forget until it’s mentioned in a heated debate about the best racing game of the ’90s. Mario Kart World tried to reinvent the wheel (literally) with an open‑world approach, but the result feels a bit… unwieldy. Diddy Kong Racing, on the other hand, is a straight‑up, solid kart experience that many argue even tops Mario Kart 64 for its track variety and charming adventure mode.

The game already got a DS facelift, so the technical hurdles aren’t massive. A Switch 2 remake could finally give it the high‑definition treatment it deserves, plus maybe a few quality‑of‑life tweaks – think better camera handling and online multiplayer. Old‑school fans would cheer, and newcomers would finally get a taste of that classic kart feel without the awkward open‑world baggage.

3. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby often sits in Nintendo’s second tier, but that’s not a bad thing – it gives the series room to experiment. Kirby 64 introduced the fun mechanic of mixing powers, a feature that still feels fresh. The game’s puzzles and whimsical combat are still enjoyable, but the short length leaves you wanting more.

Imagine a Switch 2 version that expands the adventure with new levels, maybe even a few extra power‑combo challenges. Even a faithful port would serve as a gentle reminder that Kirby can still surprise us, especially while we wait for the next big Kirby announcement.

2. F‑Zero X

Speed lovers, this one’s for you. Outside of the recent F‑Zero 99 showcase, the series has been largely dormant, leaving a gaping hole in Nintendo’s racing portfolio. F‑Zero X delivered blistering velocity and a colorful cast of racers that feel ripe for a modern revival.

All it really needs is a visual overhaul and perhaps a handful of new tracks to keep things feeling fresh. The original ran smoothly on the N64, so bringing it to Switch 2 should be a fairly straightforward process – the kind of low‑risk project that could whet the appetite for a brand‑new F‑Zero entry down the line.

1. Donkey Kong 64

Okay, hear me out: while many would automatically slot Super Mario 64 at the top, the true test of Nintendo’s willingness to tackle ambitious projects lies with Donkey Kong 64. It’s a sprawling, content‑heavy platformer that tried to do everything at once – multiple playable Kongs, massive worlds, and a soundtrack that still gets stuck in your head.

Sure, the original’s camera and UI felt clunky, and the sheer amount of collectibles could overwhelm. But with a Switch 2 remake, developers could prune the excess, modernize the camera, and keep the wacky boss fights that make the game memorable. Add a few new challenges or hidden areas, and you’ve got a title that could finally get the respect it’s been denied for three decades.

These four games each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s speed, charm, or sheer nostalgic weight. If Nintendo decides to give them the remake treatment, the Switch 2 could become a true home for N64 classics, letting a new generation experience the magic while veterans finally get the polish they’ve been asking for.

What do you think? Which old favorite should Nintendo tackle first? Drop your thoughts in the comments – the conversation is just getting started.