Four N64 Classics That Deserve a Switch 2 Remake

When Nintendo announced a full‑blown remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2, the fan‑base practically shouted, “Do it again!” The move signals that the publisher is ready to dig into its deep vault and give beloved classics a modern polish.

With development pipelines now longer and tools sharper, it’s not just a pipe‑dream to imagine other N64 favorites getting the same love. Below are four games that, in my humble opinion, would be prime candidates for a Switch 2 facelift.

1. Diddy Kong Racing

Mario Kart World tried to reinvent the kart‑racing formula with an open‑world twist, but the execution felt… messy. Diddy Kong Racing, on the other hand, is a clean, tight racer that many fans still argue beats Mario Kart 64 on pure fun. It already received a DS remake, so the technical groundwork exists. A Switch 2 version could keep the original’s charm while adding sharper graphics, smoother handling, and maybe a few new tracks for good measure. Old‑school players would cheer, and newcomers would get a solid, instantly‑playable kart experience.

2. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby often sits in the shadow of Mario, yet the series’ ability to experiment is a blessing. Kirby 64 let players fuse abilities—a mechanic that still feels fresh. The game’s short length is its main gripe, but a remake could easily pad the adventure with extra levels or new ability combos, giving fans a reason to revisit the pink hero while Nintendo keeps the brand alive between flagship releases.

3. F‑Zero X

The futuristic speed of F‑Zero has been sorely missed outside of the occasional cameo in Super Smash Bros.. The N64 title still feels razor‑fast, and its roster of quirky pilots is begging for a revival. A Switch 2 remake wouldn’t need a massive overhaul—just a graphical boost, a couple of fresh tracks, and perhaps online leaderboards. It could also serve as a testbed for Nintendo’s next‑gen racing tech, paving the way for a brand‑new F‑Zero entry.

4. Donkey Kong 64

Everyone expects Super Mario 64 to be the top pick, but Donkey Kong 64 is the true heavyweight of 1990s 3D platformers. Rare packed it with an absurd amount of content: multiple playable Kongs, sprawling worlds, and that infamous “DK rap.” Sure, the original suffers from clunky camera work and over‑ambitious design, but a thoughtful remake could trim the excess, tighten the camera, and preserve the over‑the‑top boss battles that made it memorable. Imagine those massive ape-powered levels with modern lighting and smooth controls.

These four titles each bring something unique to the table—whether it’s nostalgic karting, inventive platforming, blistering speed, or sheer exploratory chaos. If Nintendo can balance reverence for the past with the polish players expect today, the Switch 2 could become a hub for revived classics, not just new releases.

What do you think? Which N64 gem should Nintendo rescue next? Drop your thoughts in the comments; the conversation is just getting started.