What N64 Games Need Memory Card?

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By Valerie Becker

The Nintendo 64, also known as the N64, was a popular gaming console in the late 1990s. One of the unique features of this console was that it allowed for saving game progress using a memory card.

However, not all N64 games required a memory card. In this article, we will explore which N64 games needed a memory card and why.

Why Did Some N64 Games Not Require a Memory Card

Before we dive into which games needed a memory card, let’s first understand why some games did not require one. The answer lies in how these games were designed to be played.

Some N64 games were designed to be completed in one sitting or with minimal playtime. These types of games typically had no save feature and required players to complete the game in one go. Examples of such games included arcade-style games like “Cruis’n USA” and “Wave Race 64”.

Which N64 Games Required a Memory Card

However, most N64 games were designed to be played over an extended period. These types of games usually had multiple levels or stages that players had to complete, making it impossible to complete the game in one sitting.

To save progress in these types of games, players needed a memory card. The memory card allowed them to save their progress and pick up where they left off later. Some popular N64 games that required a memory card included:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • Super Mario 64
  • Pokemon Stadium
  • Banjo-Kazooie
  • Donkey Kong 64

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

One of the most popular N64 games, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” was a massive adventure game that required players to explore a vast world. The game had multiple dungeons and puzzles that players needed to solve. Without a memory card, players had to complete the game in one sitting, which was almost impossible given the game’s length.

Super Mario 64

Another popular N64 game that required a memory card was “Super Mario 64”. The game had multiple levels that players needed to complete, with each level getting progressively harder. Without a memory card, players would have to start the game from scratch every time they played.

Pokemon Stadium

“Pokemon Stadium” was another popular N64 game that required a memory card. The game allowed players to battle their Pokemon against other trainers and complete various challenges. Without a memory card, players would lose all their progress every time they turned off the console.

Banjo-Kazooie

“Banjo-Kazooie” was an adventure platformer game that required players to explore different worlds and collect items. The game had no save feature built-in, so without a memory card, players would have to start over every time they played.

Donkey Kong 64

“Donkey Kong 64” was a platformer game that allowed players to control five different characters. The game had multiple levels and challenges that required players to use each character’s unique abilities. Without a memory card, players would have to start over every time they played.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most N64 games required a memory card as they were designed to be played over an extended period. However, some games like arcade-style games did not require a memory card as they were designed to be completed in one sitting.