You've probably seen them. Those dusty, charcoal-gray bricks sitting in the back of a thrift store or listed for a "steal" on Facebook Marketplace. Maybe you found yours in the attic, buried under a pile of Beanie Babies and old VCR tapes.
Honestly, the retro gaming market is a bit of a circus right now. Prices for a Nintendo 64 have swung wildly over the last few years, and if you aren't careful, you’ll end up paying double what a piece of hardware is actually worth.
Basically, the "value" of an N64 isn't a single number. It depends on whether you just want to play Mario Kart 64 or if you’re trying to build a museum-grade collection.
What a Nintendo 64 Console Is Worth Right Now
If you want a quick answer: a standard, loose Charcoal Black Nintendo 64 console with all its cables and one original controller usually goes for $85 to $120.
That’s the baseline.
If you find one for $60, you’re getting a great deal. If someone is asking $200 for a plain black one with no games, they’re dreaming. Or they’re hoping you don't know any better.
But things get complicated fast. Condition is everything. A console that looks like it was dragged behind a truck is worth significantly less than one that’s been sitting in a glass cabinet.
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The Expansion Pak Premium
Here is a detail that trips up a lot of buyers. Take a look at the little flap on the top of the console. If you pop it open and see a red top instead of a black one, you’ve found an Expansion Pak.
This little RAM booster was required for games like Donkey Kong 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
In 2026, a loose Expansion Pak alone sells for $50 to $75. If a console has one pre-installed, the value jumps immediately. A charcoal N64 with a red Expansion Pak inside is easily worth $140 to $170.
Don't let a seller charge you "Expansion Pak prices" for a console that only has the standard Jumper Pak. It's a common mistake—sometimes honest, sometimes not.
Funtastic Colors and The "Cool" Factor
Nintendo went through a phase in the late 90s where everything had to be translucent. They called it the "Funtastic" series. These are the consoles that really drive collectors crazy.
If you have a colored N64, it’s worth a lot more than the standard gray.
- Jungle Green: This is the most common of the colored consoles because it was bundled with Donkey Kong 64. Expect to pay or sell it for around $190 to $240.
- Ice Blue and Grape Purple: These are middle-of-the-road favorites. They usually hover between $250 and $300 if they include the matching controller.
- Fire Orange and Watermelon Red: These are the heavy hitters of the standard Funtastic line. You’re looking at $330 to $380.
- Smoke Gray: This one is surprisingly rare and often sells for $350+ because it looks so sleek.
The real catch with these is the controller. A Fire Orange console with a plain gray controller is worth much less than a set with the matching orange one. Collectors want that color-coded symmetry.
The Big Leagues: Boxed and Special Editions
Maybe you aren't looking for a "loose" console. Maybe you want the cardboard.
A "Complete in Box" (CIB) Nintendo 64 is a different beast entirely. Since most kids ripped those boxes open and threw them in the trash back in 1996, the survivors are expensive.
A standard Charcoal N64 in a decent box with the manual and inserts will run you $250 to $400.
If it’s a Funtastic color in the box? You’re venturing into $600 to $1,200 territory depending on the specific color and how crisp the corners of the box are.
Pikachu and Gold Versions
Then there are the "special" specials.
The Pikachu Edition (the one where Pikachu's foot is the Reset button) is an icon. A loose one is about $270 to $350. If it’s in the original box and looks like it just came off the shelf at Toys "R" Us? You could be looking at $1,200 or more.
The Gold N64—originally a Toys "R" Us exclusive—usually sells for $400 to $500 loose, provided the gold paint isn't rubbing off.
Why Prices Are So Weird in 2026
You might wonder why a 30-year-old console costs more than a used Xbox One.
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It's nostalgia, sure. But it's also hardware failure. Unlike modern consoles, the N64 is remarkably tank-like, but the controllers are its Achilles' heel. The analog sticks on original controllers use a plastic-on-plastic design that grinds itself into dust over time.
A console with a "tight" original joystick is worth a premium. If the stick flops around like a wet noodle, subtract $20 from the value immediately.
Also, the rise of "HDMI mods" has changed the market. An N64 that has been internally modified with a Digital-to-Digital HDMI out (like the RetroGem or N64Digital) can sell for $400 to $600 just for the base charcoal unit. People want these games to look sharp on 4K TVs, and they’re willing to pay for the labor of a professional installer.
Where to Buy Without Getting Ripped Off
Avoid the "Gold Mine" sellers on eBay who list things for $1,000 and hope for a sucker.
If you want the best price, Facebook Marketplace is still king, mostly because you can test the unit in person. Just bring a game with you to make sure it actually boots.
Local retro game stores will always be 20% more expensive than online. That’s the "convenience tax." You’re paying for the fact that they cleaned it, tested it, and usually offer a 30-day warranty. If you’re a parent buying a gift, that $30 extra is probably worth the peace of mind.
If you’re selling, PriceCharting is the industry standard for checking recent sold prices. Don't look at what people are asking; look at what people actually paid.
Essential Checklist for Checking Value
Before you hand over any cash or set a price for your listing, run through this:
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- Is the Expansion Pak included? (Red top = More money).
- Does the controller stick have tension? (Loose sticks = Deal breaker).
- Are the cables original (OEM)? Third-party power bricks are notorious for causing electrical noise or even frying consoles.
- Is the bottom "EXT" cover present? There’s a little plastic door on the bottom of the console. If it’s missing, the value drops by $10.
At the end of the day, a Nintendo 64 is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay to play GoldenEye on a Saturday night. Just make sure you aren't the one paying the "I didn't do my research" tax.
Next Steps for You
- Check your console's serial number: Earlier models (NS1) are often "RGB moddable," which makes them more valuable to hardcore enthusiasts.
- Test your controllers: If the thumbstick is loose, look into replacement gears or optical sensors rather than buying a whole new controller.
- Verify your games: If you’re selling a bundle, remember that the games are often worth more than the console itself. A copy of Conker's Bad Fur Day is currently worth more than a standard N64 console.