Are you a collector? If so, you probably know that N64 games usually come in one color: grey. But did you know that there are a few unique variants out there waiting to be discovered? These rare gems are highly sought-after by enthusiasts and can make a great addition to any collection. Let’s delve into the world of N64 cart variants and explore the intriguing details behind them.
The Exceptional Few: A List of Cart Variants
While most N64 games stick to the classic grey cartridge, a select few dared to be different. Here are the 14 games that belong to the exclusive club of cart variants:
- Aidyn Chronicles: Black, Grey
- Army Men: Air Combat: Green, Grey
- Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2: Green, Grey
- Bassmasters 2000: Blue, Grey
- Hydro Thunder Blue Grey: Blue, Grey
- Majora’s Mask: Holographic, Matte
- Ocarina of Time: Gold, Grey
- Rainbow Six: Black, Grey
- Road Rash 64: Black, Grey
- Rugrats in Paris: The Movie: Black, Grey
- Scooby Doo: Classic Creep Capers: Black, Grey
- The World is Not Enough (007): Blue, Grey
- Turok 2: Seeds of Evil: Black, Grey
- Turok: Rage Wars: Black, Grey
Even though the grey cart variants are usually priced the same as the standard editions, the real thrill lies in the hunt rather than the price tag. However, there is one exception to this rule. The grey cart variant of Turok: Rage Wars is not just a different color; it’s actually an improved version of the game. The black cartridge version suffered from a game-breaking bug in co-op mode. The grey variant fixed this issue, but it was only distributed as a replacement for defective black carts. Some lucky collectors managed to get their hands on these grey versions during Acclaim’s bankruptcy. Consequently, the grey variant of Turok: Rage Wars is not only more expensive but also harder to find.
The Uncharted Territory: Missing Grey Carts
While grey carts are a fascinating collectible, it’s also essential to know which games never had a grey variant. As reproduction N64 carts become more common, it’s essential to be aware of the genuine article. Here are a few games that were never released in a grey cartridge:
- All-Star Baseball 2001: Red
- Armorines: Project S.W.A.R.M.: Black
- Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker: Black
- BattleTanx: Global Assault: Green
- Battlezone: Rise of the Black Dogs: Black
- Donkey Kong 64: Yellow
- Earthworm Jim 3D: Yellow
- ECW: Hardcore Revolution: Black
- Fighter’s Destiny: Black
- Jeremy McGrath’s Supercross 2000: Red
- Madden NFL ‘01: Blue
- Madden NFL ‘02: Black
- NBA Jam 2000: Red
- NFL Quarterback Club ‘01: Red
- Nuclear Strike 64: Black
- Pokemon Stadium 2: Gold/Silver
- Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue: Black
- Rally Challenge 2000: Black
- Rayman 2: The Great Escape: Green
- Rocket: Robot on Wheels: Red
- Spider-Man: Red
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater: Blue
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2: Yellow
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3: Black
- Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion: Black
- WCW Backstage Assault*: Blue
- WWF No Mercy: Black
- WWF Wrestlemania 2000: Black
*Please note that some enthusiasts debate the authenticity of the grey variant of WCW: Backstage Assault (which normally has a blue cart). Exercise caution if you come across this specific variant.
Get In on the N64 Variant Action
Now that you have a comprehensive list of N64 cart variants, it’s up to you to decide whether to embark on the exciting journey of collecting them. Even if you choose not to pursue these rare finds, being aware of their existence can still enhance your gaming knowledge. With reproduction carts on the rise, it’s always good to have a keen eye for authenticity.
If you found this list helpful or already own some cart variants without realizing their rarity, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comments below.
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