Metacritic 92
Out of 100
The game exists because a Nintendo programmer experimented with the N64 hardware and discovered it could realistically model water - this tech demo caught Miyamoto's attention.
Always verify the label print. Original N64 labels have a matte texture. Check for a Nintendo-stamped board inside.
Racing, Sports · 1996
Wave Race 64
Nintendo 64 · Value & Price File
Jet ski racing with realistic water physics that were groundbreaking for the time.
As of June 2026, loose cartridges typically sell for $16–$18, while complete-in-box copies trade for around $60.
Market valuemarket range · June 2026
Loose~$16–$18CIB~$60
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★ Racing, Sports · 1996 ★
THE FILE
- Developer
- Nintendo EAD
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Released
- 1996-11-05
- Genre
- Racing, Sports
- Players
- 2
- ROM
- 8 MB
- Save
- Controller Pak
- ESRB
- K-A
- Units Sold
- 2.45M
- Score
- 92 / 100
Collector's Q&A
How much is Wave Race 64 worth?
As of June 2026, a loose cartridge typically sells for $16–$18. Complete-in-box copies sell for around $60. Live links in the Price Check panel show the latest numbers.
Why does complete-in-box cost more?
The original box and manual were routinely discarded, so surviving complete sets are genuinely scarce. The box and manual can add at least $37 over the loose price.
How do I spot a fake cartridge?
Authentic carts have a Nintendo-stamped board inside, factory-molded plastic seams, and a board serial that matches the region label. Phillips-head screws instead of Gamebit screws? Treat it as suspect.
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