Released midway through the console’s lifespan, the Funtastic systems showcased the transparent casing that swept through the tech world at the time while adding a vibrant twist to the appearance of video game consoles.
As I personally approach my 30th birthday next year, memories of the Nintendo 64 comprise some of my earliest experiences with video games, as I was enamored by the futuristic system while still playing my family’s SNES.
Near the end of the console’s lifespan, I was gifted a standard Nintendo 64 for my fifth birthday in April 2001 and was instantly drawn in by the expansive world of Peach’s Castle in Super Mario 64 and the fresh multiplayer possibilities in Mario Kart 64 and Super Smash Bros.
Yet as a kid, appearance means a ton – and I wasn’t too crazy about the fit of the N64 controller or even the appearance of the console itself. But there was one component as part of the bundle I was gifted that I was truly fascinated by – the Atomic Purple controller that came with the system.
Although my childhood N64 was the standard black console, the system I was given also came with two controllers – a standard grey controller and a transparent light purple controller that piqued my interest.
Later visits to Toys ‘R’ Us, Walmart and Target would confirm what my young self had suspected – there were a ton of different colors you could pick from for the N64 – not just for controllers, but for consoles as well.
The “Funtastic” series looked to add a twist to the fairly monochrome design of video game consoles up until that point – combining an interest in vibrancy with the popularity of transparent technology at the time to create consoles that strike an unparalleled degree of nostalgia within my generation.
While more variations of the “Funtastic” systems were released in Japan, this article will be focusing on the six different colors released in North America.
I also want to clarify that the “Funtastic” N64 systems were not the only variations of the console in North America – this list will not include the solid gold N64 or the coveted Pikachu-themed console.
This ranking is of course purely based on my opinion – I think all of these systems look awesome, and I yearn for the days of transparent technology to return.
6. Smoke/Clear Black
Often the hardest of the “Funtastic” systems to find, the Smoke/Clear Black likely didn’t stick out to too many kids as its appearance is quite similar to the standard black N64, though with a transparent look.
With that said, the cloudy, charcoal-like appearance of the system and controller provide a nice twist to the standard color scheme of the system, introducing a look that didn’t seem to gain much traction even in an era where similar products were incredibly popular.
The controller perhaps provides the most allure to the console, as the standard black N64 came with a solid, non-transparent grey controller that does look quite different and a bit less exciting than the charcoal controller.
5. Fire Orange
A console that instantly begs for attention, the Fire Orange provides a drastic change from the Smoke Grey, with a bright, vibrant system and controller that certainly stood out on the shelves when it was sold.
Personally, I find it very difficult to order my five favorite systems, especially as a collector who currently owns only one of the six “Funtastic” systems. While I love the clean appearance of the Fire Orange console and particularly its corresponding controller, it doesn’t jump out to my eyes quite as much as its counterparts.
Unlike the Smoke Grey, the transparency has greater effect on the Fire Orange, with more components inside the controller and system visible, which I personally enjoy.
4. Grape Purple
Perhaps the most eye-catching console of the bunch, the Grape Purple console instantly evokes imagery of purple Kool-Aid and other dark-colored sweet treats while still maintaining the transparent look.
While I absolutely love the color of this system and controller, the system does lack a bit when it comes to the extent of transparency compared to some of its counterparts, looking to be around as see-through as the Smoke Grey console.
One of the more common “Funtastic” consoles likely due to its kid-friendly, vibrant color, it’s easier to stumble across nowadays compared to the previous two systems.
3. Watermelon Red
The only “Funtastic” system that I currently own, it also happens to be one of the tougher ones to find, lagging behind all of its counterparts besides the Smoke Grey in sales, according to consolevariations.com.
With that said, I’ve always loved the balance Nintendo struck with this system – it feels just as vibrant and bright as some of the other “Funtastic” systems, while also offering a different take on the darker transparent red that was more common at the time.
The lighter, sweeter color made the system live up to its name, with a perfect balance of brightness and transparency throughout the console and the controller, making this among the highlights of the series to me.
2. Jungle Green
By far the most common of the “Funtastic” systems, this console was bundled with Donkey Kong 64 for the 1999 holiday season, helping give the console a boost in sales while introducing a new variation of the console.
Similar to my praises with the Watermelon Red, the Jungle Green does an excellent job at introducing a new style of green with the transparent tech casing that was widespread at the time, with a brighter, more vibrant shade of green taking center stage here.
Just like the Watermelon Red, the Jungle Green succeeds at living up to its given name, with the vivid green on the system and controller adding to the immersion of the jungle settings in Donkey Kong 64.
1. Ice Blue
It may be due to a simple bias towards this shade of blue, but it’s hard to find a cleaner look than what Nintendo offered with the Ice Blue Nintendo 64.
With a theme that already implies transparency, the system gives off a bright glacier-like blue hue, coming off as more transparent than most of the other “Funtastic” systems while most clearly adhering to its theme.
Though the controller (which I do own) could stand to be a tad lighter, the console perfectly executes its color and theme, offering the most eye-catching and visually pleasing system of the series.
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