One of the best things growing up in the 1990’s were the arcades and household video games! I was raised on video games not just because they were popular at the time, but because my parents were gamers and I had older siblings who grew up playing the NES and Super NES. With that said, I started with the N64 and my favorite system was the Gamecube. So, if you’re anything like me and want to relive some of your favorite memories, here are 15 Games that are either from your or will remind you of your childhood:
Top 15 Video Games For 90’s Kids Reliving Their Childhood
Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online
With Nintendo Switch Online you can get exclusive access to the free NES library. With over 100 titles, you’ll find the original favorites like Super Mario Bros, Metroid, The Legend Of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. Plus! There is a co-op and rewinds built in for a harder or easier time with the classics. If you’re trying to throw yourself back to the beginning, this is where you start.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online
Also with Nintendo Switch Online, you can download the Super NES library for free. This also includes over 100 titles, with some of the fan favorites of Super Mario Kart, Super Metroid, The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past, and Donkey Kong Country. You can play with friends by physically or virtually passing your controller, and play any time and anywhere with the pause and save option. The stepping stone to the next generation, this is not a system to miss.
Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online
Another free download with Nintendo Switch Online, you can now get an amazingly iconic N64 library added to your collection. Party like it’s 1999 with Banjo-Kazooie, Mario Kart 64, Pokemon Snap, Star Fox 64, Super Mario 64, both Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Ocarina Of Time, and Yoshi Story – which are arguably some of the best video games of all time! This has the same play, save, and jump back in function as the NES and Super NES collections, plus if the game has co-op you can play locally or online with up to four players. An absolutely not to miss option for the Switch, it is perfect for anyone wanting to flashback to the 90s.
Sega Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online
And for those of you who are like, “Wait, where’s Sonic?” Here he is! With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can now download their Sega Genesis library for free. Some of the most memorable titles include Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Mega Man: The Wily Wars, and Golden Axe. With all the same features as the Nintendo system collects, is a fantastic way to remember the good ol’ days.
Tetris 99 (For Nintendo Switch)
Ever have to re-arrange a bag? A trunk of a car? Or even an over-stuffed bookcase? What do you do? We just “Tetris it”. A digital phenomenon that’s still referenced in pop culture, it’s time to re-earn those bragging rights! Because with this online competition, you can prove to everyone just how good your skills are. And better still, you can even play with the best players who know through a team battle.
PAC-MAN 99 (For Nintendo Switch)
Just as those who have never played Tetris know of it, everyone knows Pac-Man. And just like Tetris 99, this game is an online completion to test your muscle memory and arcade skill in a battle royale! 40 years and still going strong, don’t miss out on this opportunity to play an old favorite. So! Get back in that maze and chase down some ghosts before another Pac-Man beats you to it.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
For those who don’t have Nintendo Switch Online, this is another fantastic way to play Super Mario 64. Though Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a limited release, many retailers still have copies (and even more can be found at second-hand locations). It’s worth finding though, because not only is it 3 games for the price of 1, it has one of the best Mario and Gamecube games ever: Super Mario Sunshine! Plus, if the Nintendo Wii was never your thing, now you finally get to play Super Mario Galaxy. It’s a win-win-win!
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
If you grew up with Nintendo gaming, you grew up with Donkey Kong Country. This remastered re-release of the Wii U game has some b-a-n-a-n-a-s new features including the ability to play as Funky Kong for a bit of a breezier experience! A great way to celebrate one of the original video game characters, you can even co-op with the trusty Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky Kong to help you along the way.
The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
A stunningly remastered re-release of the 1993 game for the Nintendo Gameboy, now you can play Link’s Awakening on the big screen! Not only has the animation been reborn, but so has the soundtrack, and it has great new features like equipping more items at once, new map navigation, and new ways to review conversations. You can even arrange your own Chamber Dungeons now and use Amiibos for more interesting gameplay.
Sonic Origins
For those who were a little disappointed to only see Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on the Sega Genesis list, this is the perfect solution for you! Because Sonic Origins includes: Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic CD, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, and Sonic & Knuckles. (And we have already made a list of where to find all the Emeralds, how to play as Super Sonic, and how to unlock Mirror Mode.) A fantastic collection for any Sonic fan, you better get rolling.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land
Another iconic and beloved character, why not try him out for size in his first 3D game! Follow Kirby into the Forgotten Land (which seems like a direct reference to our childhoods because of abandoned shopping malls, ancient vending machines, and vintage-style cars) to save Dreamland and the Waddle Dees from the dreadful Beast Pack! The new enemies are definitely not a hard pill to swallow as Kirby gets to try out all-new abilities, and you can share the 90s vibes co-op.
New Pokemon Snap
If you have been a continuous fan of Pokemon since you discovered it in the 90s, this might even be a better option than the original Pokemon Snap in the N64 collection. Because! It includes a crazy number of Pokemon added over the additional generations. Plus, it’s a little more fun, (and a little more what you might be used to with social media), because you get to totally customize your pictures! So you better catch (a snapshot of) ’em all.
Mario Party Superstars
A ’90s kid would automatically know this game is for them the moment it begins because it instantly references the first and rest of the Mario Party games. And though you may not be able to play with some of your favorite maps, you can play all of your favorite mini-games from times past – even without rounds on a board! Though if you do play a board, you’ll be happy to know going up to 30 rounds it back. And another great feature is you can bust out pro-controllers for a throwback experience.
Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga
What 90’s kid didn’t know Star Wars? Growing up watching the Original Trilogy and then getting to see the Prequel Trilogy in theaters? Then we get to see some of our favorite characters get turned into our favorite toys in the Lego Star Wars games for the Nintendo Gamecube? Talk about being some of the best years of our lives! Well, now it’s even better because Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga has finally been released to include moves 4, 5, 6, and 1, 2, 3, and 7, 8, 9!
Lego Harry Potter Collection
Growing up in the 90s meant growing up with Harry Potter and I don’t know a person today who doesn’t use their Hogwarts house to describe their personality. So why not bring the magic of your childhood to life with the Lego Harry Potter collection? Featuring all seven years (aka all seven books), you get to experience this remastered fun on the Nintendo Switch, featuring spell-casting, potion-making, puzzle-solving, lessons, dueling, and so much more! Because Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.
Sometimes a little piece of home is just what we need, so whether it’s old games or new, there is absolutely nothing wrong with re-loving some of your favorite characters and games.
