The year 2026 has become a landmark for video game history as the most transformative decade in the medium—the 1990s—reaches a series of major 30-year milestones. From the birth of the survival horror and tactical espionage genres, the games of the ’90s defined the modern industry. Today, these classics are being celebrated through massive remakes, anniversary showcases, and long-awaited ports to modern hardware.
Led by the upcoming release of the Ocarina of Time remake and significant anniversaries for Super Mario 64 and Resident Evil, 2026 is effectively the year of the retro renaissance. Here are 10 video games from the ’90s that have cemented their status as timeless classics and how they are being honored today.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Widely cited as one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set the standard for 3D adventure games. Nintendo has confirmed that a ground-up remake of the title is scheduled to launch on November 5, 2026, specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. This new version aims to bring the kingdom of Hyrule into the modern era while preserving the time-traveling mechanics and dungeon design that made the original a masterpiece.
2. Super Mario 64 (1996)
The game that taught the world how to move in a 3D space, Super Mario 64, celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 23, 2026. Its influence on platforming remains unparalleled three decades later.
3. Resident Evil (1996)
The 1996 release of Resident Evil essentially coined the term “survival horror.” To celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, Capcom is hosting a dedicated 30th Anniversary Showcase on October 30, 2026. This event follows the official anniversary date of March 22 and is expected to highlight the franchise’s evolution from the Spencer Mansion to its modern global success.
4. Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
The global phenomenon of Pokémon began in February 1996 with the release of Red and Green in Japan (later Red and Blue internationally). The franchise celebrated its 30th anniversary on February 27, 2026, marking three decades of monster-collecting that transformed the handheld gaming market and created one of the most valuable media properties in existence.
5. Doom (1993)
While released in the early ’90s, Doom remains the foundational pillar of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Its fast-paced combat and pioneering use of networked multiplayer laid the groundwork for almost every shooter that followed. It is still used today as a benchmark for game porting, appearing on everything from modern consoles to unconventional hardware.
6. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid introduced cinematic storytelling and stealth-based gameplay to a mass audience. While fans continue to revisit the 1998 original, 2026 brought a significant win for game preservation with the porting of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to modern platforms in August. This move has helped bridge the gap between the classic ’90s titles and the later entries in the saga.
7. Tomb Raider (1996)
Lara Croft became a cultural icon following the 1996 launch of Tomb Raider. The game’s mix of platforming and puzzle-solving in ancient ruins was a technical marvel for its time. As of 2026, a remake of the original Tomb Raider is reported to be in development, aimed at reintroducing Croft’s origins to a new generation of players.
8. Half-Life (1998)
Valve’s Half-Life revolutionized the industry by integrating narrative directly into the gameplay. Unlike other shooters of the era, it never took control away from the player for cutscenes, creating an immersive experience that changed how developers approached level design and storytelling in action games.
9. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Though he debuted at the start of the decade, Sonic the Hedgehog remains a primary face of ’90s gaming. The blue blur celebrated his 35th anniversary in June 2026. SEGA has leveraged this milestone through the “SEGA Universe” cross-media initiative launched in April 2026, which focuses on expanding the reach of its classic intellectual properties through new games and media.
10. Streets of Rage (1991)
A staple of the side-scrolling beat-’em-up genre, Streets of Rage defined the “cool” aesthetic of the early ’90s with its urban settings and electronic soundtrack. Like Sonic, the series is part of the 2026 “SEGA Universe” initiative, ensuring that this classic arcade-style experience remains a relevant part of the modern gaming landscape through new projects and legacy celebrations.
