PacoTurf

Ah, classic games. There’s just something about the simplicity, the nostalgia, and, let’s face it, the lack of microtransactions. We’ve come a long way since the days of pixelated heroes and tiny screens, but some of the best classic games are still alive and kicking. They’re on modern consoles, and I’m not talking about any retro-only deal—these are straight-up available to us now, in all their nostalgic glory.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: classic games—like the ones we grew up with—are not just relics. They’re still just as fun today. The graphics might be a bit crisper, the storylines might have more depth, but there’s something pure about these games that you just can’t find in some of the newer, hyper-realistic titles. Let’s dive into some of the classic games that you can still play on your shiny new console.

1. Super Mario Bros. Series

Listen, you can’t talk classic games without mentioning Mario. Period. I mean, who doesn’t remember getting lost in the mushroom kingdom, only to be utterly annihilated by a Goomba? Yeah, that was me. At least 17 times a day.

1.1 Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Okay, if you’ve played this, you know it’s a great example of how classic games never lose their charm. Mario, 3D platforming, quirky kingdoms—heck, I even made my cousin buy a Switch just to try it. Super Mario Odyssey feels like an old-school Mario adventure, but with some serious 21st-century flair. There’s something magical about capping off a Mario game with the epic moon chase (spoiler: you won’t get that without throwing your controller in frustration).

1.2 Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)

This game? Oh, it’s a masterpiece. If you’ve ever wanted to make a classic game level of your own—complete with ridiculous jumps and too many Fire Flowers—Super Mario Maker 2 lets you do that. I spent hours (and I mean HOURS) getting creative with Mario’s world, creating traps that would make the most seasoned gamer break a sweat. You can literally play endless levels made by people, which is perfect for when you can’t make your own.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, full disclosure—I am the kind of person who gets a little too obsessed with open-world games. And this one? Pfft. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the reason I didn’t leave my couch for three days. But hey, it’s a classic game, so I think I’m allowed.

2.1 Breath of the Wild (2017)

In case you missed it, Breath of the Wild took the classic games formula and shattered it like that one vase your mom said not to touch. Link, in all his green-glory, gets to run around Hyrule, defeat some monsters, and just basically do whatever the heck he wants. You know the typical Zelda stuff—but with freedom. I may or may not have spent hours just climbing random mountains to see what was at the top. Spoiler alert: a lot of birds.

2.2 The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)

If you’re a sucker for classic games that can give you that “warm hug” feeling, Link’s Awakening is where you want to be. Remade for the Nintendo Switch, it’s essentially a prettier version of the original Game Boy title, but I swear the nostalgia hits me harder than a Piranha Plant. The music? Oh, it’s a vibe. Every time I hear the theme, I’m instantly transported back to my 8-bit childhood. Fun fact: I may or may not have accidentally deleted my save file halfway through… (Sorry, mom.)

3. Sonic the Hedgehog Series

Sonic. The one character who made it cool to be fast and blue before it was mainstream. SEGA may not be in the console game anymore, but Sonic is living his best life on modern consoles, and that’s a win for us.

3.1 Sonic Mania (2017)

If you want to feel the rush of 90s nostalgia, Sonic Mania delivers. It’s the epitome of classic games—pixelated goodness, fast-speed action, and an absurd amount of loops. Honestly, the only thing faster than Sonic is how quickly I died on those damn levels. But it’s worth it. Each speed dash feels like an explosion of joy… and frustration. Seriously, Sonic? Why are you always skidding off cliffs?

3.2 Sonic Generations (2011)

I had no idea what I was in for when I first played Sonic Generations. The whole “classic meets modern” theme? Genius. It brings together the best of both worlds: classic 2D side-scrolling stages and those glorious 3D tracks we love (or hate, depending on how many rings you lost). I spent so much time trying to perfect my run on Green Hill Zone, I’m convinced I actually became a Sonic-level speedster. Classic games, am I right?

4. Final Fantasy VII

Let’s take a break from all the running and jumping. If you’re into a little more story-driven action (with a heavy side of angst), Final Fantasy VII is your jam. I’m talking the kind of game where you’d cry over a scene… or in my case, cry over losing my chocobo race AGAIN.

4.1 Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)

Now, don’t get me wrong—I loved the original Final Fantasy VII, but this remake? Oh, this classic game was made for modern-day me. Full of cinematic visuals, combat updates, and some pretty insane music (still humming the battle theme in my head), the remake of Final Fantasy VII will have you hooked from the first few seconds. Fun fact: I spent most of my first playthrough trying to figure out if Cloud’s hair defies gravity by sheer willpower.

4.2 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (2013)

Speaking of classic games that are just iconic—let’s talk Final Fantasy X. This remaster brought the beloved PlayStation 2 game into the modern world, and I may or may not have cried during that ending. Seriously. The whole Yuna/Tidus saga? Yeah, it gets me every time. I don’t think I can ever hear “To Zanarkand” without feeling a little emotional. Side note: my first playthrough was about as successful as my attempt at baking cookies—meaning, not at all.

5. Street Fighter Series

Okay, now we’re talking. If classic games had an Olympic sport, I’m pretty sure Street Fighter would be the gold medalist. This series gave us some of the most iconic characters in gaming history. It also gave me a massive ego boost when I finally beat my older brother after 76 tries.

5.1 Street Fighter V (2016)

Now, if you want a mix of the old-school classic games with some slick modern updates, Street Fighter V is a must-play. It brings back your favorites—Ryu, Chun-Li, and that wicked spin kick from Ken. The graphics? Gorgeous. The controls? Smooth. Me, struggling not to throw my controller after getting knocked out by someone who has WAY more practice than I do? Yeah, that happened.

5.2 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (2018)

Look, if you’re like me and want to just dive into all the classic games in one glorious bundle, then this collection is the way to go. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection includes 12 games from the franchise. That’s a heck of a lot of punching and fireballs, my friend. And trust me, you’ll get your fill of both.

6. Mega Man Series

Mega Man. That little blue robot with the ability to steal powers and somehow still look cool doing it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from classic games like Mega Man, it’s that I will never, ever be good at platformers—but I’ll keep playing them anyway.

6.1 Mega Man 11 (2018)

You know, Mega Man 11 is the classic game we didn’t know we needed. Seriously, it’s fast-paced, challenging, and full of those insane robot boss battles. I think I spent more time figuring out how to beat the first boss than I did finishing some of my actual work tasks that week. Go ahead, judge me.

6.2 Mega Man Legacy Collection (2015)

This is the ultimate classic game collection for anyone looking to revisit the Mega Man series. It’s got all the early classics, and it’s the perfect way to relive those childhood days of frustration and triumph. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve shouted “I got this!” right before losing to the same boss for the third time in a row. Classic.

7. Pac-Man

Pac-Man. The OG. The one that started it all. For those who love their classic games in full arcade glory, Pac-Man never gets old.

7.1 Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 (2016)

If you’ve ever wanted to get your classic games fix while still experiencing the thrill of modern graphics, Pac-Man