Let’s cast our minds back to when blowing into a cartridge and turning things on and off again was all the tech troubleshooting that mattered. Yes, we’re talking about the 1990s.
Dubbed “the golden era of gaming” for good reason, this cherished decade didn’t just redefine the home console — with the introduction of the original PlayStation and Nintendo 64 — it gave us unforgettable titles like DOOM, Donkey Kong Country, and Street Fighter II, lighting up living rooms around the world.
In this blog, get ready to dust off your consoles and prepare for a whole new level of nostalgia as we revisit the top video games from the ‘90s.
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Selling over two million copies within its first three days in Japan alone, Final Fantasy VII erupted onto the scene in the late ’90s — and gaming was never the same again.
This was the title that leveled up the RPG genre with 3D character models, cinematic cutscenes, a powerful soundtrack, and a storyline that hit like a Meteor (if you know, you know). With a budget of $80 million, Square went big — and it paid off.
Becoming a flagship for the PlayStation and bringing Japanese RPGs to a Western audience, Final Fantasy VII wasn’t just a game — it was a cultural moment.
Donkey Kong Country (1994)
It’s on like Donkey Kong. In 1994, Donkey Kong Country barrel-blasted its way into the market, reviving the character and dropping jaws with revolutionary pre-rendered graphics.
Over 40 side-scrolling levels had us gripping our controllers, playing as Donkey or Diddy against King K. Rool’s Kremling army. And if you’ve ever rage-quit Snow Barrel Blast, you’re not alone.
With $16 million spent on marketing in the U.S. alone, Nintendo went big — and the game became the third-best-selling SNES title ever. It reshaped what 16-bit games could look and feel like.
DOOM (1993)
DOOM didn’t just launch a franchise — it launched a genre. This 1993 juggernaut helped define the FPS template, giving gamers fast-paced gunplay, a demonic rogues’ gallery, and that unforgettable grinning Doomguy.
It wasn’t just brutal; it was revolutionary. Its modding scene exploded, its influence bled into pop culture, and let’s face it — you either loved Spider Mastermind or lost sleep because of it.
Decades later, DOOM is still playable, moddable, and legendary. And yes, we’re still firing up chainsaws in its honor.
Resident Evil (1996)
Zombies. Mansions. Doors that opened one ominous frame at a time. Resident Evil redefined horror in gaming.
Capcom’s survival horror masterpiece dropped us into the Spencer Mansion, where limited ammo, jump scares, and unsettling music made for an unforgettable (and terrifying) experience.
It didn’t rely on gore alone — it weaponized atmosphere. Isolation, dread, and resource management became central to the genre, and Resident Evil is still the blueprint.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Landing the 900? Legendary. Landing a kickflip from your couch without breaking an ankle? Almost as satisfying.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was the 1999 game that made skaters out of all of us. With a killer soundtrack (Superman by Goldfinger, anyone?), insane trick combos, and endlessly playable parks, it brought skate culture to the mainstream in a way no game had done before.
It was bold, fast, and endlessly cool. And honestly, we’re still humming that soundtrack in our heads.
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
In 1991, Sega answered Mario with chaos, speed, and a hedgehog that broke the sound barrier. Sonic the Hedgehog was everything the ‘90s wanted: fast, flashy, and fun.
Rolling through loops, dashing up ramps, and bouncing off springs — Sonic introduced players to momentum-based platforming that felt revolutionary.
It was also pure visual candy. Neon palettes, zippy music, and intuitive controls made Sonic a defining Sega title and an arcade experience right at home.
Super Mario Kart (1992)
Before Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there was Super Mario Kart — the original chaos engine.
Launched on the SNES, it turned sibling rivalry into a kart-racing showdown. From Rainbow Road to Koopa Beach, each track became iconic in its own right. The power-ups, the banana peels, the last-minute shell hits — Super Mario Kart gave us everything.
It wasn’t just a spinoff — it was the blueprint for fun. And also the reason someone in your house probably threw a controller in 1993.
Super Mario 64 (1997)
The moment you jumped into a painting in Super Mario 64, something clicked. Gaming had changed.
It wasn’t just Mario’s first 3D outing — it was a leap into a fully explorable, interactive world. Peach’s Castle felt endless. The stars felt worth chasing. And Big Boo’s Haunt? Nightmare fuel, in the best way.
It’s not an exaggeration to say Mario 64 helped define 3D platformers. For many, it wasn’t just a game — it was the childhood game.
Streets of Rage (1992)
This was side-scrolling beat ‘em up perfection. Streets of Rage made button-mashing feel like an art form.
Whether you were knee-dropping goons as Blaze or clearing out punks with Axel’s bare fists, it was gritty, satisfying, and somehow therapeutic. Local co-op only added to the chaos — especially when someone “accidentally” threw their buddy into a group of enemies. (Still sorry about that.)
Urban, stylized, and packed with attitude, it made Sega Genesis owners feel like they had the coolest game on the block.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The first time you heard the Song of Time? Goosebumps. The first time you rode Epona across Hyrule Field? Magic.
Ocarina of Time took everything we loved about Zelda and blew it wide open in 3D. This wasn’t just a game — it was an epic. From temples filled with puzzles to boss battles burned into memory, it gave you a world worth getting lost in.
And the music? Iconic. It didn’t just soundtrack your adventure — it was part of it.
What Was the Most Popular Video Game in the ’90s?
Let’s settle the score. According to total units sold, the 1990s’ most popular home console game was Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow — racking up over 46 million units. Coming in second? Pokémon Gold and Silver with 23.1 million.
So yes — Pikachu wins again.
What Was the Most Popular ’90s Console?
Without the right console, there’s no game. And in the ‘90s, three systems defined the era:
- Sony PlayStation
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
- Sega Mega Drive / Genesis
From RPGs to racers, these consoles shaped the way we played — and still echo in game design today.
Retro Gaming Decor at Displate
Looking to bring the retro vibes home? Explore Displate’s gaming collection and celebrate the icons that shaped your gaming DNA.
Now, go find that SNES in your attic — it’s time to save the princess, grind some rails, or just… throw barrels at unsuspecting crocodiles.
No judgment — just nostalgia. Game on.
