Great games never go out of style. They’re so good that they still hold up in 2025. That’s evidenced by the many legendary games that are regarded as the best retro games of all time. Each title has had its own impact on gaming, with most helping to shape or even create genres that are still enjoyed today.

They offer engaging gameplay and iconic design, coupled with characters and storylines that have won the hearts of millions. From side-scrolling adventures to pixel-perfect platformers, these classics still deliver genuine fun.

In this guide, we discuss and reminisce about some of the most iconic retro games of all time and why they’ll always be remembered. We can guarantee that no matter the genre, you’ll have heard of at least a few of these.

Top 10 Retro Games That Still Hold Up in 2025

Not all retro games stand the test of time. What separates the lasting from the forgettable often comes down to gameplay and how they changed the gaming landscape. While graphics play a part, it is usually games that deliver new mechanics or introduce new genres that remain in the hearts of players.

Games like Tetris and Super Mario Bros 3 focused on intuitive gameplay that ensured players were hooked until the end. These qualities transcend eras and remain evident today.

Another key factor is difficulty balance. Good retro games are challenging, but fair. Much like practice makes perfect, they allow players to improve through repetition until they’re good enough to clear each level or boss.

Finally, accessibility plays a role. Straightforward controls and short play sessions mean anyone can pick up and enjoy these games, a feature that remains true in 2025.

1. Super Mario Bros 3 (1988)

Platforms: NES, SNES, GBA, Switch Online

The whole Super Mario franchise is iconic. Back in the day, we could choose from the Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, and a whole bunch of other spin-offs to enjoy. However, Super Mario Bros 3 definitely edges the others in terms of its popularity and gameplay. In fact, it’s classed by many as the best game ever released on the NES.

A masterclass in level design and player control, this 2D platformer set the standard for the genre. It features varied worlds to conquer, and who can forget the many epic power-ups, such as the Tanooki Suit? Super Mario Bros. 3 delivers an endlessly satisfying experience that’s just as fun today as it was decades ago.

2. Tetris (1984)

Platforms: Game Boy, NES, nearly everything since

Sometimes, the best games are the simplest. It’s not always about graphics and animations, but about the addictive gameplay they provide. Tetris did this better than most and is rightly considered one of the greatest games in existence.

Tetris offers a pure gameplay loop that’s instantly accessible but hard to master. The tension of increasing speed and the simplicity of aligning falling blocks create an experience that’s hard to put down. Whether you’re playing the original or a modern variant, its enduring appeal proves that gameplay always beats graphics.

3. Street Fighter II (1991)

Platforms: Arcade, SNES, Genesis

The whole Street Fighter franchise revolutionized the fighting game genre, but it’s widely recognized that Street Fighter II made the most significant impact of them all. It’s so iconic that they’re still making new Street Fighter editions in the modern era.

Everybody remembers the many diverse characters, whether Rya, Guile, or Dhalsium. On top of that, nobody will ever forget their iconic soundbites, including ‘Hadoken’ and ‘Shoryuken’. However, it is the tight controls and the game’s competitive balance that make it one of the OG’s of the massively competitive fighting genre.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)

Platforms: Genesis, mobile, modern Sega collections

Another Sega success story is Sonic the Hedgehog. While all titles in the series have proved hugely successful, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is undisputedly its best title. It transformed the platformer scene by ramping up the speed tenfold.

Momentum-based gameplay adds depth, and the addition of Tails makes for fun co-op sessions. Even with today’s tech, few games capture speed like this one.

5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)

Platforms: SNES, GBA, Switch Online

A Link to the Past remains one of the most influential adventure games ever made. Its dual-world mechanic and intricate dungeon design were its standout features. Together, they ensured that exploration was hugely rewarding. You never knew what was around the next corner.

Furthermore, the game’s pace was practically perfect, while it also offered a huge challenge, whether through its many puzzles or infamously brutal boss battles.

6. Donkey Kong Country (1994)

Platforms: SNES, GBA, Switch Online

Known for its pre-rendered graphics and atmospheric soundtrack, Donkey Kong Country backs up its looks with tight platforming. Each new level offered something different, whether new mechanics or tough-to-beat puzzles. But that’s not its only appeal, it was the co-op play that made it a firm favorite in households around the world.

Any retro gamer who’s worth their salt will recognize Donkey Kong Country as one of the greats.

7. Pac-Man (1980)

Platforms: Arcade and nearly every console

A true cultural icon, Pac-Man might look easy, but it’s actually a tough game to master. The goal is simple. Collect pellets without getting caught by ghosts. However, in practice, you need to implement a sound strategy and have the ability to make quick decisions to succeed.

It’s another of those titles that might not boast the best graphics, but has become iconic because of its simple and addictive gameplay. In fact, even 40 years later, it is a game that many play on emulators and consoles.

8. Doom (1993)

Platforms: PC and modern consoles

Doom pioneered the first-person shooter genre, which has led to many of the FPS games popular today. It’s fast-paced action and cutting-edge graphics (at the time) brought gaming into the modern era.

The level design remains a benchmark, and its demon-blasting gunplay feels satisfying even by modern standards. Thanks to its open-source code, Doom continues to live on through mods and ports to this day.

9. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Platforms: PS1, PSP, PS4, Xbox, and mobile

This landmark action-adventure redefined what a Castlevania game could be. Ditching the stage-by-stage structure of its hugely popular predecessors, Symphony of the Night opened up a sprawling world of secrets for players to explore. It laid the foundations for many modern RPG titles, many of which cite the retro game as one of their inspirations.

Not only that, but Symphony of the Night offered a darker gothic storyline and soundtrack that have played their part in ensuring it is regarded as a top retro game still in demand today.

10. Mega Man X (1993)

Platforms: SNES, Switch, Legacy Collections

Mega Man X is another title that is part of a long-running series of games. However, this one perfected the formula of those that came before it to become one of the greatest platform games in history. It introduced dashing and wall jumping, while upgrades allowed you to power up your character at the right moments.

A big part of the appeal is the different challenges that each new level provides. As well as bigger and badder bosses, players needed a mix of strategy and reflexes to complete each level.

Where You Can Play These Retro Games Today

Modern platforms have made retro gaming easier than ever. Services like Nintendo Switch Online offer a growing library of NES and SNES classics. Collections, such as Capcom’s Legacy Series or Sega’s Genesis Classics, are also bundled together and playable on modern PCs and consoles.

Additionally, Mini consoles (such as the SNES Classic or PlayStation Classic) offer plug-and-play options. At the same time, purists can utilize emulators and browser-based platforms to access thousands of iconic titles. You can even find official ports on mobile devices or in the Steam store.

Why Retro Games Will Always Be Relevant

Even if you were not around when many of these iconic games were blockbusting titles, we’d wager most of you have heard of many of them. That’s the impact they’ve had on the gaming industry. They’ve endured because of how they helped shape gaming and laid the foundations for many of the modern titles we play today.

Whether you’re reliving your favorites or discovering them for the first time, these titles prove that good design and quality gameplay are timeless. What are your picks for the best retro games? Drop your favorites in the comments.