Video Games Every ’90s Kid Obsessed Over

The 90s was an amazing decade for video games. With the rise of new consoles and better graphics, kids everywhere found themselves hooked. From racing around tracks to capturing creatures, these games became a huge part of childhood for anyone who grew up in the 90s. Let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic video games that kept kids playing for hours.

For ’90s kids, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was nothing short of magical. Released for the SNES in 1991, it transported players to the sprawling world of Hyrule, complete with hidden dungeons, epic boss battles, and more secrets than you could shake a Master Sword at. The game’s top-down perspective and gorgeous 16-bit graphics were a revelation, immersing players in a heroic quest to save Princess Zelda and restore peace to the kingdom. With its unforgettable soundtrack and gameplay that encouraged exploration and experimentation, it felt like you were living in your very own fairy tale. Whether you were navigating the Lost Woods or mastering the dual worlds of Light and Dark, A Link to the Past made every moment feel like an adventure—and a reason to lose track of time on a Saturday afternoon.

Mario Kart 64 was the go-to game for anyone who loved racing. Released for the Nintendo 64, it offered thrilling races with favorite Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The game was fun and competitive. With different tracks, power-ups, and those unforgettable banana peels, “Mario Kart 64” brought endless excitement and laughs. What made “Mario Kart 64” so popular was the multiplayer mode, allowing four players to race each other at once. This game turned every 90s living room into a racetrack, with players battling for the top spot while dodging shells and other surprises.

Sonic the Hedgehog was Sega’s answer to Mario, and it became an instant classic. Players guided Sonic, the blue hedgehog, through levels filled with obstacles, rings, and villains. The game’s fast-paced action and catchy music made it a favorite among gamers, especially those who owned a Sega Genesis. Sonic’s ability to run at incredible speeds and roll through loops made the game thrilling. It was unlike anything else at the time and quickly became one of the most popular video games of the 90s. Sonic’s popularity helped Sega compete with Nintendo, and the series continues to be a major part of gaming history.

Street Fighter II brought the world of martial arts to video games, allowing players to choose from different fighters, each with unique moves and abilities. Released by Capcom, the game featured characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Ken, and each battle was filled with exciting moves and combos. The game was popular in arcades and at home, becoming a top choice for anyone who loved fighting games. “Street Fighter II” set the standard for future games in the genre, and it was the game that sparked many amicable (and sometimes fierce) competitions among friends. Its influence on fighting games is still seen in modern games today.

Cowabunga! Turtles in Time wasn’t just a beat-’em-up game—it was a four-player co-op masterpiece that brought the pizza-loving Ninja Turtles straight into your living room. Released in 1991, this arcade classic (later ported to the SNES) let players take on the roles of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael as they battled through time to stop Shredder and his Foot Clan. From the streets of 1990s New York to prehistoric landscapes filled with dinosaurs, every level felt like an epic comic book come to life. The combat was smooth, the levels were colorful and inventive, and the iconic Turtles humor kept things light. And who could forget the joy of hurling Foot Soldiers at the screen? Whether you were a casual gamer or a hardcore Turtle fan, Turtles in Time was pure shell-shocking fun that defined an era.

Super Mario 64 was a groundbreaking game that brought Mario into the world of 3D. Released for the Nintendo 64, it allowed players to explore the Mushroom Kingdom like never before. With various levels, puzzles, and enemies, it offered an entirely new way to play as Mario. The game’s open-world design and incredible graphics for the time made it a must-play. Kids loved exploring the different levels and collecting stars to unlock new areas. “Super Mario 64” was more than a game — it was a huge leap forward for gaming and became one of the most beloved titles of the decade.

It didn’t get much cooler—or bloodier—than Mortal Kombat. When this fighting game hit arcades in 1992, it was an instant phenomenon, thanks to its over-the-top violence and groundbreaking use of digitized actors. The roster of fighters, from the icy Sub-Zero to the lightning-wielding Raiden, became instant icons. But let’s be honest, it was all about those Fatalities—gruesome finishing moves that had you holding your breath and spamming button combinations to land the ultimate win. The controversy over its violence only added to its allure, making Mortal Kombat the forbidden fruit of video games. Whether you were battling it out in the arcade or on your Sega Genesis, it wasn’t just a game—it was a badge of honor to pull off that perfect Fatality against your friends.