Classic Nintendo 64 Favorite Arriving on Modern Consoles

Doom 64 might soon make its way to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, thanks to an updated rating from the ESRB. Fans of id Software’s iconic demon-slaughtering FPS franchise know it has been making waves with modern releases, but many enthusiasts still reach for a taste of vintage gaming. This year, those cravings may be satisfied as hints are emerging of a fresh port of the 1997 classic Doom 64 in the works.

Originally, Doom 64 was a Nintendo 64 exclusive, meaning not every gamer got to experience it back in the day. Fast forward to 2020, and it found new life on the PS4 and Xbox One, boasting technical improvements and an added chapter. While these consoles are becoming yesterday’s news, there’s a buzz that Bethesda has no plans to let this N64 gem fade away quietly.

Although Bethesda and id Software have yet to make an official announcement, the revised ESRB rating lists Doom 64 as targeting PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms. Typically, studios prep their ESRB submissions when a release is edging close, indicating this move could be imminent. The ESRB has a track record of leaking games before companies make announcements, such as the unnoticed reveal of Felix the Cat’s re-release in 2023, courtesy of the ESRB, even before Konami acknowledged the game.

Looking at past trends, the ESRB timings often precede a release by just a few months, raising hopes for Doom fans eager to revisit N64 nostalgia on their sleek new consoles soon. While the updated rating doesn’t mention a PC version, the 2020 port did land on Steam, and fans have the option to transform classic Doom games into Doom 64 through mods. Keep an eye out—Bethesda has a history of stealth-launching older Doom ports, and this one might just drop out of the blue.

In addition to Doom 64, the franchise has more on the horizon for 2025. Speculation suggests that Doom: The Dark Ages might score an official release date in early 2025, likely hitting shelves sometime that year. As Bethesda rolls out updated iterations of its treasured classics, it opens an excellent avenue for players to gear up for what’s next in this legendary series.

Doom 64 initially hit the scene on the Nintendo 64 in 1997 as a direct follow-up to DOOM II. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, the game was revamped for PC and consoles, allowing a new generation to enjoy its action-packed excitement. Players take on the role of the lone marine, once again charged with stopping a resurgence of demons and putting an end to the treacherous Mother of Demons.

This enhanced edition brings a host of features, such as upgraded visuals, smoother controls and gamepad support, widescreen compatibility, and native 60 FPS. Players can dive into over 30 levels, including the “Lost Levels,” offering hours of nostalgic enjoyment.

For those eager to know more, DOOM has remained a pivotal franchise since its debut, with Midway Games developing and publishing this iteration using the renowned Doom engine. Over time, it has garnered strong reviews and remains a standout title that has managed to keep fans entertained for hours on end. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing the mayhem for the first time, Doom 64 promises a thrilling ride through the hellish battlegrounds.