Games Inspired by Iconic '80s Video Game Franchises

Last updated: September 18, 2023

Nostalgic for the 1980s? The Me Decade was a landmark in the history of video games. From the popularity of arcades to the rise of the home computer, the ‘80s saw franchises like Super Mario, Pac-Man, and Tetris really take off. And these games have stood the test of time ever since, with lots of franchises and reboots. That means today's kids can still enjoy these super rad games from the 1980s. For more nostalgic selections, check out the Best '80s Movies and even more Mario Games.

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PAC-MAN Poster Image

APP

PAC-MAN

age 7+

Slick recreation of the classic game with live chat option.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (Arcade Games)

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Pac-Man 256 Poster Image

GAME

Pac-Man 256

age 7+

Unique, entertaining twist on classic arcade game.

PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2016)

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Donkey Kong Country Returns Poster Image

GAME

Donkey Kong Country Returns

age 8+

Highly enjoyable new spin on a classic, now with co-op.

Nintendo Wii , Nintendo 3DS (2010)

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Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda Poster Image

GAME

Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda

age 8+

Portable device brings set of adventures to new audiences.

Nintendo Switch (2021)

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New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Poster Image

GAME

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

age 8+

Mario & friends bring fast-paced Wii U classics to Switch.

Nintendo Switch (2019)

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Pac-Man 99 Poster Image

GAME

Pac-Man 99

age 8+

Competitive pellet munching puts fun spin on battle royale.

Nintendo Switch (2021)

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Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition Poster Image

GAME

Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition

age 8+

Fun, balanced puzzler with StreetPass features.

Nintendo 3DS (2015)

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Tetris Poster Image

APP

Tetris

age 8+

Logic-based game would benefit from fewer ads.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free (Puzzle Games)

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Tetris Beat Poster Image

GAME

Tetris Beat

age 8+

Fun fusion of Tetris puzzles and rhythm games.

Apple Arcade (2021)

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Tetris Effect: Connected Poster Image

GAME

Tetris Effect: Connected

age 8+

Family-friendly puzzler gets new multiplayer modes.

Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S (2021)

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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Poster Image

GAME

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

age 8+

Great action remake will appeal to multiple generations.

Nintendo Switch (2019)

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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Poster Image

GAME

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

age 10+

Fun but hard platformer could frustrate younger players.

Nintendo Switch , Nintendo Wii U (2018)

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Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle – Donkey Kong Adventure Poster Image

GAME

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle – Donkey Kong Adventure

age 10+

Donkey Kong conquers strategy world in an amazing expansion.

Nintendo Switch (2018)

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Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 & 2 Poster Image

GAME

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 & 2

age 10+

Action compilation has lots of play, some weak episodes.

Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2018)

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SimCity Poster Image

APP

SimCity

age 10+

City building at its complicated best; worth the effort.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (Simulation Games)

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The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D Poster Image

GAME

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D

age 10+

An exceptionally fun, challenging, and charming game.

Nintendo 3DS (2015)

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Poster Image

GAME

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

age 10+

Stellar fantasy adventure gets refreshed for the Switch.

Nintendo Switch (2021)

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom box shot featuring the elf-like protagonist Link looking over a cliff.

GAME

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

age 10+

Brilliant adventure encourages creativity and imagination.

Nintendo Switch (2023)

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Prince of Persia Poster Image

GAME

Prince of Persia

age 12+

Majestic platformer with colorful, vibrant landscapes.

Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 (2008)

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Contra Returns Poster Image

APP

Contra Returns

age 13+

Classic-style arcade shooter hits mobile from the consoles.

iPhone , iPad , Android Free (Arcade Games)

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