New Classics

From TV shows to fashion, hits from the 1980s and ’90s are popular again. Game companies are getting in on the trend, too. New and upcoming video games are inspired by the old-school arcade experience. They’re packed with kooky colors and plenty of action.

Beloved Gorilla

Nintendo introduced Donkey Kong in 1981. Since then, he’s swung his way through lots of gaming platforms. He’s starred in arcade games and handheld games, too. Now he’s back, in Donkey Kong Bananza. (Above) It’s available on Nintendo Switch 2. The game is inspired by the original. But it’s meant to be a new, 3D look at the characters. Expect lots of throwbacks and surprises.

He-Man’s New Look

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction was inspired by a popular 1980s cartoon. The game is all about retro graphics. It has arcade-style pixel-art animation. It also has “fast-paced, modern gameplay,” according to its manufacturer, Mattel. It’s expected to come out later this year, on multiple consoles. A PC version will be available, too.

Bop Till You Drop

Do you have quick reflexes? Test your speed with Bop It! The Video Game. It’s inspired by the original Bop It game, which debuted in 1996. Players raced to hit, spin, and flick the handheld device before running out of time. The new video game version tests how quickly players can “bop!” and “twist!” and “pull!” It’s available on Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac, and mobile.

Pizza Cats Are Back

Samurai Pizza Cats was an animated kids’ show. It first aired in Japan in 1990. It followed a feline ninja crew who worked together to protect their hometown from evil (and to deliver pizza). Soon, the cats will make their return. Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is an action-adventure game. It’s still in development. But it’s expected on all major platforms in 2027.