There are many definitive video games like Super Mario Bros. from years gone by that hold a lot of nostalgia for those who grew up playing them, and while most of the more retro titles don't hold up, there are a few classics that have stood the test of time. Some classic series have continued to grow and evolve and create new games to keep their franchises going. Others may have drifted away with the years, but their original games still not only hold a place in people's hearts but can still be very enjoyable to go back and replay.

Many of the truly classic video games seem to find new life in emulators such as Nintendo Switch Online or through other means, and for some of the older games this can be a jarring realization for players of just how much technology and graphics have changed. Yet other games can still be just as fun to replay in the modern age as they were when they were first released. Whether because of the overall quality of the story or mechanics of the game, or simply for the classic feel, there are plenty of games that still hold up for replaying today.

10 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2 was originally released for the Xbox in December 2004 and several other platforms followed. Most recently, in 2022, KOTOR 2 was released on the Nintendo Switch so fans could have an easier way to play it on a modern console with some improved graphics and animations. Initially, the game struggled from having been released in an unfinished state, but this was later corrected through patches, though promised DLC to bring the Restored Content Mod to the Switch port has seemingly been forgotten. KOTOR 2 has been praised as having some of the best narrative and characters of any game at that time and represented the Star Wars franchise well.

9 Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Developed for the Sega Saturn and PS1, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night launched in 1997. This classic title helped define part of the genre known as Metroidvania, even lending its name to it. Though not the first in its series, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has long been considered the pinnacle of the series due to its quality and story. This classic title was actually inspired by Zelda games and its ongoing legacy has gone on to inspire many other video games throughout the decades since its release.

8 Sonic The Hedgehog

One of the most iconic video game characters, and the most notable rival to the mustachioed Mario, is Sonic from the classic Sonic The Hedgehog. This 1991 platformer was the first in the blue protagonists series and helped to bring SEGA into the console wars. Its vibrant colors, catchy music, and fast-paced gameplay were a hit back then, and still are fun to experience today. Though ultimately Sonic did not make as large a splash as Mario did, he has continued to appear in games such as Sonic Frontiers as well as movies, cartoons, and comic books.

7 Galaga

For a truly retro moment, Galaga from 1981 is one of the best. With its minimal graphics which were done so perfectly, simple but engaging gameplay, and a concept that sparks the imagination, Galaga has remained one of the classics which holds up across generations. It has been voted as being among the best video games ever made several times and is one that can be replayed enjoyably anytime.

6 Mario Kart 64

There are many Mario Kart games, both before and after the Nintendo 64 edition, yet Mario Kart 64 continues to be one of the most iconic entries in the series and is often the first that comes to mind. This was the first time that the series introduced many of its mechanics which are now staples for the game, such as four-player local multiplayer, holding onto items, and the blue shell. Many college tournaments, skilled speedrunner events, and just friendly gatherings still include this classic version of Mario Kart.

5 Tetris

Probably one of the most classic of them all, Tetris, is known worldwide, even by people who aren't necessarily into gaming. A movie has even been made regarding its weird and chaotic history. The simple puzzle gameplay of Tetronimos combined with its definitive music has a quality that makes it last throughout the ages. While many different versions have tried to mirror its success, classic Tetris is a hit that will never be surpassed.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

Many of the Zelda games could be included on this list with their timeless qualities and strong fanbase. These games generally all hold up fairly well and have even helped to spark the revival of pixel-based artwork in more modern games. Out of the classics in Zelda's history, The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past remains among the top for replayability and has an almost cult following among speedrunners in particular. Many players consider this to be one of the best Zelda games, and even Breath of the Wild makes a nod to this classic.

3 Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is one of the definitive JRPGs of its age, and its gameplay continues to not only hold up in modern times, but it still continues to inspire new games such as the upcoming Sea of Stars RPG. Chrono Trigger has been re-released many times to be replayed by many of its hardcore fans and introduced to newcomers. The time travel adventure was innovative and included a mind-blowing number of alternate endings for its incredible storyline. The game is still a favorite for many and continues to be ported to new systems.

2 Final Fantasy 6

Final Fantasy 6 recently was included in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster compendium but even without being remastered, the 1994 game held its own well. Its graphics, story, characters, and soundtrack all blended together to create a work of art in video game form which won the game numerous awards. Many have considered it to be not only one of the best JRPGs but one of the best video games of all time. To this day, many fans of the series will say Final Fantasy 6 is a must-play.

1 Super Mario Bros. 3

Beloved by many from that generation and beyond, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a classic title that tops many lists and has won awards. This platformer included all the now-fundamental Mario mechanics and tropes and redefined the franchise. Its level design, enemy sprites, music, and power-ups all were brilliantly created with a fun protagonist who would go on to be the biggest in the world. It is still being regularly played by game streamers and everyday players alike, and new discoveries about Mario 3 continue to be made.

Video games have a long history, and many of the games from decades past are sadly disappointing when replayed today. These classic titles not only have held onto players' nostalgic interests, but their overall quality makes them fun even for people being first introduced to them today. Several other games could have made this list, but these are some which have certainly stood the test of time thus far and are expected to continue to be classics well into the future.