Summary
Doom 64could be coming to current-gen consoles soon, according to an updated ESRB rating. Id Software’s demon-slaying FPS series has had no shortage of modern releases, but some players still yearn for the classics. Scratching that itch may get a little easier this year, as signs are pointing to a new port of 1997’sDoom 64in the pipeline.
The aptly namedDoom 64was originally a Nintendo 64 exclusive, so not everyone got the chance to play it back in the 90s. However,Doom 64got a port for PS4 and Xbox Onein 2020 with a handful of technical upgrades and a new chapter. Now, those consoles may be aging, but recent rumors suggest that Bethesda isn’t letting the N64 classic die with them.
While neither Bethesda nor id Software have announced anything just yet, the ESRB hasupdated itsDoom 64ratingto list it as a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S title. Ratings are a good sign that a game is nearing release, as studios typically don’t submit their titles to the board until they’re almost ready to ship. This keeps the ESRB label is as accurate to the game’s actual content as possible. The board has also posted ratings before games' official announcements in the past. In 2023, theESRB revealedFelix the Cat’s re-releasebefore Konami said anything about it, and that leak turned out to be true.
ESRB Ratings Suggest Doom 64 Will Come to PS5 and Xbox Series X Soon
In the past, ESRB ratings have come out just a few months before a game’s release, so players may not need to wait long to relive the N64 glory days on modern consoles. The revamped rating doesn’t mention PC, but the 2020 port included a Steam release, and players canturn classicDoomtitles intoDoom 64through a mod, too. Fans should keep their eyes out for the release, too, considering Bethesda has stealth-launched oldDoomports in the past, and they may do the same forDoom 64since it already has a rating despite the company not announcing it yet.
BeyondDoom 64, fans of the franchise have a lot to look forward to in 2025. Rumors suggest thatDoom: The Dark Agescould get an official release datein January, and the game will likely launch sometime in 2025. By releasing modern versions of its beloved classics, Bethesda could give players a great way to gear up for the next installment in its long-running franchise.
Doom 64
WHERE TO PLAY
Originally released on Nintendo 64 in 1997, DOOM 64 is an action first-person shooter and a direct sequel to the events of DOOM II. In celebration of DOOM’s 25th anniversary, an enhanced version of DOOM 64 was released on PC and consoles in 2020 and can now be played here.Years have passed since you stopped Hell’s invasion of Earth. Quarantined for humanity’s safety, the UAC research facilities on Mars were abandoned and forgotten…until now. A signal from a degraded satellite suggests a single entity remains, and it has the power to resurrect the demons. As the only surviving marine who fought Hell’s forces, you are sent on a lone crusade to hunt down the Mother of Demons and stop a renewed demonic invasion.Released in 2020 to celebrate DOOM’s 25th anniversary, this enhanced version makes it even easier for players to enjoy the original game on modern platforms. Features include upgraded visuals, improved controls and gamepad support, widescreen support, native 60 FPS support, over 30 levels, and additional “Lost Levels”.
