Rumor: Beloved Nintendo 64 Exclusive Coming to Modern Consoles

Doom 64's Potential Next-Gen Console Debut

Recent updates to ESRB ratings hint at a possible PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S release of Doom 64. This follows the 2020 release of an enhanced version for PS4 and Xbox One, which included graphical improvements and added content.

Originally a Nintendo 64 exclusive, Doom 64's 1997 release wasn't accessible to all gamers. The 2020 port broadened its reach to a new generation of players. Now, with the ESRB's updated rating, speculation mounts that Bethesda intends to bring this classic to current-gen consoles.

While neither Bethesda nor id Software have made an official announcement, the ESRB's updated listing for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S strongly suggests an imminent release. The ESRB typically only rates games nearing completion, making this a reliable indicator. This isn't unprecedented; the ESRB's pre-announcement rating of Felix the Cat's re-release in 2023 proved accurate.

ESRB Rating Points to Imminent Release

Given past ESRB rating timelines, a release could be just months away. Although the updated rating doesn't mention a PC version, the 2020 port included a Steam release, and PC players can already experience a Doom 64-like experience through modding existing Doom titles. Bethesda's history of surprise releases for older Doom titles also fuels speculation of a similar, unannounced launch for Doom 64.

Looking beyond Doom 64, 2025 promises another exciting entry in the Doom franchise: Doom: The Dark Ages. Rumors suggest a January reveal for its release date, with a likely launch sometime in 2025. Releasing updated versions of classic titles like Doom 64 could serve as excellent pre-release hype for the next main installment.