Video Games Millennial Parents can try in their Spare Time

Nostalgia seems to be the driving force for millennial parents when it comes to parenting attitudes. A 1990s childhood involved day-long adventures without parental supervision; riding bikes, jumping in streams, and climbing trees. The highlight of the weekend revolved around a family board game or a visit to Blockbuster to choose a film.

Eager to replicate this seemingly idyllic upbringing, many millennial parents are introducing their children to a simpler, more free-range way of life. In a world of smartphones, social media, and technology that tracks your every move, the analogue nineties hold plenty of appeal.

Gaming is a key part of parenting; it’s a way to engage with the family, enjoy shared experiences and laugh together. Board games were huge in the nineties, but thanks to the launch of the first ever PlayStation in 1995, so too were video games.

Most popular video games of the 1990s

• Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
• Super Mario 64 (1996)
• Donkey Kong Country (1994)
• Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
• Doom (1993)
• Street Fighter II (1991)
• Mortal Kombat (1992)
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
• Super Mario Kart (1992)
• GoldenEye 007 (1997)

The 90s were an exciting time for millennial parents, with the launch of gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64. All of which explains why they will always have a place in their hearts for some gaming action. So, should you be lucky enough to find some spare time in which to relax and indulge in a little gaming action, here’s our round-up of the top titles to try.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

First released in 1992, Mario Kart has become one of the most successful games of all time. The game is hugely accessible, which means it’s suitable for players of all ages thanks to its perfect balance of skill and luck. With up to four people able to play together, it’s the ultimate choice for family fun.

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You can play on the big screen at home or grab a few minutes of gaming on the go with your Switch console. The characters are reassuringly familiar and fun, and with 96 courses to choose from, many of which are updated versions of old classics, this newest iteration of a gaming classic has to be high on your list.

Slots

Classic casino games have never been more popular, thanks in part to the accessibility and convenience of playing on your smartphone or laptop. There’s blackjack, poker, roulette, and thousands of online slot titles to choose from, too, which means you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.

There are lots of reputable online operators to choose from, and with no dress code or queues to worry about, playing casino games has never been easier. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to win some money!

Street Fighter

The first-ever Street Fighter game was released in 1987. Another six main games and various spin-offs have happened since, but the core gameplay of this 2D classic remains the same.

Released in 2023, Street Fighter 6 is the latest, and arguably, greatest incarnation of this much-loved title. Characters have evolved with each new release, and boast unique abilities, appearances, and backstories, creating a diverse range of fighters to choose from.

The game is the best of both worlds, offering a technical fighting game for those who want to push their limits, while also remaining accessible to new players who are just looking for a bit of fun. There are plenty of training modes and tutorials to help you learn the ropes, and multiplayer options get the competitive juices flowing.

With a Street Fighter movie due to hit the big screen in 2026, you can add to your own street cred by showcasing your moves to the kids.

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong Country was released back in 1994 to immediate acclaim. The side-scrolling platform game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System starred Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong. The story revolved around the two characters attempting to recover their bananas that were stolen by the Kremlings and their leader, King K. Rool.

Over the years, the game has had many iterations, but it still remains beholden to its core, side-scrolling gameplay. Donkey Kong Bananza, released in 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2, is the very latest title, and it doesn’t disappoint.

The game is a new style of 3D platformer that offers lots of fun diversions and challenge levels, plus plenty of digging to discover secrets. Throw in a great narrative to bring it all together and some family-friendly co-op play, and this retro romp is the perfect pastime pleaser.