Doom 64 might be making its way to the latest consoles, if an updated ESRB rating is any indication. While the Doom series has been frequently updated with modern entries, some fans still feel a pull towards the classics. Thankfully, revisiting the 1997 gem, Doom 64, could become easier soon as it seems a fresh port is in the works.
Originally, Doom 64 was a Nintendo 64 exclusive, leaving many gamers from the ’90s without the chance to experience it. That changed in 2020 when the game was brought to PS4 and Xbox One with some shiny technical enhancements and an added chapter. Now those consoles might be showing their age, but it looks like Bethesda has plans to keep this N64 classic alive on current platforms.
Though Bethesda and id Software have kept mum about the details, the ESRB has updated Doom 64’s rating to include PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, hinting that its release might be around the corner. Typically, studios wait until a game is nearly ready for launch before they get it rated, ensuring the ESRB labels are accurate. History shows they’ve even outpaced official announcements before, like when Felix the Cat snuck onto the release radar ahead of Konami’s word in 2023, hitting the nail right on the head.
Going by past trends, ESRB ratings often appear just a few months ahead of a game’s launch. So, those eager to relive Doom 64’s glory days shouldn’t have to wait too long to do so on modern consoles. Though there’s no mention of a PC release in this updated rating, the 2020 version did come to Steam, and modders have ways of letting fans enjoy it on PC by transforming classic Doom titles into Doom 64. Given Bethesda’s sneaky history with launching old Doom ports, fans should keep an eye out for a surprise drop.
Looking ahead, there’s plenty more for Doom fans to get excited about. Rumor has it that Doom: The Dark Ages may score a release date announcement as early as January 2025, with an official launch later that year. With a blend of modern releases and classic revivals, Bethesda is offering fans both nostalgia and anticipation for what’s next in this iconic series.
