Beloved N64 Exclusive Set for Modern Console Revival

Doom 64's Potential Next-Gen Arrival: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S Versions Hinted at by ESRB Rating Update

Recent updates to the ESRB ratings suggest a potential imminent release of Doom 64 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. While neither Bethesda nor id Software have made an official announcement, the updated ESRB listing strongly indicates the game's arrival on these platforms.

The 1997 Nintendo 64 classic, Doom 64, received a remastered release for PS4 and Xbox One in 2020, featuring graphical enhancements and a new chapter. Now, this enhanced version may be making its way to current-gen consoles. The ESRB's action of updating the rating to include PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is a significant indicator of an impending release, as studios typically submit their games for rating only when nearing launch. This practice ensures the ESRB rating accurately reflects the final game content. History supports this correlation; past instances have seen ESRB ratings precede official announcements, as evidenced by the 2023 Felix the Cat re-release leak.

Given the timing of past ESRB ratings and subsequent game releases—often just a few months apart—fans may not have long to wait before experiencing the N64 classic on modern hardware. Although the updated rating doesn't mention a PC version, the 2020 port included a Steam release, and modding communities already offer ways to experience a Doom 64 style within other Doom titles. Bethesda's history of surprise releases of older Doom titles further fuels speculation of a similar unannounced launch for Doom 64.

Looking beyond Doom 64, 2025 promises another exciting entry in the franchise. Doom: The Dark Ages is anticipated to receive an official release date in January, with a likely launch sometime during 2025. Releasing updated versions of its classic titles provides Bethesda with a strategic opportunity to build anticipation for the next major installment in this enduring franchise.