Doom 64 could soon grace the current generation of consoles, as hinted by an updated ESRB rating. Id Software's iconic demon-slaying FPS series continues to captivate gamers, and the classic Doom 64 from 1997 might soon be accessible to a broader audience. Originally exclusive to the Nintendo 64, Doom 64 received a port for PS4 and Xbox One in 2020, complete with technical enhancements and an additional chapter. Despite the aging of these consoles, whispers suggest that Bethesda is not ready to retire the N64 classic just yet.
Although neither Bethesda nor id Software has made an official announcement, the ESRB's updated rating now includes PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Such ratings often indicate that a game is on the verge of release, as developers typically submit their games to the board when they are close to completion. This ensures the ESRB label accurately reflects the game's content. Historically, the ESRB has revealed ratings before official game announcements, as seen with Felix the Cat's re-release in 2023, which was confirmed later by Konami.
Past trends show that ESRB ratings are often released a few months before a game hits the market, suggesting that fans may not have to wait long to experience the nostalgia of Doom 64 on modern consoles. The new rating does not mention a PC version, but the 2020 port was available on Steam, and mods can transform classic Doom games into Doom 64. Enthusiasts should stay alert, as Bethesda has previously surprise-launched older Doom ports, and they might do the same with Doom 64 given its existing rating without an official announcement.
Looking ahead, Doom fans have much to anticipate in 2025. Rumors indicate that Doom: The Dark Ages might receive an official release date in January, with the game expected to launch later that year. By re-releasing beloved classics on modern platforms, Bethesda is setting the stage for fans to gear up for the next chapter in this legendary franchise.