Christmas and video games go hand in hand, which is why we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and look back at the most popular titles from the 1990s in the UK.

There is always one video game that dominates the gaming charts every Christmas. If it wasn’t delayed, 2025 would definitely have been the year of Grand Theft Auto 6. Fingers crossed next year we finally get to revisit Vice City.

In the meantime, Daily Express has gone back to the 1990s, a time many consider the ‘golden era of gaming’. These are the titles video game enthusiasts were unwrapping on the morning of December 25. Do you remember any of the Christmas number one games from the 1990s, and how many have you played?

1990: Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles

Teenage Mutant Hero Turtlesis a single-player side-scrolling action platformer that was ever-present under Christmas trees at the start of the decade.

Critics praised the sharp, colourful graphics, the innovative features, and tip-top animation. But it was criticised for its extreme difficulty, various design flaws and technical issues.

This didn’t stop gamers getting it from Santa, however, with the game selling upwards of four million copies by the end of 1990.

1991: WWF Wrestlemania

This professional wrestling simulation was the number one game for Christmas 1991. It is structured as a series of matches where the ultimate aim is to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

It was generally well received by reviewers who were a fan of the excellent graphics, music and high playability for its time.

1992: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

A side-scrolling platformer following Sonic and his new sidekick Tails, as they do their utmost to bring an end to Dr Robotnik’s evil plans was the most popular video game of Christmas 1992.

It received near universal acclaim with critics praising the fast and addictive gameplay, expansive levels, and improved visuals. The split-screen multiplayer was bashed for its graphical flickering and slowdown, but who really cares?

1993: FIFA International Soccer

The first instalment of what would become the most iconic football video game series of all time, FIFA International Soccer was a major hit with football fans.

It was seen as a major leap forward for sports simulations, with reviewers loving the fluid animations, as well as the realistic sound design that made it feel like you were actually at the stadium in real-life.

1994: FIFA Soccer 95

FIFA Soccer 95 was proof that Electronic Arts meant business when it came to recreating the beautiful game, earning the first of many back-to-back Christmas number one spots. 

For the most part, critics considered it a significant upgrade over the original. The game fixed some of the broken mechanics from the original, all the while introducing new gameplay features, improving the AI, speeding up the action and sharpening the graphics.

1995: FIFA Soccer 96

There’s a reason why every gamer wanted FIFA Soccer 96 for Christmas back in 1995. Widely considered to be a landmark entry in the series, it was the first to feature real player names, not to mention 3D graphics on 32-bit consoles.

Reviews were mixed depending on the platforms, which offered very different experiences. Positive comments were reserved for the graphics, menus, and deep customisation options.

1996: FIFA 97

There’s quite the theme here, isn’t there? Once again FIFA dominated the space under Christmas trees, with gamers in 1996 desperate for the latest instalment of the franchise.

While the 3D graphics were praised by reviewers, the engine was widely criticised for being sluggish and unresponsive. The AI was seen as flawed and frustrating.

1997: FIFA: Road to the World Cup 98

Yes, another FIFA game, but this one was considered one of the most significant and feature-rich entries in the history of the series.

It was celebrated for its unprecedented depth and Road to the World Cup mode, with critics describing it as a major return to form. The AI was better, graphics were smoother, while the commentary was dynamic, immersive and insightful.

1998: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Arguably the best and most deserving entry in the list, the title that marked Zelda’s transition from 2D to 3D dominated gamers’ lists to Santa in Christmas 1998 — and it’s clear to see why.

It follows young hero Link, who is attempting to stop the evil King of Thieves Ganondorf from acquiring the Triforce. Fans and critics absolutely fell in love with the game, which is why it’s currently the highest-rated game ever on Metacritic with a 99% overall score.

The game won numerous Game of the Year awards, including the Grand Prize at 1998 Japan Media Arts Festival and multiple honors at the BAFTAs and the Interactive Achievement Awards.

You can experience the game anew with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which gives members the chance to play N64 classics on the Switch and Switch 2.

1999: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation

Last but not least is Lara Croft’s thrilling Egyptian adventure which was wanted by gaming fans here, there and everywhere in Christmas 1999.

Everyone’s favourite hero accidentally releases the Egyptian God Set after discovering his ancient tomb. This leads to a race across Egypt to collect various trinkets in an attempt to capture Set before he destroys humanity.

It garnered largely positive reviews, at the time, with critics impressed by the 3D graphics, smoother character models, and more sophisticated, logic-based puzzles.