As kids, spending hours in arcade game stores was a blast. Today, technology has made arcade games accessible without leaving home. For PS5 owners looking to relive classic arcade games, owning the best arcade games is a must.
The PS5’s powerful processor and backward compatibility make it the perfect platform for modern and retro arcade games. The PlayStation store boasts an impressive catalog of arcade games, including genres like fighting games with Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, as well as racing games like Hot Wheels Unleashed.
Choosing a great arcade game can be tough with the scarcity of new arcade-style games. To make it easier, our team has compiled a list of the top 7 arcade games for the PS5, ensuring you can reminisce about the old days of arcade gaming.
What Are the Best PS5 Games to Play With an Arcade Stick?
Arcade sticks are perfect for fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat, but they also work well for 2D platformers and old-school arcade games that don’t rely on D-pad inputs.
Best Arcade Games for PS5
If you miss the old arcade games, fear not. Our list of favorite arcade games for the PS5 includes titles we keep going back to time and time again. These games are sure to bring back memories and provide hours of enjoyment.
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Street Fighter 6 remains a classic arcade-style fighting game with intense gameplay. This game ruled the arcade scene for years and continues to do so on the PS5. With its classic game mechanics intact and new modes added, Street Fighter 6 offers an exciting experience.
The “World Tour” mode presents an open-world setting for exploration and battle. Featuring 18 characters with unique move sets and finishers, the game also includes a real-time commentary system using popular voices like Vicious and Aru. Combined with stunning graphics, Street Fighter 6 is a must-have arcade game for PS5 to relive the nostalgia of classic arcade gaming.
Returnal delivers a rogue-like experience inspired by classic shoot ’em up games. Developed by Housemarque, known for their arcade-style games, Returnal was a welcome surprise upon release. The game is challenging, visually stunning, and provides a satisfying combat experience.
Featuring fast-paced combat and exploration on an alien planet, Returnal offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience. With stunning visuals, detailed environments, and utilization of PS5’s 3D audio technology, Returnal is a standout arcade game for PS5. While the difficulty may deter some players, those who appreciate strategic gameplay will find Returnal to be a rewarding experience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection brings together 13 classic TMNT games in one package. Whether reliving the nostalgia or experiencing these games for the first time, this collection is a fantastic choice for fans of the iconic ninja turtles.
Featuring favorites like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, this collection offers well-optimized ports of the original titles. With updated visuals, gameplay, and familiar audio, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection is a worthwhile addition to any PS5 arcade game library.
PAC-MAN World Re-PAC is a remake of the original arcade platformer released in 1999. This modern version blends 3D platforming mechanics with the classic PAC-MAN gameplay of munching pellets and dodging ghosts, offering a fun and nostalgic experience.
While retaining the original game’s audio, PAC-MAN World Re-PAC enhances the 1999 title with smoother gameplay and vibrant visuals. The game, suitable for laid-back gaming sessions, appeals to players of all ages. As a family-friendly game, PAC-MAN World Re-PAC is an excellent choice for leisurely gameplay or letting kids enjoy some old-school arcade fun.
Arcade Game Zone offers a collection of classic arcade-style games that cater to retro gaming fans. With 40 games, many reimagined with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics, this collection delivers a familiar yet fresh experience on the PS5.
Featuring a mix of single-player, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer modes, Arcade Game Zone provides a sense of competition and accomplishment. The inclusion of leaderboards adds to the arcade gaming experience, offering players the chance to compete for high scores. For fans of classic arcade games, the Arcade Game Zone collection is a must-have for the PS5.
Hot Wheels Unleashed offers a true arcade racing experience for the PS5. This fast-paced racing game takes players on imaginative tracks reminiscent of playing with Hot Wheels mini cars as kids. Developed by Milestone, Hot Wheels Unleashed combines beautiful graphics with satisfying gameplay.
Featuring over 60 detailed and unique cars, including original Hot Wheels designs and real-life cars, the game provides a diverse car collection for players. With smooth and thrilling gameplay, support for split-screen and online multiplayer modes, and attention to detail in environmental design, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a top choice for arcade racing on the PS5.