The 90s were a magical time, especially for kids who experienced the golden era of outdoor and indoor games before the rise of smartphones and tablets. The thrill of after-school fun, weekend tournaments, and fierce battles among friends were all part of what shaped the childhoods of 90s kids. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic games we played!

1. Playing Cards (Pokémon, WWE, etc.)

Collecting and trading cards was a massive trend in the 90s. Whether it was Pokémon cards, WWE (then known as WWF) cards, or even sports trading cards, these colorful pieces of paper brought kids together like nothing else. For many, the goal was simple: find that ultra-rare card and become the king or queen of the playground. Pokémon cards, in particular, were a phenomenon, with kids trading, battling, and sometimes even arguing over whose card was better. The joy of adding a rare Charizard or a shiny Mewtwo to your collection was unbeatable.

2. Beyblades

"Let it rip!" Those three words echoed through playgrounds and homes alike, as kids across the world gathered with their Beyblades, ready to do battle. These spinning tops weren't just toys – they were customizable warriors. Everyone had their own favorite Beyblade, tweaked with precision to achieve the perfect spin. The excitement was real when a Beyblade battle took place in the official plastic arenas, where tops clashed and sparks (figurative, of course) flew. Watching your Beyblade knock out an opponent's was the ultimate victory.

3. Cricket

Street cricket was a rite of passage for every 90s kid, especially in countries like India, Australia, and the UK. Armed with a bat, a ball, and some makeshift stumps (often an old chair, a stack of books, or even just a line drawn on a wall), kids would play matches that lasted for hours. The rules might have been adapted to fit the space available, with terms like “one-tip-one-hand” (catching a ball after it bounced once) becoming standard. The camaraderie, the friendly (and not-so-friendly) arguments over “out” or “not out,” and the unbridled passion for the game made every moment unforgettable.

4. Football

Even if you didn't have a proper field, a few school bags or stones were enough to set up goals for an impromptu football match. Every 90s kid had that one football they treasured, and matches were often played with enthusiasm that rivaled professional tournaments. Scoring a goal with your friends cheering or diving to save a shot was an unforgettable thrill. No organized league, no fancy shoes – just pure love for the game.

5. Gully Danda

For many, Gully Danda was the quintessential outdoor game. The game required two sticks – one short and one long – and a lot of skill. The goal? To hit the smaller stick with the bigger one and send it flying as far as possible. It was simple yet challenging, and the satisfaction of a well-placed hit was immense. It didn't need expensive equipment, just space, friends, and a lot of practice.

6. Video Games (Mario, Contra, Road Rash)

While outdoor games ruled the day, indoor fun was defined by video games. Whether you had a Nintendo, Sega, or even a simple PC, games like Mario, Contra, and Road Rash were part of every 90s kid's life. The pixelated worlds of Mario where you jumped over obstacles and saved Princess Peach, or the thrilling bike races of Road Rash, where you could punch your opponents off their motorcycles, were iconic. It was the start of the digital gaming revolution, and yet, these games had a charm that modern titles sometimes lack.

7. Snake Game on phone

Before mobile apps took over, the Snake game on those cellular phones was the pinnacle of mobile gaming. The game was simple: guide a pixelated snake to eat dots without running into itself. But its simplicity was also what made it so addictive. High scores became a badge of honor, and anyone who could make the snake long enough to fill the entire screen was practically a legend.

A Time of Simple Joys

These games weren't just about fun; they taught us lessons about teamwork, competition, and creativity. We learned how to create makeshift arenas from household items, adapted games to our surroundings, and spent hours immersed in the excitement of it all. The 90s were a time when the internet was still a novelty, and kids spent their time outdoors or with friends, building memories through play.

Whether it was the thrill of trading a rare Pokémon card, letting a Beyblade rip, or spending endless summer evenings playing street cricket, these experiences shaped an entire generation. For the 90s kids, these games weren't just pastimes – they were the heart and soul of childhood.

So, what were your favorite games from the 90s? Let's take a moment to reminisce about those simpler times and cherish the memories we made through the games we played.

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Nitin Panwar

Moderator

@iQOO Connect