The Most Popular Retro Video Games

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover why Pokémon Emerald is the most popular retro video game with 7,714 monthly searches, alongside classics like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and The Sims.

A recent study by online casino Casino Days has crowned Pokémon Emerald as the UK’s most searched retro game, with an impressive 7,714 average monthly Google searches. The study analyzed search data from May 2024 to April 2025 for over 650 games released in 2006 or earlier, uncovering which classic titles continue to captivate British gamers. With three Pokémon titles dominating the top 10, the franchise’s enduring popularity is undeniable.

Here’s a closer look at the top five retro games driving nostalgia in the UK, along with the rest of the top 10, showcasing why these games remain beloved decades after their release.

The Most Popular Retro Video Games

1. Pokémon Emerald (7,714 Monthly Searches, 2004)

Pokémon Emerald reigns supreme as the UK’s most sought-after retro game. Released in 2004 in Japan and 2005 globally for the Game Boy Advance, this role-playing game (RPG) is an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.

Players take on the role of a young Pokémon trainer in the vibrant Hoenn region, embarking on a quest to conquer eight Pokémon Gyms, each led by a skilled leader specializing in a specific Pokémon type. The ultimate goal is to become the Champion of the Pokémon League while thwarting the plans of villainous teams, Team Magma and Team Aqua, who seek to control the legendary Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre.

What sets Emerald apart is its expanded storyline, introducing the Battle Frontier—a challenging post-game feature where players test their skills in unique battle facilities. The game’s rich world, memorable characters like Champion Wallace, and the ability to capture fan-favorite Pokémon like Rayquaza keep it alive in the hearts of fans.

Its high search volume reflects a dedicated community still trading tips, hunting for shiny Pokémon, and revisiting Hoenn’s tropical landscapes through emulators or original hardware.

2. Pokémon FireRed (6,754 Monthly Searches, 2004)

Coming in a close second is Pokémon FireRed, with 6,754 monthly searches. Released alongside Pokémon LeafGreen in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, this title is a faithful remake of the 1996 classics Pokémon Red and Blue.

Set in the Kanto region, players journey to collect all eight Gym Badges, battle the nefarious Team Rocket, and challenge the Elite Four to become the Pokémon Champion. The remakes introduced updated graphics, new areas like the Sevii Islands, and modern mechanics like the ability to run and a wireless trading system, making them accessible yet nostalgic.

FireRed’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of simplicity and depth, offering a gateway for new players while satisfying veterans with its refined mechanics. Its high search volume suggests fans are still exploring speedrunning strategies, hunting rare Pokémon, or seeking out the elusive Mew through glitches or events.

The game’s iconic starters—Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur—continue to spark debates among players, fueling its popularity.

3. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (4,889 Monthly Searches, 2003)

Taking third place is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), a 2003 RPG developed by BioWare for the Xbox and PC. With 4,889 monthly searches, this epic adventure set thousands of years before the Star Wars films remains a fan favorite.

Players assume the role of a Republic soldier who awakens with no memory of their past, tasked with stopping the Sith Lord Darth Malak from conquering the galaxy. The journey involves exploring planets like Tatooine and Kashyyyk, building a lightsaber, and uncovering the secrets of the ancient Star Forge, a mysterious superweapon.

KOTOR is celebrated for its gripping narrative, moral choices that shape the story (Light Side or Dark Side), and memorable companions like the droid HK-47. Its deep role-playing mechanics, including character customization and skill progression, set a standard for modern RPGs.

The game’s search popularity likely stems from fans revisiting it on modern platforms, discussing its iconic plot twists, or anticipating the upcoming remake, which promises to reintroduce this classic to a new generation.

4. The Sims (3,481 Monthly Searches, 2000)

In fourth place, The Sims continues to charm UK gamers with 3,481 monthly searches. Launched in 2000 by Maxis for PC, this life simulation game revolutionized gaming by letting players create and control virtual people, known as Sims, as they navigate everyday life.

From building dream homes to managing relationships, careers, and even quirky scenarios like alien abductions, The Sims offers endless creativity. Its open-ended gameplay and charmingly unpredictable AI made it a cultural phenomenon.

More than two decades later, the original The Sims remains a nostalgic touchstone, with players revisiting its retro graphics and iconic expansion packs like Livin’ Large or Hot Date. The game’s search volume reflects fans sharing mods, recreating classic households, or simply indulging in the joy of micromanaging virtual lives.

Its influence is evident in the franchise’s ongoing success, but the original’s simplicity and charm keep it alive in the UK’s gaming community.

5. Final Fantasy XI (3,272 Monthly Searches, 2002)

Rounding out the top five is Final Fantasy XI, a 2002 massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) by Square Enix, with 3,272 monthly searches.

Unlike traditional Final Fantasy titles, FFXI immerses players in the persistent world of Vana’diel, where they create characters from various races (like Hume or Tarutaru) and embark on quests, battle monsters, and earn rewards like rare equipment. The game’s cooperative gameplay, complex job system, and sprawling storylines set it apart as a pioneer in the MMORPG genre.

Despite its age, FFXI retains a loyal fanbase, with players still logging in to explore its expansions, like Chains of Promathia, or to tackle challenging raids. Its search popularity likely comes from veterans sharing strategies, new players discovering its rich lore, or curiosity about its ongoing server support.

The game’s blend of Final Fantasy’s storytelling with online community dynamics ensures its place in retro gaming history.

The Rest of the Top 10

• 6. Postal (2,953 Monthly Searches, 1997): This controversial action game by Running With Scissors lets players control the “Postal Dude” in a darkly humorous, violent rampage through a small town. Its notoriety and cult following drive searches, with fans exploring its chaotic gameplay or seeking out its modern remakes.
• 7. Super Mario 64 (2,581 Monthly Searches, 1996): A landmark 3D platformer for the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 introduced Mario to open-ended worlds like Peach’s Castle. Its innovative controls and timeless levels, like Bob-omb Battlefield, keep players searching for speedrunning records or nostalgic playthroughs.
• 8. Pokémon Red (2,539 Monthly Searches, 1996): The game that started it all, Pokémon Red (and Blue) launched the global phenomenon on the Game Boy. Set in Kanto, its simple yet addictive gameplay—catching and battling Pokémon—continues to inspire searches for glitches, trades, or remakes.
• 9. Call of Duty (2,318 Monthly Searches, 2003): The original Call of Duty for PC laid the foundation for the blockbuster franchise with its intense World War II campaigns. UK gamers likely search for its classic missions or mods that keep its multiplayer alive.
• 10. Super Mario Bros. (1,957 Monthly Searches, 2004): Likely referring to the Game Boy Advance port (Super Mario Advance), this remake of the 1985 NES classic brings Mario’s 2D platforming to a new generation. Its enduring appeal lies in its iconic levels and timeless gameplay.

Why Pokémon Dominates

With Pokémon Emerald, FireRed, and Red in the top 10, Pokémon is the UK’s most-loved retro gaming franchise. Its universal appeal lies in its accessible yet deep mechanics, memorable creatures, and a sense of adventure that resonates across generations. The franchise’s active community, fueled by trading, competitive battling, and content creation, keeps these titles relevant, whether played on original Game Boys or modern emulators.

Conclusion

The UK’s love for retro games like Pokémon Emerald, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and The Sims shows that great gameplay transcends time. From exploring Hoenn to wielding a lightsaber or building a virtual family, these titles offer experiences that continue to spark joy and curiosity. As gamers search for walkthroughs, mods, or ways to relive these classics, their legacy only grows stronger, proving that retro gaming is far from a fading trend in the UK.

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