The Year I Was Born: The Most Popular Video Game, Board Game & Toy From 1975-2000

The Internet. Sure, it’s pretty great. Infinite knowledge, entertainment and cat memes with the click of a mouse. In today’s day and age, we’re used to instant gratification, two-day free shipping and same-day delivery.

But do you remember the rush you’d get as a kid when you finally got that new game or toy to play with? Your parents had to drive you to an actual toy store, wait in line, and hope beyond hope that what you wanted was still in stock (and lots of times it wasn’t). There was something so magical about peeling the plastic off of a new toy that you had waited forever for.

We thought we’d help you relive some of that magic by researching the most popular video games, board games and toys throughout the years. Enjoy this trip down memory lane from 1975 to 2000.

The Year I Was Born

1975

Video Game: Gun Fight

Board Game: Pay Day

Toy: Pet Rock

1976

Video Game: Breakout

Board Game: Whosit?

Toy: Skateboard

1977

Video Game: Zork

Board Game: Electronic Battleship

Toy: Atari 2600

1978

Video Game: Space Invaders

Board Game: Simon

Toy: Hungry Hungry Hippos

1979

Video Game: Asteroids

Board Game: Guess Who?

Toy: Baby Alive Doll

1980

Video Game: Pac-Man

Board Game: Can’t Stop

Toy: Rubiks Cube

1981

Video Game: Donkey Kong

Board Game: Trivial Pursuit

Toy: Strawberry Shortcake Doll

1982

Video Game: Pitfall!

Board Game: Sequence

Toy: Glo Worm

1983

Video Game: Dragon’s Lair

Board Game: Topple

Toy: Cabbage Patch Kids

1984

Video Game: Tetris

Board Game: Balderdash

Toy: My Little Pony

1985

Video Game: Super Mario Bros.

Board Game: Pictionary

Toy: Pound Puppies

1986

Video Game: The Legend of Zelda

Board Game: Fireball Island

Toy: Popples

1987

Video Game: Final Fantasy

Board Game: Jenga

Toy: Teddy Ruxpin

1988

Video Game: Super Mario Bros. 3

Board Game: Mall Madness

Toy: Nintendo Entertainment System

1989

Video Game: SimCity

Board Game: Taboo

Toy: Game Boy

1990

Video Game: Super Mario World

Board Game: Crocodile Dentist

Toy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1991

Video Game: Sonic the Hedgehog

Board Game: Atmosfear

Toy: Sega Genesis

1992

Video Game: Mortal Kombat

Board Game: Terrace

Toy: Barney Stuffed Animal

1993

Video Game: Doom

Board Game: Dead End Drive

Toy: Talkboy Cassette Player and Recorder

1994

Video Game: Donkey Kong Country

Board Game: Pylos

Toy: Pogs

1995

Video Game: Chrono Trigger

Board Game: Catan (aka: The Settlers of Catan)

Toy: Sky Dancer

1996

Video Game: Pokémon Red and Blue

Board Game: Loaded Questions

Toy: Tickle Me Elmo

1997

Video Game: Final Fantasy VII

Board Game: Primordial Soup

Toy: Tamagotchi

1998

Video Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Board Game: Cranium

Toy: Beanie Babies

1999

Video Game: Super Smash Bros.

Board Game: Apples to Apples

Toy: Furby

2000

Video Game: The Sims

Board Game: Carcassonne

Toy: Razor Scooter

 

Did this list help stir up some nostalgia? If you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane, why not come relive some of the real thing at Boxcar Bar + Arcade! We have 3 NC locations – in Raleigh, Greensboro and Durham (coming soon!) – with more than 100 classic arcade games that are sure to spark some memories. And unlike the arcade trips from childhood, you can fuel your gaming with any of our 24 American craft drafts or carefully crafted cocktails – so both the kid *and* the adult in you will be happy.

Sources include cosmopolitan.com (toys), popularmechanics.com (video games) and popularmechanics.com (board games)