The best video game remasters of all time

There’s often some confusion when trying to figure out what counts as a video game remake versus a remaster. Generally, if a game is brought to a new console with visual upgrades and quality-of-life improvements—but no major changes to its core mechanics—it’s considered a remaster. Remakes, however, are built entirely from scratch, featuring new assets, models, and sometimes even extra content.

Lately, the lines have blurred a bit—some remasters look like full remakes, and some remakes label themselves as remasters. Still, remasters remain the best way to experience classic games on modern hardware. To clear things up, we’ve put together the ultimate list of the greatest video game remasters ever.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Fans waited the entire Switch generation for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD to make the jump from Wii U—but it never happened. As disappointing as that was, it doesn’t take away from how incredible this remaster is.

When the GameCube original launched, the cel-shaded art style got mixed reactions, but time has proven it was a genius choice. While the original still holds up, the HD version feels timeless. The vibrant colors and designs are stunning, and that’s before even getting into the gameplay. It has some of the best dungeons in the series, plus a vast ocean that’s a joy to sail across.

Wind Waker HD doesn’t change much, but it does refine the Triforce hunt and adds a faster sail to smooth out the experience.

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

The first Uncharted was arguably the most important PS3 game. Naughty Dog’s cinematic adventure felt like playing through a blockbuster movie, and the sequels only got better. The biggest issue? They were stuck on the PS3—until The Nathan Drake Collection arrived.

Just having these games playable on modern hardware would’ve been enough, but BluePoint went above and beyond. All three PS3 titles got a resolution boost to 1080p, improved draw distances, better lighting, and higher-res character models. But the real game-changer? The jump from 30 FPS to 60, making Nathan Drake’s adventures smoother than ever.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Gaming has no shortage of amazing trilogies, especially from the PS3/Xbox 360 era. We’ve got Uncharted, Gears of War, Tomb Raider, Dark Souls—but Mass Effect stands out for its ambition. No other series has tried what it did.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles all three games (plus DLC) with upgraded textures, models, lighting, faster load times, and 60 FPS. While the trilogy’s choice-carrying mechanic didn’t pan out perfectly, it’s still impressive that it worked at all. With Mass Effect 5 on the horizon, this remaster is the perfect way to revisit the Normandy and its unforgettable crew.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered)

At first glance, you’d swear Oblivion Remastered was a full remake—but nope, it’s technically a remaster. Honestly, it’s so overhauled (new engine, models, lighting, animations, menus) that it feels like a remake. The only things unchanged are the quests, map, and, yes, the classic Bethesda bugs.

This remaster proves that a great game only needs a fresh coat of paint (and maybe a few mods) to feel modern again.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Metroid Prime is one of the best Metroid games, period. The idea of a first-person Metroidvania seemed impossible, but Retro Studios nailed it on the first try.

While we wait (and wait…) for Metroid Prime 4, Remastered on Switch was a welcome surprise. Like Wind Waker HD, it doesn’t change much—just a gorgeous visual upgrade. Exploring, platforming, and battling bosses feels just as thrilling, especially with the Switch’s controls.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition

Believe it or not, there was a time when we got three GTA games in one console generation—each with its own tone, story, and world, but all packed with the chaos the series is known for.

The Definitive Edition had a rough launch—poor performance, weird visuals, and tons of bugs. But after fixes, it’s now the best way to play GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas. These games defined open-world design, and in many ways, they’re still better than most modern ones.

Final Fantasy: Pixel Remaster Collection

When Octopath Traveler introduced HD-2D, fans immediately dreamed of Final Fantasy 6 or Chrono Trigger getting the same treatment. That didn’t happen, but Pixel Remaster is the next best thing.

While not as detailed as HD-2D, these remasters faithfully recreate the first six Final Fantasy games with redone pixel art and music. Modern touches like EXP boosts, quick saves, a bestiary, and bonus content (concept art, etc.) make them more enjoyable today. Plus, it’s the first time the West got the original Final Fantasy 3 (not *6*) in its true form.