2000 was a landmark year in gaming, and its influence is felt to this day. The sixth generation of consoles saw the release of the PlayStation 2, which outperformed competition from Sega and Nintendo to become the highest-selling video game console of all time, with countless outstanding titles released over its lifespan.
Competing consoles releasing games in 2000 include the Nintendo 64, the handheld Game Boy and Game Boy Color, and the Sega Dreamcast.
These systems, along with the PC, saw an influx of iconic video games in 2000. Games released in 2000 were notable for advancing mechanics and setting new standards for storytelling, with the upgraded technology in systems like the PlayStation 2 providing revolutionary experiences for the time.
While some releases have aged poorly in the last 25 years, some games hold up today and continue to be played and enjoyed in 2025. With all of these titles reaching their 25th anniversary this year, the best of the best deserve to have their legacy celebrated.
Players were introduced to a stunningly vibrant graffiti-filled world in 2000 with Sega's unique platformer. Visually, was revolutionary due to its at-the-time unique cel-shaded art style, which has been replicated by many other titles, particularly in the PS2 era.