Leave the Meme Whirlpool Behind: The Sims 1 and 2 Re-Releases are Real and Available Now

Retro Sims enthusiasts have something to celebrate, thanks to EA and Maxis. To mark the 25th anniversary of the series, they’ve gone ahead and re-released the first two Sims games, and you can snag them starting today.

Word has been circulating that EA would launch these classics digitally for PC by the end of January—right on cue, they’ve made good on that promise, dropping them on January 31, just as the workweek winds down. Perfect timing, if you ask me.

Now available through the EA app, Epic Games Store, and Steam, these re-releases are bundled as The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection. If you want to go all out, you can also opt for the Sims 25th Birthday Bundle, which includes both collections.

In their announcement, EA shared their enthusiasm: “To celebrate our legacy and honor the incredible fans that have been with us along the way, we’re re-releasing two fan-favorite titles that contain familiar neighborhoods and beloved characters – such as the sneaky burglar, unpredictable genie, and Sunny the Tragic Clown – that started it all,” they stated. “Rediscover the nostalgia and magic of the classics that welcomed so many of you into our amazing community.”

Let’s talk numbers—the bundle will set you back $39.99, while The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection are priced at $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. Each package comes packed with expansion packs, although The Sims 2’s IKEA Home Stuff pack didn’t make the cut—heartbreaking, I know. On the upside, you do get two different holiday packs with that game, plus the H&M Fashion Stuff pack to satisfy your taste for brand partnerships. Plus, for those who don’t have them yet, The Sims 4’s Throwback Fit Kit and Grunge Revival Kit are included with these re-releases; the former is paired with the first game and the latter with the second.

So, if you’ve been lounging in the quirky “meme jacuzzi” section of EA’s oddball Sims Y2K website created for these celebrations, it’s time to climb out, dry off, and dive into these nostalgic releases. It might just be the trip down memory lane you’ve been waiting for.