Exit the Meme Hot Tub: The Sims 1 and 2 Re-releases Are Here and Available Now

It seems like EA and Maxis have cooked up something special for the nostalgic fans of The Sims series as the franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary. Those rumored re-releases of the first two Sims games aren’t just whispers in the wind anymore—they’re officially hitting the digital shelves today.

Rumblings began about EA’s plans to launch these games for PC via digital platforms like the EA app, Epic Games Store, and Steam by the end of January. True to their word, they’ve just made the big release on January 31, squeezing it in right before the weekend. Talk about cutting it close!

You can grab these delightful blasts from the past in editions they’ve aptly named The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection. If you’re a true Sims aficionado, there’s also a bundle available called the Sims 25th Birthday Bundle. Exciting stuff, right?

As EA put it in their announcement, “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. Rediscover the nostalgia and magic of the classics that welcomed so many of you into our amazing community.”

Moving on to the nitty-gritty, the bundle will cost you $39.99, while The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection will be priced at $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. Each collection comes with a selection of expansion packs, though it’s worth noting that The Sims 2’s popular IKEA Home Stuff pack didn’t make the cut.

But don’t despair! The Sims 2 still features two different holiday packs, and the ever-iconic H&M Fashion Stuff pack to keep your virtual fashionista happy. Also, in a neat little touch, The Sims 4’s Throwback Fit Kit and Grunge Revival Kit are included in these re-releases. The first kit comes with the original game, while the latter is paired with the sequel, making it a sweet deal if those kits have been missing from your collection.

So, why not take a break from lounging around the quirky “meme jacuzzi” on the bizarre Sims Y2K website EA’s splashed together for these celebrations? Dry off, ditch the memes, and dive into these nostalgic gems if you’re up for a trip down memory lane!