Clear Out the Meme Jacuzzi: The Sims 1 and 2 Re-releases Are Now Available

It seems EA and Maxis have something special tucked away for fans of the classic Sims games. As part of the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the rumors are confirmed true: the first two Sims games are making a comeback and you can snag them today.

Word on the street was that EA planned to release these cherished titles digitally on PC by the end of January, and here they are, hitting virtual shelves on January 31, just as the workweek wraps up. Quite the timing!

These modern digital releases are branded as The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection. You’ll find them on the EA app, the Epic Games Store, and Steam. To sweeten the deal, they’re also bundled together in the Sims 25th Birthday Bundle.

In an exciting announcement, EA said, “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.”

Pay attention to the pricing: $39.99 for the whole bundle, $19.99 for just The Sims: Legacy Collection, and $29.99 for The Sims 2: Legacy Collection. As you dive into these nostalgia-laden packs, you’ll find many of the original expansion packs included. However, fans might be a tad disappointed that The Sims 2’s IKEA Home Stuff pack didn’t make it into this collection.

While missing out on the IKEA pack is a bit of a letdown, you still get a couple of holiday packs and the H&M Fashion Stuff pack, feeding your craving for some fun brand collaborations. Additionally, the re-releases come with The Sims 4’s Throwback Fit Kit and Grunge Revival Kit. The former pairs with the first game and the latter with the second, a pleasing bonus for those who haven’t added them to their Sims 4 experience yet.

So, if you’re idly lounging in the oddly mesmerizing “meme jacuzzi” corner of the quirky Sims Y2K website EA has launched for the occasion, it might be time to dry off and dive into these classic re-releases. They’re well worth a look if you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip!