Tag Archives: Nintendo Switch

MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan Heads to Switch in Japan This Summer

Retro gaming fans in Japan will soon get their hands on a revived classic. Burai Joukan, a turn-based RPG originally released on the MSX2, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in early summer 2025. The game, developed by Riverhillsoft and first released in 1989, is a lesser-known but visually striking RPG with a deep story rooted in Eastern mythology was announced here.

The original

This marks yet another MSX2 title finding new life on modern hardware. While Burai Joukan was later ported to platforms like the PC-98 and Sega CD, the original MSX2 version is remembered for its detailed pixel art and ambitious storytelling. The game follows a group of warriors known as the “Eight Heroes” as they battle against an evil force seeking to disrupt the balance of the world. Its combat system is a blend of strategic, turn-based mechanics with a focus on character-driven progression.

Credit: At Press Japan

While details on the Switch version remain limited, it’s expected to retain the original game’s visuals and gameplay while potentially incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Given the recent trend of MSX2 titles being re-released with modernized features such as save states and enhanced menus, Burai Joukan could receive similar treatment.

For fans of Japanese retro RPGs, this re-release is an opportunity to experience a title that never saw an official Western release. Whether this signals more MSX2 classics making the jump to Switch remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for enthusiasts of classic Japanese RPGs.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Demo Now Available on Switch

Nintendo has released a demo for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop. The full game, which launched on January 16, 2025, is a high-definition update of the original Wii title, featuring enhanced visuals and additional content.

Credit: Nintendo.com

In this adventure, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong set out to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe. Players can navigate through 80 levels across nine diverse worlds, including content from the Nintendo 3DS version. The game offers both solo and two-player local cooperative modes, allowing friends to team up and tackle challenges together.

The gameplay involves classic platforming elements such as stomping enemies, blasting through barrels, and riding vehicles like mine carts and rockets. Players can also ride Rambi the Rhino to smash through obstacles. The game introduces various moves, including the Ground Pound, Roll, Blow, and Grab and Cling, to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

Credit: Nintendo

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the game offers an option to reduce difficulty, providing extra hearts and other aids to make the journey smoother. This feature makes the game accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans can enjoy the adventure.

Since its release, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has seen significant success, with over 107,000 retail copies sold in Japan during its opening week.

For those interested in trying out the game before purchasing, the demo provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Donkey Kong and the challenges that await. It’s a great opportunity to experience the enhanced graphics and refined gameplay that this HD version offers.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Remains a Sales Powerhouse on Switch

Despite being over a decade old, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to defy expectations, securing its place as one of the best-selling games of all time. As of December 31, 2024, the game has sold a staggering 67.35 million copies, reinforcing its dominance as the highest-selling title on the Nintendo Switch. Getting an excellent score of 92 on Metacritic its is widely regarded as one of the best Mario Kart games containing aspects from its previous versions.

In Nintendo’s latest financial reportMario Kart 8 Deluxe added another 5.38 million units in Q3 of the 2025 fiscal year, making it the second-best-selling Switch game of the quarter. It was only outpaced by Super Mario Party Jamboree, which launched in October and quickly moved 6.17 million units. This is a remarkable feat considering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe originally debuted on the Wii U in 2014 before receiving its Switch port in 2017.

Nintendo’s overall hardware and software sales have seen a decline, with hardware dropping 30.6% year-over-year, yet Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to perform, proving that quality kart racing never goes out of style. With the game’s longevity, it’s easy to see why fans keep coming back, whether for local multiplayer chaos or intense online races.

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Atari Revives a Classic with Breakout Beyond

Atari is set to breathe new life into its classic arcade title with the announcement of Breakout Beyond, developed by Choice Provisions, the team behind the Bit.Trip series. This reimagined version of the 1976 classic introduces a fresh horizontal perspective, challenging players to smash through vibrant walls of blocks from left to right.

Credit: Atari

The game boasts 72 levels, an endless mode with online leaderboards, and a two-player local co-op feature, allowing friends to team up for the brick-breaking action. Dynamic procedural audio and visual effects enhance the experience, intensifying with each successful combo.

Originally conceived as an exclusive for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Atari recognized the game’s potential and collaborated with Choice Provisions to adapt it for modern platforms. Breakout Beyond is slated for release later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (via Steam), Atari VCS, and Nintendo Switch.

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Nintendo Adds Super Mario World Soundtrack to Its Music App

Nintendo has just enriched its ‘Nintendo Music’ app with the timeless tunes of Super Mario World, the classic Super Nintendo title from the early ’90s. This update introduces 49 tracks, totaling over an hour of nostalgic melodies. Listeners can enjoy iconic pieces like the “Yoshi’s Island”, “Donut Plains”, and the mysterious Forest of Illusion theme. The full tracklist is available on Nintendo Life.  

To access this musical journey, ensure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and the ‘Nintendo Music’ app installed on your mobile device. This addition follows last week’s release of the Pokémon Legends: Arceussoundtrack, further expanding the app’s diverse library. Notably, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is also featured, offering fans a comprehensive Mario musical experience.

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Super Mario RPG Soundtrack Releases Set for April 9, Including Super Famicom Version (Japan)

Square Enix has announced the release of three Super Mario RPG soundtrack products, set to launch on April 9, 2025. These will feature music from both the Nintendo Switch remake and the original 1996 Super Famicom version.

Credit: Square Enix

The flagship release, so far only announced for Japan – the Super Mario RPG Original Sound Box, will include four CDs: two featuring the Super Famicom version’s remastered music and two containing the Switch version’s newly arranged soundtrack. It will also come with a booklet featuring commentary from composer Yoko Shimomura. This set will be priced at ¥8,250 / €50 / $53 / £42.

A separate release, the Super Mario RPG Original Soundtrack, will focus solely on the Switch version’s BGM, presented across two CDs. It will cost ¥3,850 / €24 / $25 / £20.

Meanwhile, vinyl collectors can look forward to the Super Mario RPG Original Sound Vinyl Box, a four-LP set featuring the updated Switch version’s soundtrack. This premium edition will be available for ¥17,600 / €108 / $113 / £90.

Pre-orders for all three editions are now open via Square Enix’s official store. Fans can listen to preview tracks and find further details on the official product pages.

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Arcade Archives Brings Thunder Fox to Switch and PS4 on January 30

Retro gaming fans can look forward to another arcade classic hitting modern consoles as Hamster releases Arcade Archives Thunder Fox on January 30, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Originally developed by Taito in 1990, Thunder Fox is a fast-paced anti-terrorist action game, where players take on the role of an elite commando squad battling against terrorist forces. The game features a variety of vehicles, including combat jeeps, gyrocopters, and water bikes, adding a dynamic twist to the side-scrolling action.

The Arcade Archives series aims to faithfully reproduce classic arcade experiences, complete with adjustable difficulty settings and CRT-style display options. Online leaderboards will also be available, allowing players to compete for high scores globally.

To celebrate the launch, Hamster will air a special episode of its YouTube program Arcade Kaiber on January 30 (in Japanese), featuring former Taito developer Hiroyuki Maekawa alongside other industry guests to discuss the game’s history and development.

You can find out more on the official website (in Japanese).

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SkateCat Rolls Onto Nintendo Switch, Itch, and Steam: A Retro-Inspired Adventure

Indie gaming continues to shine with the release of SkateCat, a unique skateboarding adventure where players take on the role of a feline hero navigating a vibrant world. Developed by SJ Games, this innovative title is now available on Nintendo SwitchItch, and PC via Steam, with the added option of physical NES and Famicom cartridges for retro collectors.

SkateCat stands out as a homebrew gem, crafted using NESmaker software. The project exemplifies how accessible development tools can empower indie creators to revive retro consoles while showcasing fresh ideas. Led by a young developer, SJ Games collaborated with industry talents like dale_coop for custom coding and Raftronaut for a memorable chiptune soundtrack.

In SkateCat, players are tasked with saving Nekocity from monsters, blending quirky storytelling with exciting skateboarding gameplay. This mix of charm and action reflects the passion and creativity found in modern indie game development.

Physical editions are open to order for both the NES and the Famicom (both €45 with ~€17 shipping), catering to retro enthusiasts keen to experience the game on classic hardware. Meanwhile, the digital Steam ($9.99) and Switch ($9.99) versions are also available, offering a modern way to explore this nostalgic journey.

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Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics Gears Up for Launch

Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics has just been officially announced, and it’s coming to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, shining a spotlight on the legendary games from Technos Japan. If you’ve ever had fun throwing dodgeballs in Super Dodge Ball or duking it out in the pixelated streets of Double Dragon, this collection is definitely something you’ll want to dive into. Arc System Works, who now hold the rights to the Kunio-kun series, are behind this nostalgic journey, bringing together some of the most iconic retro beat-’em-ups and sports games in one cozy package.

While we’re still waiting for the full lineup to be revealed, we know for sure that this collection will feature several entries from the River City (Kunio-kun) series, known for their humor, wild brawls, and charming visuals. Mark your calendars for April 24th, as that’s when this treasure trove of retro gaming will hit the shelves. You can pre-order your copy now to secure your spot.

Technos Japan originally shook up the gaming world with games like River City Ransom, which took schoolyard rivalries to a whole new level with its unique blend of action and RPG elements. This compilation aims to be a heartfelt tribute to those classic vibes, but with modern enhancements for today’s consoles and PCs, ensuring smoother gameplay and perhaps a few surprises.

Arc System Works has hinted at new features that will enhance the original experiences, possibly including quality-of-life improvements or new modes that weren’t available back in the arcade days. Their official website suggests that each game might come with customizable settings, so you can choose how you want to experience these classics—either staying true to the original or with modern comforts.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of side-scrolling brawlers or new to the scene, this collection offers a nostalgic trip back or a fresh introduction to the 8-bit and 16-bit era’s charm and chaos.

Keep an eye out for more details on the final game list and any additional goodies that might be included. In the meantime, why not dive into some nostalgia with our free weekly Retro Gaming Substack at Retro Gaming News? And to keep your precious retro games safe, check out the top-tier protection at RetroShell.

Final Star Force Soars onto PlayStation & Switch, Revitalising a Temko Classic

Gamers are buzzing over the announcement that Final Star Force—an iconic shooter originally released by Temko in arcades during the early 1990s—is returning with an all-new version on both PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. While younger fans may not recall the original, many veterans have fond memories of blasting through vivid star fields and dodging intricate enemy formations in this vertical shoot-’em-up. Now, that classic arcade vibe is coming home, enhanced with modern comforts that make it accessible to newcomers without sacrificing its nostalgic soul.

A Blast from the Past

Back in the day, Final Star Force was lauded for its frantic gameplay, colourful 2D visuals, and distinctive soundtrack that immersed you in a deep-space showdown. Temko’s knack for pushing arcade hardware to the limit helped the game stand out in a crowded market of shooters. Though the original Star Force series was already a hit in many regions, Final Star Force took the formula further with intense boss battles, co-op action, and a storyline that wove space opera tropes into an adrenaline-fuelled arcade romp.

What’s New in This Release?

Early reports suggest that the new version will include multiple display options—scanlines for that retro feel, along with a crisp HD mode for modern screens. Publisher details mention updated sound settings as well, which may give fans a chance to toggle between the classic arcade soundtrack and a newly arranged score. Online leaderboards are also rumoured, letting high-score chasers compete worldwide, which is a huge bonus for those who relish some friendly rivalry.

A Nod to Accessibility

One of the most intriguing features is the promise of adjustable difficulty. Shoot-’em-ups can be punishing, but the developers want this revival to welcome a broader range of players. Whether you’re a genre pro seeking a bullet-hell challenge or a new player intrigued by retro gems, you can dial the settings to find your sweet spot. The game is set to support English, Japanese, and several other languages, so it’s poised for a global audience.

When to Expect It

The game is due to release on the 23rd of January, as per 4Gamer. With the recent wave of retro revivals arriving on both Switch and PlayStation platforms, Final Star Force slides right in, offering up a dose of arcade nostalgia in the comfort of your living room—or on the go, if you’re playing on the Switch.

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