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Being able to play classic retro games through Nintendo Switch Online services after paying at least $3.99 (or the equivalent your country’s currency) for one month is pretty nice. Playing classics like: 1985 Super Mario Bros., 1986 The Legend of Zelda, or 1987 Metroid on your Switch whenever you please is even better.
All well and good… But what if I told you that you can buy that same Super Mario Bros. NES game in the Nintendo’s eShop for a one time payment at $7.99? Would you believe me? Probably not but if you go on the eShop right now and type in Super Mario Bros. You’ll see it with your known eyes that I’m not lying to you.
Now you probably noticed the Arcade Archives VS. tagline on Super Mario Bros. and thought: “What’s this?”. Thought that myself and upon looking further into it and found out a Tokyo-based company called HAMSTER somehow got the rights to rerelease these classic titles.
Let me introduce you to them!
When searching for info on HAMSTER, its pretty sparse besides their main website. Also only have a Japanese web domain so not really secure for those in other countries.
Going back to digging info on them was finding their Youtube channel. Pressing the oldest tab button and found a promotion video on a on-rail shooter called Heavy Fire Afghanistan which released on August 16th, 2012 exclusively on the PS3. Despite the game’s mediocrity, HAMSTER was around and have been working since their inception on November 11th 1999.
An interesting look at their earlier projects before doing the Arcade Archives series.
On that note, Arcade Archives is a collaboration effort between HAMSTER and Nippon Ichi Software (called NIS America). The same Nippon Ichi that is home to franchises like Disgaea, Ys, and Trails to name a few.
Whatever deals they managed to get Arcade Archives off the ground even with NIS’s pedigree. They must have been very persuasive considering freaking Super Mario Bros in their lineup.
The first classic game they bought back to kick things off was the original arcade title: 1986 Rygar created by Tecmo (now known as Koei Tecmo). Rereleased it on August 20th, 2014 on PS4 only for the Nintendo Switch wasn’t conceptualized yet being three years removed.
For a comparation, I went ahead and search up a playthrough of the original arcade someone else played and looking at both versions side by side. I can say with certainly that they’re the same version. Those looking to purchase these titles won’t have any issues in not getting the original version. You’re getting these games the way they’re meant to be played like how it was back in the day.
Now what would you get in HAMSTER library ? There’s Arcade Archives as I mention and another series they worked on called ACA NEOGEO.
Arcades Archives focus on games throughout video game history. Ranging from the late 70’s though mid 2000’s. ACA NEOGEO on the other hand, exclusively deals games from the NEOGEO brand from SNK most known for their King of Fighters series.
Also their arcade hit and personal favorite of mine being the “run & gun” side-scroller: Metal Slug.
In terms of price point, everything they rereleased so far with one exception are priced at $7.99 USD with a price cut every now and then.
If you decide plunk down cash and installing, you’ll see a startup screen before with some options there gives you customize the gameplay experience as your heart desires.
Besides from those minor differences, this is a great reintroduction in playing these timeless classics to a new generation.
The platforms for those who want to purchase these titles however is limited at the time of this writing. The Nintendo Switch has their entire library and been added more since in digital format. (Sorry physical lovers!) Ps4, and Xbox One have them assuming you still own of them for there is no support for the current generations (PS5,Xbox Series X/S). IOS and Android users are out of luck too for the ACA Neogeo series is only available. But not every title is on it and release dates are far & few between compare to Switch.
If you want to get the full experience and continued support from HAMSTER. You must have any of the Nintendo Switch family line of consoles (Regular, Lite, or the OLED versions) to get in on the action.
Conclusion
HAMSTER endeavors are flown under the radar and with little going into advertising. Not much of a surprise very few knew about them which is why . Hopefully with this article, I shine a light on them and get you the reader to give them a shot too. Not much to lose with only $8 USD (with one exception) or whatever the equivalent of your countries currencies is. If you’re looking to play classic games but don’t want to pay a subscription fee for them plus some more variety?
HAMSTER’s Arcade Archive/ ACA NEOGEO series is what I recommend.
Sources
(Some links related to HAMSTER are not secure due to them having a Japanese web domain. Proceed with caution!)
Hamster Corp. Arcade Archives Website
HAMSTER Corp. Official Website
Nintendo eShop Search Results on HAMSTER
NIS America, Inc. Official Website
Nintendo Switch Online NES