Arcade Archives: A Hidden Treasure Trove
Classic retro games at low prices very few knew about
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Playing classic retro games through Nintendo Switch Online services after paying at least $3.99 (or the equivalent in your country's currency) for one month is pretty nice. It's even better to play classics like 1985's Super Mario Bros., 1986's The Legend of Zelda, or 1987's Metroid on your Switch whenever you please.
All is well and good. But what if I told you that you can buy the same Super Mario Bros. NES game in Nintendo’s eShop for a one-time payment of $7.99? Would you believe me? Probably not, but if you go to the eShop right now and type in Super Mario Bros., you'll see with your own eyes that I'm not lying to you.
You may have noticed the "Arcade Archives VS." tagline on Super Mario Bros. and wondered what it means. I had the same question, and after doing some research, I discovered that a Tokyo-based company called HAMSTER has somehow obtained the right to re-release these classic titles.
Let me introduce you to them!
When searching for information about HAMSTER, it isn’t easy to find details beyond their main website. Additionally, they only have a Japanese web domain, which may need to be more secure for those in other countries.
While researching them, I discovered their YouTube channel. When I clicked on the oldest tab, I found a promotional video for an on-rail shooter game called Heavy Fire Afghanistan, released on August 16th, 2012, exclusively on the PS3. Despite the game's mediocrity, HAMSTER has been around and working since its establishment on November 11th, 1999.Double-click
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Before starting the Arcade Archives series, it's worth looking at their earlier projects.
Arcade Archives is a collaborative effort between HAMSTER and Nippon Ichi Software, also known as NIS America. Nippon Ichi is known for franchises like Disgaea, Ys, and Trails.
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). It was released on August 20th, 2014, on PS4 only for the Nintendo Switch, which wasn’t conceptualized yet, being three years removed.
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Double-clickFor: For comparison, I searched for a playthrough of the original arcade someone else played, looking at both versions side by side. I can say with certainty that they’re the same version. Those looking to purchase these titles won’t have any issues not getting the original version. You’re getting these games the way they’re meant to be played, like back in the day.
Now, what would you get in the HAMSTER library? As I mentioned, there’s Arcade Archives and another series they worked on called ACA NEOGEO.
Arcades Archives focuses on games throughout video game history, from the late 1970s through the mid-2000s. ACA NEOGEO, on the other hand, exclusively deals in games from the NEOGEO brand from SNK, most known for its King of Fighters series.
Also, their arcade hit and a personal favorite of mine is the “run & gun” side-scroller Metal Slug.
In terms of price point, everything they rereleased so far, with one exception, is priced at $7.99 USD, with occasional price cuts.
If you decide to plunk down cash and install, you’ll see a startup screen with some options that let you customize the gameplay experience as your heart desires.
Besides those minor differences, this is a great way to reintroduce these timeless classics to a new generation.
Currently, there are limited options for purchasing these titles. The entire Nintendo Switch library is available in digital format but not in physical copies. These titles are available for PS4 and Xbox One but are not supported on the current generation consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S). Unfortunately, iOS and Android users also have limited options, as only the ACA Neogeo series is available. However, not every title is included, and release dates are infrequent compared to the Switch. To access the whole experience and continued support from HAMSTER, a Nintendo Switch console (Regular, Lite, or OLED versions) is required.
Conclusion
HAMSTER's endeavors fly under the radar with little advertising, which is unsurprising since very few people know about them. Hopefully, with this article, I can shine a light on them and encourage you, the reader, to try them. You don't have much to lose with only $8 USD (with one exception) or the equivalent in your country's currency. If you're looking to play classic games without paying a subscription fee and want more variety, HAMSTER might be worth checking out.
I recommend Hamster’s Arcade Archive/ ACA NEOGEO series.
Sources
(Some links related to HAMSTER are not secure because they have a Japanese web domain. Please be sure to 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
