Retro game specialist Hamster Corporation has officially expanded beyond arcade re-releases with the launch of a new Console Archives series. The announcement came during the latest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, confirming that Hamster will now preserve and re-release classic home console games for modern systems. The initiative starts today with two well-known titles available digitally on Nintendo Switch 2, with PlayStation 5 versions arriving later this month.
Console Archives Launches With Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden II
The first wave of Console Archives releases includes Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos. Both titles are available now on Nintendo Switch 2, while PlayStation 5 players can expect access on February 14.
Cool Boarders is priced at $11.99, while Ninja Gaiden II costs $7.99. Hamster confirmed that each release supports modern quality-of-life features such as customizable controls, screen settings, and instant save-and-load functionality, making these older games more accessible without changing their original gameplay identity .
| Game Title | Platform(s) | Release Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Cool Boarders | Switch 2, PS5 | Feb 6 (Switch 2), Feb 14 (PS5) |
| Ninja Gaiden II | Switch 2, PS5 | Feb 6 (Switch 2), Feb 14 (PS5) |
A Console-Focused Expansion of Arcade Archives
Hamster built its reputation through the long-running Arcade Archives lineup, which focused on arcade and Neo Geo titles. Console Archives follows the same preservation-first approach but shifts attention to games originally released on home consoles. Unlike subscription-based retro services, Console Archives allows players to purchase individual titles outright, giving users permanent access to their library.
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The company described the new label as a way to bring “classic game masterpieces” to current hardware while retaining the original experience. Features like button remapping and screen options aim to improve usability without altering core mechanics.
More Classic Games Coming to Console Archives
Hamster also confirmed that the Console Archives lineup will expand beyond today’s releases. Upcoming titles include Doraemon, which has never received an official Western release, and Sonic Wings Special, a vertical shooter originally released on PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Additional games such as Nobunaga’s Ambition and Monster Rancher Hop-A-Bout also appeared during the presentation.
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Console Archives effectively fills a growing gap in the retro market. As platform holders increasingly favor subscription libraries, Hamster’s approach offers an alternative that prioritizes ownership and preservation. By extending beyond arcade titles, the company positions itself closer to a modern take on the classic Virtual Console concept—without locking content behind recurring fees.
With more console-era games confirmed for future releases, Console Archives signals a long-term commitment to preserving gaming history across multiple generations of hardware. Switch 2 , PS5
