Namco
Namco business and news from across the web.
Arkanoid is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, SwitchArkanoid is being released as the latest Arcade Archives title on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on May 7. This 1986 brick breaker game by Taito tasks players with piloting the spacecraft "Vaus" to destroy Space Walls and escape a warped labyrinth. The Arcade Archives series faithfully reproduces classic arcade games with adjustable settings and online high score competition.
Cyber Commando is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, SwitchHamster announced that Cyber Commando will be released for the Arcade Archives line on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 30. Originally released in 1994 by Namco, this 3D action game tasks players with controlling a vehicle to stop a security computer malfunction in a space colony. The game will be available digitally for $14.99 on Nintendo Switch and $16.99 on Nintendo Switch 2.- G-MODE Archives+ Xenosaga: Pied Piper launches April 30 in JapanThe Namco-developed game Xenosaga: Pied Piper will be released for the Nintendo Switch on April 30 in Japan as part of the G-MODE Archives+ series. This title is a prequel to the main Xenosaga series.
Is a new Star Fox game coming to Nintendo Switch 2?Rumors suggest Nintendo is preparing to announce a new Star Fox game for the Nintendo Switch 2, potentially launching this summer. This speculation is fueled by the character's recent appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and reports from industry insiders like NateTheHate and VGC. The game is expected to be a 'classic style' on-rails shooter with multiplayer elements, though a larger budget title might follow next year.
PS5 Players Flock to Free Game for Ridiculously Easy Platinum TrophyThousands of PlayStation 5 players are downloading the free game Chess Mate to achieve an "easy" Platinum Trophy. The guide explains that all Trophies can be unlocked in approximately five minutes by capturing each piece type, earning a checkmate, and restarting the game multiple times. This trend of easily obtainable Platinum Trophies, exemplified by games like Ecchi Secrets, is growing in popularity among trophy hunters.- Namco Chronicle Returns via G-MODE Archives+ for Switch and PCG-MODE announced that Namco Chronicle, a tactical RPG originally released on Japanese phones in 2009, will be re-released for Nintendo Switch and PC. The game features a crossover of classic Namco characters and combines grid-based strategy battles with story-driven adventure segments. A release date has not yet been confirmed.
- G-MODE Archives+ Namco Chronicle announced for Switch, PCG-MODE announced that Namco Chronicle, a game developed by Namco, will be released as a G-MODE Archives+ title for Nintendo Switch and PC. Further details regarding the release are expected soon.
G-MODE Archives+ Xenosaga: Pied Piper announced for Switch, PCG-MODE announced that the 2004 feature phone RPG Xenosaga: Pied Piper will be released for Nintendo Switch and PC. The game, originally developed by Namco, is a spin-off of the Xenosaga trilogy and serves as a prequel. The storyline was written by series creators Tetsuya Takahashi and Soraya Saga.
Poll: Box Art Brawl: Duel - Mendel PalaceThis article compares the North American and Japanese box art for the puzzle game Mendel Palace, the debut title from Game Freak. The North American cover features a labyrinthine vibe with numerous characters and a gothic tower, while the Japanese version adopts a cuter, chibi aesthetic with a brighter castle. The piece also notes the game's recent addition to the Nintendo Switch Online NES library.- Namco × Capcom Opening and Ending Songs Now Available on Streaming ServicesThe opening and ending songs from the PlayStation 2 tactical RPG Namco × Capcom are now available on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Composer Yuzu Koshiro announced the release of the tracks, "Subarashiki Shinsekai" and "Itsuka Kitto, Tsuki no Shita de." The 2005 game featured characters from Namco and Capcom and celebrated Namco's 50th anniversary.
3 NES games added to Switch OnlineNintendo has added three classic NES games to the Nintendo Switch Online service: The Tower of Druaga, PAC-MAN, and Mendel Palace. These titles are available through the "Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics" app for subscribers. Namco developed two of the games, while Game Freak developed Mendel Palace, which was originally published by Namco in Japan.
Sigma Star Saga DX launch trailerWayForward has released a launch trailer for Sigma Star Saga DX, a hybrid shoot 'em up and RPG originally released for the Game Boy Advance. The enhanced DX version for Nintendo Switch and PC features improvements like a rebalanced EXP system and new bonus content, including a vocal theme song. Players take on the role of Ian Recker, a double agent infiltrating the Krill empire.
Super Pac-Man - A dedicated port of Namco’s Super Pac-Man for the MSX systemA dedicated port of Namco's 1982 arcade game Super Pac-Man has been released for the MSX home computer system. Developed by Mastropiero, this version is based on the Casio PV-2000 title Mr. Packn but features enhanced graphics and a new title screen optimized for the MSX. The port is compatible with all MSX models and includes legacy development strings referencing Namco's original development period.
Poll: Box Art Brawl: Duel - Star Fox Assault (GameCube)This edition of Box Art Brawl pits the North American/European box art for Star Fox Assault against its Japanese counterpart. The article details the visual differences and asks readers to vote for their preferred design. Star Fox Assault was released in 2005 for the GameCube and developed by Namco.
Interview: Polishing Up Sigma Star Saga DXWayForward Creative Director Matt Bozon discusses the development and enhancements of Sigma Star Saga DX, a remaster of the Game Boy Advance cult classic. He details how lessons learned from previous remasters and original development challenges influenced the bug-free release, which includes rebalancing, quality-of-life features, and preserved multiple endings. Sigma Star Saga DX is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC on April 7, 2026.- Xenosaga I and II DS English Patch Announced by Fans; Beta Patch Releasing SoonFan group Vector Translations has announced a full English patch for the Nintendo DS game Xenosaga I & II, with a beta version set to release on March 30, 2026, to coincide with the game's 20th anniversary. The patch is being created without AI and will cover the initial chapters of the game. Xenosaga I & II, originally released in 2006, retells and expands upon the events of the first two Xenosaga episodes.
Arcade Archives 2 FINAL LAP Revives A Racing ClassicArcade Archives 2 FINAL LAP, a revival of the 1987 NAMCO arcade racing game, has been released on Xbox Series X|S by HAMSTER Corporation. The game offers a pure, time-based arcade racing experience with modes like Time Attack, Original, Hi Score, and Caravan, preserving the original gameplay while adding modern conveniences for retro enthusiasts.- Final Lap is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, SwitchHamster will release Final Lap as the latest Arcade Archives title for the Nintendo Switch on March 26. Originally developed by Namco in 1987, Final Lap is a racing game that aims to capture the power of racing machines.
Mappy - Bally Midway & Namco's Arcade mouse game has arrived on the Amiga via JOTDThe classic arcade game Mappy, originally developed by Namco and published by Bally Midway in 1983, has been ported to the Amiga by JOTD. This new version aims for arcade-perfect gameplay, featuring the original police mouse protagonist retrieving stolen goods from a gang of cats across six floors.
Review: Arcade Archives 2 Rave Racer (Nintendo Switch 2)Arcade Archives 2 Rave Racer has been released on Nintendo Switch, offering a classic arcade racing experience for $16.99. While featuring only four courses, the game provides a challenging and fun drifting mechanic reminiscent of the Ridge Racer series. The soundtrack is noted for its eclectic and sometimes disjointed nature.