Hamster Corp. Is Reviving the Classic Game Experience with Console Archives on Switch 2.
In a move that's being seen as a major reversal by Nintendo, Hamster Corporation has announced the launch of its new "Console Archives" service, offering downloadable versions of retro console games for direct individual purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The initiative marks a departure from Nintendo's own strategy, which ended the Virtual Console line in favor of time-limited access to classic games through a paid subscription service. However, Hamster Corporation is taking a different approach by giving consumers more control over their gaming experience.
As part of its announcement, Hamster has launched with two titles: Cool Boarders for the original PlayStation and Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos on the NES. Both games are available for purchase at $12 and $8 respectively, with more obscure titles, including Doraemon and Sonic Wings Special, slated to follow in the future.
Hamster's efforts are seen as a nod to its previous success with the Arcade Archive series, which has been re-releasing individual arcade games for purchase and emulated play on modern consoles since 2014. The company is expanding its efforts to include home console titles, aiming to faithfully reproduce masterpieces released on various platforms.
While these new offerings are more stripped-back than the full-fledged interactive museums released by other companies, they still include features like customizable button layouts, screen settings, and the ability to save and load at any time.
Hamster has made a plea for game developers to license or sell their rights to classic games, with the company's CEO stating that "everyone has different memories of games" and aiming to release as many titles as possible so people can rediscover and play the games that evoke fond memories.
The launch marks an interesting development in the gaming industry, with Hamster Corporation taking a bold step towards reviving the classic game experience.
In a move that's being seen as a major reversal by Nintendo, Hamster Corporation has announced the launch of its new "Console Archives" service, offering downloadable versions of retro console games for direct individual purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The initiative marks a departure from Nintendo's own strategy, which ended the Virtual Console line in favor of time-limited access to classic games through a paid subscription service. However, Hamster Corporation is taking a different approach by giving consumers more control over their gaming experience.
As part of its announcement, Hamster has launched with two titles: Cool Boarders for the original PlayStation and Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos on the NES. Both games are available for purchase at $12 and $8 respectively, with more obscure titles, including Doraemon and Sonic Wings Special, slated to follow in the future.
Hamster's efforts are seen as a nod to its previous success with the Arcade Archive series, which has been re-releasing individual arcade games for purchase and emulated play on modern consoles since 2014. The company is expanding its efforts to include home console titles, aiming to faithfully reproduce masterpieces released on various platforms.
While these new offerings are more stripped-back than the full-fledged interactive museums released by other companies, they still include features like customizable button layouts, screen settings, and the ability to save and load at any time.
Hamster has made a plea for game developers to license or sell their rights to classic games, with the company's CEO stating that "everyone has different memories of games" and aiming to release as many titles as possible so people can rediscover and play the games that evoke fond memories.
The launch marks an interesting development in the gaming industry, with Hamster Corporation taking a bold step towards reviving the classic game experience.
I'm loving this move by Hamster Corp. It's about time someone broke the mold on how we access retro games 
. The fact that they're making these consoles available for direct purchase is a huge departure from Nintendo's more restrictive approach 
. By giving gamers control over their experience, they're allowing us to relive our childhood memories in a way that feels truly nostalgic 
. Plus, the attention to detail in emulating classic games is impressive 
. It'll be exciting to see which other titles get added to the lineup! 
but like how do they manage to get permission from devs to release their old games? i mean, doesn't that kinda suck for the devs who didn't even get royalties or anything? 
also, what's up with the prices? 12 bucks for cool boarders? that seems kinda steep 
! Finally, we're getting to own our retro game libraries again 
. Hamster Corp is totally doing it right here - giving us the freedom to purchase and play our fave childhood games whenever we want 
. Plus, who wouldn't want to relive the magic of Cool Boarders or Ninja Gaiden II? 
! like Nintendo was getting all chill on their classic games but hamster corp is stepping up and giving us options 
. 12 bucks for cool boarders? that's a steal! i've been searching everywhere for that one... now if they could get more sega classics out there, that'd be a dream come true 
. the thing that's got me curious tho is what games hamster corp will license next? are we gonna see some more obscure titles like stafabat and jet set radio? 
. The fact that Hamster's going for a more stripped-back approach actually kind of appeals to me - I don't need all those bells and whistles to just have a good old-fashioned gaming session 
!
. This is what gamers like me have been asking for - more control over our gaming experiences and the freedom to buy or sell those classic games we're obsessed with 
It's like they're saying "Hey, we know you want to play this ancient console game, but let's just make it more expensive and exclusive, okay?" 
It's great to see companies like Hamster Corp. bringing back that nostalgic feel. The fact they're offering individual game purchases on Switch 2 is a big win for gamers who want control over their experience.
. And Ninja Gaiden II on NES is a great choice too! I've played that game before and it's still super fun. 
! I've been waiting for something like this on Switch 2 - it's like they're finally listening to us gamers and giving us what we want 