D4 Enterprise, the company recognized for its EGGCONSOLE series of retro game reissues, has announced the upcoming release of Compile's beloved MSX2 action puzzle classic, Carbuncle Pi (かーばんくるぴ), on the Nintendo Switch.
Set to launch via the Nintendo Switch eShop on December 25th, Carbuncle Pi will be available for $6.49, offering both nostalgic appeal and accessible pricing to fans of vintage Japanese games. Carbuncle Pi originated as a reimagining of Nyanpi (にゃんぴ), an action puzzle game first published for MSX2 within Compile's Disc Station DX 3 in 1990.
It made its debut in 1991 as part of Disc Station #24.
This variant replaces Nyanpi's feline protagonist with Carbuncle, a charming mascot who has appeared in multiple Compile properties, most notably in the beloved Puyo Puyo and Madou Monogatari series. Gameplay in Carbuncle Pi remains true to its roots, blending accessible mechanics with a layer of strategic depth.
Players guide Carbuncle through stages filled with balloons to pop, with the goal of collecting gems and reaching the stage's endpoint—now represented by Arle Nadja, a spellcasting heroine familiar to Puyo Puyo fans, instead of the original's trash can exit.
Each puzzle stage challenges players to maximize their jumping abilities, consider their navigation, and occasionally utilize collected gems as platforms to progress. The developers describe Carbuncle Pi as a game that welcomes repeated playthroughs, emphasizing its approachable, stress-free design: “The rules are simple, but to master the game and clear all 20 levels, players must plan out their jumps and routes with precision.
There's no time limit, and players are free to restart as needed, creating a relaxing experience for puzzle game enthusiasts.” This release follows a history of retro game preservation by D4 Enterprise, who previously launched an expanded version of Nyanpi through the Project EGG initiative for MSX2 and Windows in 2021, bundling more than 200 additional levels and an in-depth level editor.
However, the Project EGG version is currently unavailable on Nintendo Switch, making this eShop revival particularly notable for collectors and long-time fans. Carbuncle Pi’s reissue represents D4 Enterprise’s continued dedication to reviving overlooked gems from Japan’s rich indie and doujin gaming scenes.
Its arrival on Nintendo Switch eShop marks a significant moment for fans of Compile, Puyo Puyo, and classic puzzle games, providing a carefully preserved piece of MSX2 history to a new generation on a modern platform. With its affordable price point and historical pedigree, Carbuncle Pi is set to become a notable addition to the Nintendo Switch eShop library, reintroducing a unique slice of Japanese retro gaming culture to enthusiasts worldwide upon its December 25th release.
Set to launch via the Nintendo Switch eShop on December 25th, Carbuncle Pi will be available for $6.49, offering both nostalgic appeal and accessible pricing to fans of vintage Japanese games. Carbuncle Pi originated as a reimagining of Nyanpi (にゃんぴ), an action puzzle game first published for MSX2 within Compile's Disc Station DX 3 in 1990.
It made its debut in 1991 as part of Disc Station #24.
This variant replaces Nyanpi's feline protagonist with Carbuncle, a charming mascot who has appeared in multiple Compile properties, most notably in the beloved Puyo Puyo and Madou Monogatari series. Gameplay in Carbuncle Pi remains true to its roots, blending accessible mechanics with a layer of strategic depth.
Players guide Carbuncle through stages filled with balloons to pop, with the goal of collecting gems and reaching the stage's endpoint—now represented by Arle Nadja, a spellcasting heroine familiar to Puyo Puyo fans, instead of the original's trash can exit.
Each puzzle stage challenges players to maximize their jumping abilities, consider their navigation, and occasionally utilize collected gems as platforms to progress. The developers describe Carbuncle Pi as a game that welcomes repeated playthroughs, emphasizing its approachable, stress-free design: “The rules are simple, but to master the game and clear all 20 levels, players must plan out their jumps and routes with precision.
There's no time limit, and players are free to restart as needed, creating a relaxing experience for puzzle game enthusiasts.” This release follows a history of retro game preservation by D4 Enterprise, who previously launched an expanded version of Nyanpi through the Project EGG initiative for MSX2 and Windows in 2021, bundling more than 200 additional levels and an in-depth level editor.
However, the Project EGG version is currently unavailable on Nintendo Switch, making this eShop revival particularly notable for collectors and long-time fans. Carbuncle Pi’s reissue represents D4 Enterprise’s continued dedication to reviving overlooked gems from Japan’s rich indie and doujin gaming scenes.
Its arrival on Nintendo Switch eShop marks a significant moment for fans of Compile, Puyo Puyo, and classic puzzle games, providing a carefully preserved piece of MSX2 history to a new generation on a modern platform. With its affordable price point and historical pedigree, Carbuncle Pi is set to become a notable addition to the Nintendo Switch eShop library, reintroducing a unique slice of Japanese retro gaming culture to enthusiasts worldwide upon its December 25th release.
