Konami's Classic 'Labyrinth Runner' Joins Arcade Archives on Nintendo Switch, PS4, and More
Konami's much-loved 1988 top-down shooter, 'Labyrinth Runner,' is making its official comeback as part of the acclaimed Arcade Archives series.
Distributed by Hamster Corporation, the game will be available for digital purchase on January 22, 2026, launching on a wide array of contemporary consoles including Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This latest release marks the first time 'Labyrinth Runner' has been reissued since it briefly appeared on Windows and Xbox 360 as part of the Microsoft Game Room service in 2010. Initially released in arcades in 1988, 'Labyrinth Runner'—known in Japan as 'Trick Trap 1771'—invites players to step into the shoes of a courageous prince journeying across the whimsical kingdom of Vegetaria.
The ultimate mission is to rescue Princess Papaya, who has been abducted by a formidable foe referred to as the Devil.
Players must traverse a diverse range of environments, including a lush forest, towering castle walls, intricate labyrinths, treacherous mines, and the imposing final castle, all filled with challenging traps and hostile creatures. Gameplay in 'Labyrinth Runner' is both fast-paced and strategic.
Players use an 8-way joystick for movement and can alternate between three distinct attack types: standard bullets, a powerful laser, and explosive bombs.
These weapons are essential for overcoming the variety of adversaries that populate the levels, such as giant eyeballs, spiders, mechanical robots, and aggressive insects. Arcade Archives will offer two versions tailored to modern hardware platforms.
The standard edition for Nintendo Switch and PS4 is priced at $7.99, while an enhanced Arcade Archives 2 release for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S will retail for $9.99.
Both versions feature faithful emulation of the original arcade experience, with Hamster ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers alike can enjoy authentic gameplay and updated features. A Hamster spokesperson summarized the experience: In 'Labyrinth Runner,' players set off to infiltrate the devil’s castle and save Princess Papaya, contending with a host of traps and enemy encounters.
The journey requires skillful use of projectiles to survive the relentless action and reach the evil mastermind’s lair. Konami’s decision to bring back 'Labyrinth Runner' through Arcade Archives highlights the enduring appeal of classic arcade titles on current and next-generation hardware.
Retro enthusiasts and collectors can look forward to experiencing this legendary shooter on their favorite consoles beginning January 22, 2026.
For more details and gameplay footage, check the official announcements on the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store.
Distributed by Hamster Corporation, the game will be available for digital purchase on January 22, 2026, launching on a wide array of contemporary consoles including Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This latest release marks the first time 'Labyrinth Runner' has been reissued since it briefly appeared on Windows and Xbox 360 as part of the Microsoft Game Room service in 2010. Initially released in arcades in 1988, 'Labyrinth Runner'—known in Japan as 'Trick Trap 1771'—invites players to step into the shoes of a courageous prince journeying across the whimsical kingdom of Vegetaria.
The ultimate mission is to rescue Princess Papaya, who has been abducted by a formidable foe referred to as the Devil.
Players must traverse a diverse range of environments, including a lush forest, towering castle walls, intricate labyrinths, treacherous mines, and the imposing final castle, all filled with challenging traps and hostile creatures. Gameplay in 'Labyrinth Runner' is both fast-paced and strategic.
Players use an 8-way joystick for movement and can alternate between three distinct attack types: standard bullets, a powerful laser, and explosive bombs.
These weapons are essential for overcoming the variety of adversaries that populate the levels, such as giant eyeballs, spiders, mechanical robots, and aggressive insects. Arcade Archives will offer two versions tailored to modern hardware platforms.
The standard edition for Nintendo Switch and PS4 is priced at $7.99, while an enhanced Arcade Archives 2 release for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S will retail for $9.99.
Both versions feature faithful emulation of the original arcade experience, with Hamster ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers alike can enjoy authentic gameplay and updated features. A Hamster spokesperson summarized the experience: In 'Labyrinth Runner,' players set off to infiltrate the devil’s castle and save Princess Papaya, contending with a host of traps and enemy encounters.
The journey requires skillful use of projectiles to survive the relentless action and reach the evil mastermind’s lair. Konami’s decision to bring back 'Labyrinth Runner' through Arcade Archives highlights the enduring appeal of classic arcade titles on current and next-generation hardware.
Retro enthusiasts and collectors can look forward to experiencing this legendary shooter on their favorite consoles beginning January 22, 2026.
For more details and gameplay footage, check the official announcements on the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store.
