Broke Studio Announces Pizza Pop! NES Cartridge Reissue as First Jaleco Revival
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Published on: April 21, 2025
Description
Broke Studio, renowned French developer and publisher in the retro gaming space, has officially announced the NES cartridge reissue of the Jaleco classic Pizza Pop!.
This marks the long-awaited debut of the 1992 Japan-exclusive platformer for cartridge play in Western markets, with a newly enhanced version available for pre-order starting May 6th via Broke Studio’s Homebrew Factory.
The release follows Broke Studio’s earlier social media teasers about the return of multiple Jaleco titles in partnership with City Connection and Omake Games, bringing previously unavailable Japanese gems to a broader audience.
Originally developed by Arc System Works and released solely for the Famicom in Japan, Pizza Pop! has gained a cult following due to its quirky platforming gameplay and regional exclusivity.
In 2024, the game received new life with a digital reissue on the Nintendo Switch within City Connection’s JALECOlle Famicom series, which introduced it internationally for the first time.
The Switch collection also included other classics such as Saiyūki World and Magic John, expanding access to Jaleco’s back catalogue.
The forthcoming NES cartridge edition of Pizza Pop! represents its first official Western physical release.
According to Broke Studio’s announcement, this version will be delivered with modern enhancements: a complete English translation, improved hitbox detection, and compatibility across both PAL and NTSC regions.
This ensures not only authenticity for retro collectors but also improved playability for today’s fans.
While pricing information remains undisclosed, Broke Studio has confirmed that Pizza Pop! will be just the beginning of their Jaleco reissue campaign.
In their original statement on social media, the publisher hinted at three unreleased-in-the-West Jaleco games scheduled for both NES and Game Boy, each benefitting from new translations and additional features.
These titles—developed through close collaboration with Omake Games and City Connection—are set for physical release, reigniting interest in Jaleco’s rich library from the 1980s and 1990s.
The identities of the other two reissues remain under wraps, with further announcements expected soon.
Jaleco, founded in Tokyo in 1974, established itself as a prominent name in arcade and console gaming with hits like City Connection, Formation Z, Exerion, and Ninja JaJaMaru-kun.
Although the company expanded its reach overseas—either via licensing agreements or through its US subsidiary—many titles have never received an official Western launch.
Recent initiatives, including digital releases through the eShop and retro-focused compilations like JALECOlle Famicom for the Nintendo Switch, have introduced these classics to new audiences.
Still, the opportunity to own these games in cartridge form and experience them on original hardware offers a unique appeal for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The reissue of Pizza Pop! on NES highlights Broke Studio’s ongoing commitment to video game preservation and the celebration of global gaming history.
As fans await additional details about the upcoming Jaleco releases, this initiative underscores a growing trend within the industry to honor and revive its formative titles for a new generation of players.
