Published on: April 18, 2024
Konami and ZUIKI Announce Castlevania and Quarth Deluxe Pack for X68000 Z, Launching May 30, 2024
Retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Konami and hardware specialist ZUIKI have officially announced a new deluxe pack for the X68000 Z, the compact reimagining of Sharp’s beloved X68000 computer.
The pack is set to feature two iconic titles: the enhanced 1993 port of Castlevania—originally adapted for the Japanese X68000 system and popularized internationally through PlayStation’s Castlevania Chronicles—and the inventive puzzle shoot 'em up, Quarth.
The games will be available for the X68000 Z platform with a set release date of May 30, 2024.
Pre-orders for the deluxe pack open today at 8:00 pm JST (12:00 pm UK time), giving fans the opportunity to secure these classic titles both through ZUIKI’s official store and retail partner Beep.
The pack is priced at ¥5,478, which is approximately £28, $35, or €33, based on current exchange rates.
The X68000 Z is ZUIKI’s meticulous miniature recreation of the Sharp X68000 computer, which debuted in 1987 and gained a passionate following among Japanese gamers and developers for its impressive audio and visual capabilities.
This new deluxe edition serves as a tribute to the platform’s historical relevance by offering definitive versions of two Konami classics.
The 1993 enhanced port of Castlevania included in this combo is renowned for delivering a true 16-bit experience of the legendary NES title, originally introduced to international audiences as Castlevania Chronicles for the PlayStation.
Players can look forward to new and remixed stages, heightened difficulty, and advanced movement options, including the ability to strike enemies below and diagonally—features that distinguished the X68000 release from its predecessors.
Meanwhile, Quarth is Konami’s unique blend of arcade shoot 'em up and puzzle gameplay, where players use their ship to shoot falling blocks and complete geometric shapes under pressure.
First released in arcades in 1989, this title has captivated fans with its challenging mechanics and quick reflex gameplay.
Now, it finds new life on the X68000 Z, ensuring its legacy remains accessible to old-school and new-wave gamers alike.
Both Castlevania and Quarth were confirmed for the X68000 Z system in 2023, but details regarding their distribution and release date were only recently clarified.
This deluxe package underscores Konami’s commitment to honoring its classic IPs and ZUIKI’s dedication to recreating the authentic retro gaming experience for collectors and enthusiasts.
For those eager to revisit or experience these updated classics, the X68000 Z Deluxe Pack cements itself as a must-have addition to any retro gaming collection.
Stay tuned for further updates on official distribution and future titles making their way to ZUIKI’s X68000 Z platform.
Konami Castlevania ZUIKI X68000 Z X68000 Sharp Quarth PlayStation Castlevania Chronicles