Published on: April 24, 2025
Classic Famicom Game Magic John & Totally Rad Launches on Nintendo Switch eShop
Fans of retro gaming can now experience Magic John, the iconic Famicom action platformer, and its western counterpart Totally Rad, directly on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
The release is part of City Connection’s JALECOlle Famicom series, a growing collection of classic titles meticulously ported for Nintendo's popular hybrid console.
First announced in September of last year, the collection officially debuted on April 23, bringing together both the Japanese and overseas versions for the first time on the Switch.
Originally developed by Aicom and published in 1990, Magic John immerses players in the fantastical quest of an aspiring magician named John (renamed Jake for western audiences), who embarks on a perilous journey to save his kidnapped girlfriend from monstrous foes.
Renowned for its dynamic action-platforming and transformative magic abilities, the game quickly earned a cult following during its original Famicom and NES release as Totally Rad.
The newly released JALECOlle Famicom Ver.
Magic John & Totally RAD bundle is priced at £7.19 on the Nintendo Switch eShop, with a limited-time 10% launch discount reducing the price to £6.47 until May 7.
The package offers players both the original Japanese version and the international version, enabling fans and newcomers alike to compare differences in localization, gameplay tweaks, and overall presentation.
Enhanced Features for Modern Audiences
To make the experience more accessible and enjoyable, the collection introduces a suite of modern features often associated with contemporary retro reissues.
These include:
- Rewind functionality, allowing players to easily retry challenging sections
- Quick save and load options for convenient progress management
- Achievement challenges and best time recording for competitive replayability
- CRT-style screen filters to replicate the classic look of vintage displays
- Improved quality-of-life enhancements, such as switching and selecting magic types using the L and R buttons
- A new mid-boss life meter, absent from the original release, providing valuable gameplay feedback
This comprehensive set of upgrades demonstrates City Connection's commitment to preserving classic titles while updating them for today’s standards on Nintendo Switch.
Preserving a Piece of Gaming History
The release of Magic John & Totally Rad on the Nintendo Switch is part of a broader trend of classic games finding new audiences through digital platforms like the Switch eShop.
City Connection’s ongoing JALECOlle Famicom series aims to deliver faithful emulation alongside meaningful enhancements, connecting seasoned gamers and newcomers to the rich history of Japanese and international video games.
Magic John remains a standout in the genre, offering a blend of charm, challenge, and nostalgia that continues to resonate with fans decades after its original launch.
With its new features and dual-version presentation, this latest Switch reissue is poised to become a must-have addition for enthusiasts of classic NES and Famicom titles.
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