Arcade Archives Brings Namco's Air Combat 22 to Nintendo Switch and Modern Consoles

Hamster Corporation has announced the return of a landmark Namco arcade title, Air Combat 22, as part of its celebrated Arcade Archives series.

This initiative, well-known for bringing arcade classics to modern gaming platforms, will deliver Air Combat 22 to both the Nintendo Switch and current-generation consoles, marking a significant moment for fans of classic flight simulators.

Originally launched by Namco in 1995, Air Combat 22 arrived as the sequel to the genre-defining Air Combat, running on the advanced Super System 22 arcade hardware.

The game's title references this system upgrade, which provided enhanced graphics and gameplay features over its predecessor.

Air Combat 22 notably expanded its predecessor’s mechanics by introducing a range of selectable aircraft, thereby offering players new tactical options for each mission.

This innovation, coupled with the immersive experience of the era’s large arcade cabinet displays, delivered a sense of realism that was pioneering for its time. While Air Combat 22 was well-received during its initial release, critics at the time described it as a notable but moderate update rather than a radical overhaul.

Nevertheless, the addition of multiple aircraft models gave the title an edge in replayability compared to the original Air Combat. For those familiar with the genre’s evolution, Air Combat 22 holds particular significance as the spiritual predecessor to Namco’s iconic Ace Combat series.

In 1995, the company released the first Ace Combat game on PlayStation, originally titled "Air Combat" in the West, as a nod to the arcade origins.

Though the PlayStation was less capable than Namco’s powerful arcade architecture, Ace Combat quickly grew into a revered franchise, far outpacing its arcade forebear in brand recognition and success. The forthcoming digital release of Air Combat 22 will span across both Hamster Corporation’s Arcade Archives and the more advanced Arcade Archives 2.

While Arcade Archives remains compatible with platforms such as PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch, Arcade Archives 2 is designed for more recent systems like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, complete with high-resolution visual upgrades.

For players without access to the latest hardware, the PS4 and current Nintendo Switch versions ensure that this classic will remain accessible via download from the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop. With Hamster Corporation’s commitment to preserving arcade history, the arrival of Air Combat 22 on modern hardware invites both newcomers and arcade veterans to experience a foundational entry in the flight simulation genre.

For those interested in reliving or discovering this piece of gaming history, Air Combat 22’s new release promises an authentic experience on today’s leading platforms.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Hamster Corporation Arcade Archives Hamster arcade Namco consoles Air Combat 22 Super System 22 Ace Combat PS4 PS5 Xbox Series X|S Arcade Archives 2