33 Games Confirms First Samurai SNES Re-release, Eyes Early 2027 Launch
33 Games, a rising specialist in retro re-releases and physical launches, has confirmed that its next project will be First Samurai on the Super Nintendo (SNES), targeting a release at the start of 2027.
The announcement follows the studio's recent work bringing back Gremlin's 2D platformer Zool to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and its physical relaunches of Utopia and Stone Protectors.
First Samurai: pedigree and platform history
First Samurai was originally developed by Vivid Image and published by Image Works for the Amiga and Atari ST in 1991.
A Super Nintendo version followed in 1993, published by Kemco and notable for extensive changes to level design compared with the 16-bit originals.
The franchise continued with Second Samurai, which appeared on the Amiga in 1993 and received a Sega Mega Drive/Genesis release in 1994, published by Psygnosis and Sony Electronic Publishing.
Both titles have since been collected in The Samurai Collection for modern platforms.
33 Games’ plans and what we know
Speaking exclusively to Time Extension, 33 Games confirmed it is preparing a specially curated release for the SNES launch.
The studio also indicated it will be announcing a major licence in the near future, signalling ambitions beyond straightforward ports.
In journalistic terms: 33 Games told Time Extension it is planning a special edition treatment for First Samurai’s SNES release and expects to reveal a significant licensing agreement soon.
What this means for retro and Nintendo audiences
For collectors and retro fans who follow the Nintendo scene, the First Samurai SNES re-release will be one to watch.
Retro publishers often promote such projects through channels like Nintendo Direct and list them in storefronts such as the Nintendo eShop when modern ports are made available, while dedicated labels continue to support physical cartridge releases for collectors.
With a confirmed early 2027 target and a promise of special packaging and licensing news, 33 Games’ First Samurai revival reinforces the ongoing market for well-crafted retro re-releases and curated physical editions.
Expect further details as the studio rolls out its formal announcement schedule.
33 Games, a rising specialist in retro re-releases and physical launches, has confirmed that its next project will be First Samurai on the Super Nintendo (SNES), targeting a release at the start of 2027.
The announcement follows the studio's recent work bringing back Gremlin's 2D platformer Zool to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and its physical relaunches of Utopia and Stone Protectors.
First Samurai: pedigree and platform history
First Samurai was originally developed by Vivid Image and published by Image Works for the Amiga and Atari ST in 1991.
A Super Nintendo version followed in 1993, published by Kemco and notable for extensive changes to level design compared with the 16-bit originals.
The franchise continued with Second Samurai, which appeared on the Amiga in 1993 and received a Sega Mega Drive/Genesis release in 1994, published by Psygnosis and Sony Electronic Publishing.
Both titles have since been collected in The Samurai Collection for modern platforms.
33 Games’ plans and what we know
Speaking exclusively to Time Extension, 33 Games confirmed it is preparing a specially curated release for the SNES launch.
The studio also indicated it will be announcing a major licence in the near future, signalling ambitions beyond straightforward ports.
In journalistic terms: 33 Games told Time Extension it is planning a special edition treatment for First Samurai’s SNES release and expects to reveal a significant licensing agreement soon.
What this means for retro and Nintendo audiences
For collectors and retro fans who follow the Nintendo scene, the First Samurai SNES re-release will be one to watch.
Retro publishers often promote such projects through channels like Nintendo Direct and list them in storefronts such as the Nintendo eShop when modern ports are made available, while dedicated labels continue to support physical cartridge releases for collectors.
With a confirmed early 2027 target and a promise of special packaging and licensing news, 33 Games’ First Samurai revival reinforces the ongoing market for well-crafted retro re-releases and curated physical editions.
Expect further details as the studio rolls out its formal announcement schedule.
