Edia Secures Falcom PC Engine CD Classics for Modern Consoles: Ys, Legend of Heroes, and More Return

Japanese publisher Edia, known for its efforts in preserving and reviving classic Japanese video games, has announced a significant agreement with developer Nihon Falcom to port a selection of iconic PC Engine CD titles to modern consoles.

This new project will include celebrated games such as Ys Book I&II, Ys III, Ys IV, Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes, Legend of Heroes II, Legend of Xanadu, and Legend of Xanadu II.

The announcement follows Edia's previous work republishing retro gems like Valis, Cosmic Fantasy, and Tenshi No Uta, as well as planned Super Famicom RPG releases later this year. The news, first identified by industry observer Gosokkyu, confirms that Edia has secured the rights to a valuable segment of Falcom’s classic library.

According to Edia President and CEO Yoshinari Kashima, the company intends to develop ports of these renowned titles for contemporary consoles—including the Nintendo Switch—targeting a release window spanning fiscal years 2026 to 2027.

"We will begin developing ports of contracted titles for current consoles, aiming for release between fiscal 2026 and 2027," Kashima shared in a statement.

"By leveraging our extensive experience in updating and commercializing retro games, we aim to create products that go beyond simple ports and appeal to both longtime fans and new players." Kashima elaborated on Edia's strategic direction, highlighting a shift in the company’s approach.

"Historically, Edia has focused on generating stable revenue from its portfolio of retro game IP—including former Nippon Telenet titles—by porting them to present-day consoles and licensing to overseas markets.

Moving forward, we will apply our accumulated expertise to accelerate efforts in porting not only our IP but a broader array of retro game IP.

Our mission is to expand access to Japan's classic games on current hardware, aiding their rediscovery for today's gaming community." While the company expressed ambitions to bring these classic RPGs to a global audience, there remain questions regarding localization.

Edia’s past initiatives have primarily targeted the Japanese market, with a limited track record for translating releases into English or other languages.

For example, Ys Book I&II and The Legend of Heroes were localized and published in North America on the TurboGrafx-16 system.

However, the rights for those specific translations reside with Hudson Soft, now a subsidiary of Konami, meaning Edia may face barriers in reusing those English scripts for its upcoming re-releases. Despite these challenges, Edia's announcement marks a notable development in the ongoing preservation and accessibility of classic Japanese RPGs.

By adapting acclaimed titles such as Ys and Legend of Heroes for platforms like the Nintendo Switch, Edia not only aims to reach dedicated fans but also introduces a new generation to the rich history of Japanese gaming.

With the planned ports slated for release between 2026 and 2027, retro enthusiasts and industry observers alike will be watching closely for further updates, particularly regarding localization efforts and international availability.

PC Falcom PC Engine Ys PC Engine CD Edia Legend Legend of Heroes Nihon Falcom Dragon Slayer Legend of Xanadu Super Famicom Konami Hudson Soft Nintendo Switch