Ninja Five-O Returns: Konami Revives Classic GBA Action Platformer on Nintendo Switch

Konami Resurrects Rare Gem Ninja Five-O With Nintendo Switch HD Remaster For two decades, Ninja Five-O has held a legendary status among Game Boy Advance collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.

Originally released in 2003, this action platformer developed by Hudson Soft and published by Konami became highly sought after due to its limited print run and critical acclaim.

The scarcity of physical copies pushed Ninja Five-O's price on the secondary market well into the hundreds of dollars, making it one of the most elusive gems for GBA fans.

Now, Konami is making headlines by reintroducing Ninja Five-O as a high-definition remaster exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, offering long-awaited accessibility through the Nintendo eShop. Ninja Five-O follows the story of detective Joe Osugi, a ninja tasked with maintaining peace in the city of Zinpangu.

Utilizing a wide arsenal of Ninjutsu abilities, players confront bank heists, rescue hostages, and dismantle the plans of the villainous Mad Mask organization.

The game stands out for its fluid controls, inventive level design, and challenging boss battles, elements that contributed to its reputation as one of the Game Boy Advance’s best-kept secrets.

Konami’s HD remaster brings refined visuals and modern enhancements, providing new and longtime fans an authentic way to experience this lost classic.

By releasing Ninja Five-O on Nintendo Switch, Konami is not only addressing collector frustration but also preserving gaming history for a broader audience.

"We are excited to give fans another chance to experience Joe Osugi’s adventure, now with improved visuals and performance on Nintendo Switch," a Konami spokesperson stated in an official announcement.

The updated release aims to capture the spirit of the original while introducing accessibility improvements for new players. First introduced in 2003, Ninja Five-O quickly garnered critical praise for its tight gameplay mechanics and creative use of ninja-themed abilities, such as wall grabbing, shuriken attacks, and the signature grappling hook.

Yet its notoriety largely grew from scarcity, as limited distribution made physical copies challenging to find.

Up until now, enthusiasts often had to pay steep prices or resort to unofficial methods to play the game. Now available on the Nintendo eShop, Ninja Five-O joins a growing roster of classic titles that have found new life on Nintendo Switch.

With a fair digital price point, a new generation of players can finally see why this action platformer developed such a cult following.

Whether you are a veteran who owns an original Game Boy Advance cartridge or a curious newcomer, Ninja Five-O’s return represents a significant moment in game preservation—an example of how publishers like Konami are leveraging modern hardware to reconnect with their gaming legacy. Ninja Five-O’s HD remaster is available now for download on Nintendo Switch, marking the triumphant return of Joe Osugi to the gaming spotlight after more than 20 years away.

Nintendo Switch Konami Nintendo Game Boy Game Boy Advance Switch Ninja Five-O GBA