Assault Plus Arrives on Nintendo Switch and PS4 via Arcade Archives

Bandai Namco’s classic arcade title, Assault Plus, is set to reach a new generation of players as publisher Hamster announces its arrival on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 platforms via the highly acclaimed Arcade Archives series.

Launching globally on April 3, 2025, this marks a significant moment in the preservation of arcade history, with Assault Plus making its first standalone console appearance outside of Japan more than three decades after its original debut. First released exclusively in Japanese arcades in 1988, Assault Plus builds on the foundation of the original multi-directional tank shooter, Assault, offering enhanced gameplay features and new challenges for fans of retro gaming.

Notably, this updated version introduces an alternative soundtrack and expands accessibility by including two distinct difficulty modes: the approachable 'Easy' mode, featuring a shortened route, and a more demanding 'Super' mode, which presents an extended campaign with additional stages to conquer. Long considered one of the rarer gems in Bandai Namco’s extensive arcade catalog, Assault Plus was previously unavailable as a standalone title on home consoles in any territory.

Its only prior console appearance had been as a hidden bonus within Namco Museum Vol.

4 for the original PlayStation, marking its official debut outside of Japan at the time.

The absence of standalone reissues has contributed to its cult status among arcade enthusiasts and historians alike. In an effort to celebrate both the legacy and the craftsmanship behind Assault Plus, Hamster will host a special live Arcade Archives stream featuring key figures from the game’s original development team.

Legendary composer Shinji Hosoe and veteran designer Hideyuki Kikuchi will join the broadcast, alongside Bandai Namco’s licensing specialist Kazuhito Udetsu.

The team will reflect on the game's development process and discuss its unique features, bringing valuable behind-the-scenes insights to longtime fans and newcomers alike. The Arcade Archives series, developed by Hamster, has been instrumental in bringing a diverse selection of classic arcade games to modern platforms, preserving the artistry of arcade gaming for current and future generations.

The release of Assault Plus on Nintendo Switch and PS4—accessible via the eShop and PlayStation Store, respectively—continues this tradition of quality reissues and sets a new milestone for the rediscovery of historically significant video games. With its nuanced dual-mode gameplay and storied history, Assault Plus stands out as a must-play title for collectors, retro enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for Bandai Namco’s influential arcade legacy.

Nintendo Switch Assault Plus PS4 Arcade Archives Hamster Bandai Namco Nintendo Japan Switch arcade Namco Bandai