Joe & Mac Retro Collection Announced for Nintendo Switch: Classic Platformers Reborn

Retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with the official announcement of the Joe & Mac Retro Collection, coming soon to modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by Red Art Studios, the collection is set to launch its Kickstarter campaign on June 10, uniting three beloved 16-bit era platformers in a bundle designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers eager to experience the classics. The Joe & Mac Retro Collection features the original Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja, its sequel Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics, and the related spin-off Congo’s Caper.

Each title is presented with new quality-of-life updates, adding features that bring retro gameplay into the modern age. Headlining the collection, Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja invites players into a prehistoric run-and-gun adventure, following the eponymous cavemen as they battle through twelve challenging stages armed with comical Stone Age weaponry.

Notably, this re-release includes for the first time both the Western and the original Japanese uncensored versions, allowing fans to experience the game as it was first envisioned in Japan. Congo’s Caper shifts the focus to platforming action, starring Congo, a half-human, half-monkey protagonist on a quest to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a demon.

Spanning 35 engaging levels, the game exemplifies the charm and challenge of classic side-scrollers from the Super Nintendo era. Rounding out the package, Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics introduces light role-playing elements to the franchise, enabling players not only to combat dinosaurs and rival cavemen, but also to court a prehistoric partner and even start a Stone Age family.

This installment, praised for expanding on the series formula, remains a favorite among retro collectors. According to Red Art Studios, the Joe & Mac Retro Collection will include several enhancements for modern audiences.

Players can take advantage of save states to make progress more manageable, and a new rewind feature allows quick correction of mistakes.

There’s also an optional CRT filter for a nostalgic visual experience, customizable aspect ratios, and the ability to enjoy local co-op gameplay in both Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja and Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics.

These features are designed to ensure accessibility and enjoyment for a broad range of players. The Kickstarter campaign, beginning June 10, will provide fans the opportunity to support the development and potentially secure additional content and physical release options.

With Red Art Studios at the helm—an indie developer with a commitment to faithfully reviving retro classics—expectations are high among those who cherish the 16-bit era.

Current plans include availability on the Nintendo Switch, making these arcade classics easily accessible on Nintendo’s popular handheld-console hybrid. The Joe & Mac Retro Collection aims to bring a slice of platforming history to both dedicated collectors and a new generation of platformer enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for updates as the Kickstarter launches and further release details are confirmed.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Kickstarter Red Mac Joe & Mac Retro Collection Red Art Studios Joe & Mac Caveman Ninja Congo’s Caper Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics