A newly released launch trailer has confirmed the Joe & Mac Retro Collection for Nintendo Switch, with the publisher indicating availability on Nintendo Switch 2 as well. The compilation reunites three classic side-scrolling entries originally associated with Data East and the SNES era, packaged with modern features intended to make the games more accessible for contemporary players.
Background and included titles
The collection brings together three entries from the Joe & Mac universe: Joe & Mac Caveman Ninja (the franchise’s original arcade/SNES-era beat ’em up), Congo’s Caper (a more whimsical platforming spin-off), and Joe & Mac: Lost in the Tropics (a tropical-themed sequel with new weapons and enemies). These games trace their lineage to Data East’s early 1990s releases and the compilation positions them as a single Stone Age anthology for current consoles and digital storefronts.
Publisher messaging and rewritten statements
Promotional materials framed the release as a return to the franchise’s prehistoric action, encouraging players to “pick up their hammers” and revisit the series’ trademark dinosaur battles and jungle-based levels. The announcement emphasizes that for the first time, three distinct Joe & Mac adventures are available together in one package, combining arcade-style combat, platforming, and cooperative play.
Verified features from the launch trailer
The launch trailer and accompanying product information list several quality-of-life and presentation options included in the Retro Collection:
- Rewind: A time-rewind function to undo recent mistakes.
- Savestate: The ability to save progress at any point and resume later.
- CRT filter: A display option designed to emulate the look of legacy CRT displays.
- Custom frames: Decorative borders for the playfield to personalize presentation.
- Boss Rush mode: A new mode that pits players against bosses from the included games in sequence.
- Local two-player co-op: Same-screen multiplayer preserving the classic arcade co-op experience.
Why this matters
For retro fans and newcomers alike, the combination of faithful emulation of Joe & Mac’s arcade/SNES-era gameplay and modern conveniences such as savestates and rewind makes the collection approachable without removing the original challenge. The inclusion of local co-op also underscores the series’ arcade roots, preserving the same-screen multiplayer that defined its early releases.
Availability and where to watch
The launch trailer is available through the publisher’s official channels and the collection is listed for Nintendo Switch on digital storefronts. For players tracking console compatibility, the publisher has referenced both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in promotional materials.
The Joe & Mac Retro Collection reunites three Data East-era classics with modern trims that should appeal to preservation-minded players and those seeking a streamlined retro experience on Nintendo hardware.