Ninja Five-O Returns: Konami Revives Rare GBA Classic for Nintendo Switch eShop

Konami has once again expanded the Nintendo Switch library with the addition of Ninja Five-O—known in some territories as Ninja Cop—to the eShop, introducing a new generation to one of the rarest and most beloved titles from the Game Boy Advance era.

Originally released in 2003 and developed by Hudson Soft, Ninja Five-O is celebrated for its dynamic action-platforming mechanics and has long been sought after by collectors due to its limited availability on the original hardware. Following its official announcement in early 2025, Ninja Five-O is now available for digital purchase on the Nintendo Switch eShop, priced at USD $24.99 / GBP £19.99, aligning with regional equivalents.

Enthusiasm for the game has been substantial, with physical copies announced alongside the digital launch—though they have already sold out, attesting to the enduring demand for this classic. Ninja Five-O places players in the role of Joe Osugi, a detective who must employ an array of ninja techniques to thwart criminal activities, ranging from daring bank heists to perilous hostage situations.

Set in the city of Zipangu, players are tasked with taking down the formidable Mad Mask bosses using an arsenal of ninjutsu skills and unique abilities.

Key features of this Nintendo Switch release include a robust selection of attack modes, a Time Trial mode that allows replaying stages with a competitive edge, save-anywhere functionality for convenient progression, and a rewind feature to offer more control during challenging sequences. Nintendo details the gameplay as an immersive journey, blending fast-paced action with strategic maneuvering, while modern features like instant saving and rewinding give both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to fully experience what made Ninja Five-O a cult favorite. This revival comes at a time of renewed interest in ninja-themed action games on the Nintendo Switch.

Upcoming titles such as Koei Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and SEGA’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, both slated for release in 2025, highlight the continued popularity of the genre.

Konami itself is also bringing more classic content to the platform with the launch of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection, further strengthening the Switch’s growing roster of Game Boy Advance releases. With the addition of Ninja Five-O to the Nintendo Switch eShop, Konami not only preserves an essential piece of portable gaming history but also gives a broader audience the chance to experience one of Hudson Soft’s finest platformers.

As the demand for retro titles remains high, this release is a testament to both the legacy and lasting appeal of the Game Boy Advance era.

Konami Nintendo eShop Rare Switch Switch eShop Hudson Soft Ninja Five-O Ninja Cop GBA Hudson Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch eShop