Published on: April 09, 2025
Konami’s Gangbusters (Crazy Cop) Joins Arcade Archives on Nintendo Switch and PS4
Konami’s celebrated 1988 arcade shooter Gangbusters, known as Crazy Cop in Japan, is set for its digital revival this week as part of the Arcade Archives series.
The retro favorite will launch on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 eShop platforms on April 10th, bringing its iconic blend of humor and high-octane action to a new generation of gamers.
This release was confirmed by Famitsu, a leading Japanese gaming publication, and expands Hamster Corporation’s ongoing efforts to preserve classic arcade experiences on modern hardware.
Originally debuting in arcades during the late 80s, Gangbusters places players in the shoes of law enforcement duo Smith and Wesson.
Up to two players can team up to thwart the notorious Dagrus gang, a group distinguished by their comically themed members—including sunglasses-clad sharks and quirky characters such as Mr.
Poo and Miami Jack.
After the Dagrus gang stages a dramatic bank heist, the protagonists must battle their way through the city, neutralizing criminals and loading them into the back of a police van.
Gangbusters is structured across five distinct stages, each capturing a different facet of urban chaos.
The game guides players from bustling main streets and winding back alleys to docks and railway yards, maintaining a brisk pace and inventive design.
Notably, gaining a high score rewards players with an inventive name-entry segment, where shooting the correct letters on a firing-range style target stands as a unique hallmark of arcade gaming nostalgia.
The game’s lighthearted tone and over-the-top characters have been central to its lasting appeal among arcade fans.
As Hamster Corporation continues to enhance the Arcade Archives library, Gangbusters offers another chance for both newcomers and retro enthusiasts to experience Konami’s trademark style from the 1980s.
"Konami’s Gangbusters is a classic that combines comedic flair with action-packed gameplay, well-suited for fans of arcade shooters seeking a nostalgic yet entertaining challenge," reads an excerpt from Famitsu’s coverage.
This Arcade Archives release follows a growing trend of retro game preservation on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, demonstrating publisher dedication to maintaining gaming history.
Gangbusters’ arrival underscores Konami’s enduring legacy in arcade development and highlights the strength of digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store in delivering classic titles to today’s consoles.
Gangbusters is available for download on Nintendo Switch and PS4 eShop stores from April 10th, 2025.
Nintendo Switch Konami Gangbusters Crazy Cop Arcade Archives PS4 Nintendo Japan Switch