Ridge Racer Returns: Namco’s Arcade Classic Races onto Nintendo Switch 2 as Part of Arcade Archives 2

Ridge Racer, Namco’s groundbreaking arcade racing game, is set to make its triumphant return to Nintendo hardware for the first time in over a decade.

During the most recent Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo confirmed that Ridge Racer will launch for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the highly anticipated Arcade Archives 2 collection.

The title is slated for release on June 5th, 2025, coinciding with the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console. This announcement was featured in a rapid-fire segment dedicated to upcoming games from a variety of third-party developers.

The news is especially significant for fans, as Ridge Racer has not appeared on a Nintendo platform since the release of Ridge Racer 3D for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011. Originally debuting in arcades in 1993, Ridge Racer showcased cutting-edge 3D racing gameplay powered by Namco’s System 22 hardware.

It quickly gained global acclaim and was later adapted as a launch title for Sony’s PlayStation, playing a key role in defining the early years of that system and bolstering Sony’s position in the competitive 32-bit console era. In line with previous releases in the Arcade Archives series, many are hopeful that Ridge Racer for Nintendo Switch 2 will offer enhanced features such as save states, rewind capability, time attack modes, and online multiplayer options.

However, as of the latest Nintendo Direct, no specific details regarding these enhancements were confirmed.

Further information may be provided closer to the game’s release date or through official channels such as Hamster Corp’s social media or future streaming events. Ridge Racer’s arrival marks a noteworthy collaboration between Namco, Hamster Corp, and Nintendo, celebrating the timeless appeal of classic arcade racing games and aligning with the Nintendo Switch 2’s push to bring beloved retro experiences to a modern audience.

Notably, there has been no announcement regarding Ridge Racer’s availability on other platforms such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S during this Nintendo event. With the enduring popularity of arcade classics and the continued success of the Nintendo Switch platform, the upcoming launch of Ridge Racer via Arcade Archives 2 signals a renewed commitment to gaming heritage, ensuring that a new generation of players can experience an iconic part of video game history.

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