Tatakae! Big Fighter Lands on Nintendo Switch and PS4: Hamster Brings Nichibutsu’s Classic Shoot 'em Up to Modern Platforms

Hamster's Arcade Archives continues its mission to preserve gaming history by introducing yet another retro gem for modern audiences.

The company has officially announced that Tatakae! Big Fighter, the classic 1989 side-scrolling shoot 'em up developed by Nichibutsu, will soon debut on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Known to international fans as 'Sky Robo,' this vibrant arcade title is scheduled to hit the Nintendo Switch eShop on April 17th, followed by a PS4 release on April 19th, as confirmed by Japanese gaming publication Famitsu. Originally launched in arcades in 1989, Tatakae! Big Fighter represents a landmark moment in Nichibutsu's development legacy.

Renowned for their pioneering contributions to early arcade game design, Nichibutsu—formally Nihon Bussan Co., Ltd.—crafted this shoot 'em up as their final foray into the genre before shifting their focus to strip mahjong games in the 1990s.

Tatakae! Big Fighter stands out for its unique gameplay combination, allowing players to pilot a spaceship that transforms into a formidable robot.

The game is further distinguished by its array of power-ups, which enhance the ship's speed and weaponry, offering a fresh twist on side-scrolling action. The re-release of Tatakae! Big Fighter is part of Hamster Corporation’s ongoing Arcade Archives series, acclaimed for bringing classic coin-op experiences to current-generation hardware like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Since acquiring Nichibutsu’s video game library, Hamster has preserved and reintroduced 23 titles, including arcade hallmarks such as Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta, enriching the availability of Japanese arcade heritage for players globally. The transition of Nichibutsu’s catalog to modern consoles marks a significant chapter in Japanese gaming history.

After several decades in the arcade industry, Nichibutsu's parent company, Nihon Bussan, exited original game development in the 2000s and officially closed in 2015.

Before shuttering, founder Sueharu Torii ensured these arcade classics would endure by selling their video game rights to Hamster, facilitating their renaissance on digital storefronts like the Nintendo Switch eShop. Hamster’s work has been widely praised for its fidelity to the original arcade experience and the preservation of vintage gameplay, allowing both newcomers and longtime fans to experience these titles as they were meant to be played.

With Tatakae! Big Fighter joining the extensive Arcade Archives collection, gamers and collectors alike can look forward to revisiting one of Nichibutsu’s defining moments on the Nintendo Switch and PS4 this April.

Nintendo Switch Tatakae! Big Fighter Sky Robo Nichibutsu Hamster Arcade Archives PS4 Nintendo Switch