Psycho Dream Comes to Nintendo Switch With First Official English Translation

Ratalaika Games has officially announced the return of a cult classic: the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s (SNES) Psycho Dream will be released for the Nintendo Switch in 2024, making its debut with a brand-new English translation.

This marks the first time international audiences will be able to experience the side scrolling action-adventure in their native tongue, a significant moment for fans of retro gaming and Japanese imports.

Psycho Dream, developed by Riot and first launched in 1992, quickly became known among collectors as one of the SNES’s lesser-known gems, famed for its surreal storylines and atmospheric design. Set in a dystopian future, Psycho Dream immerses players in a society beset by a dangerous new trend among youth.

Many have begun to seek escape from reality through "DMovies," an innovative form of virtual entertainment that allows viewers to enter and participate in cinematic worlds.

The government, alarmed by a series of disappearances and fatal consequences for those lost in these digital realms—referred to as "Sinkers"—establishes a special task force called the Diamond Dogs.

Gamers take on the roles of agents Ryo and Maria who are tasked with rescuing a young girl, Sayaka, from being trapped within a DMovie, racing against time to save her before it’s too late. Speaking to the press, Ratalaika Games highlighted the importance of accessibility in this new release, stating that their aim is to "make classic titles available to a broader audience while maintaining the authenticity of the original experience." For the first time, Western players will be able to enjoy the full narrative and design elements that made Psycho Dream unique in the Japanese market. The Switch edition of Psycho Dream is more than a straightforward port.

Fully optimized for Nintendo’s hybrid console, the release will include a number of modern quality-of-life enhancements, such as: - Six stages replete with fast-paced action and nightmare-inspired creatures - Two playable characters, each with unique abilities and attack styles - Rewind and turbo functions, allowing players to correct mistakes or accelerate gameplay - Save state system for session flexibility - Multiple screen filters emulating classic CRT displays and other visual styles - Image gallery featuring original game manuals and box art - Cheats for infinite lives and invulnerability - A jukebox with all 13 original music tracks Psycho Dream had previously appeared on the Nintendo Switch Online’s Super Nintendo library, although only in its original Japanese version.

The new eShop release, complete with its official English text, represents Ratalaika Games’ ongoing commitment to preserving retro titles for modern platforms.

With classic franchises gaining renewed interest and digital preservation becoming essential for gaming heritage, Psycho Dream’s arrival on Nintendo Switch is both timely and noteworthy.

Retro enthusiasts and new players alike can look forward to experiencing this unique blend of action, narrative, and haunting atmosphere.

Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for the official release later this year.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SNES Switch Xbox Series X|S Ratalaika Games English Psycho Dream Nintendo eShop Diamond Dogs DMovies