R-Type Delta HD Boosted Launches on Nintendo Switch and Modern Platforms: Classic Shoot-'Em-Up Returns with Notable Changes
Earlier this year, Irem and City Connection announced R-Type Delta HD Boosted, an enhanced port of the beloved PlayStation 1 title, for contemporary consoles including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The opportunity to revisit this iconic shoot-‘em-up has stirred considerable enthusiasm among retro gaming fans and newcomers alike, especially since the original R-Type Delta commands high prices on the secondhand market.
For many, this new release presents a rare, cost-effective chance to experience the revered classic without relying on collectors’ pricing. R-Type Delta HD Boosted officially launched on Thursday, November 20th, with reviews published the same day.
The reception has been positive across major gaming outlets: Nintendo Life praised the port with a score of 9/10, while Push Square gave it a commendable 8/10.
However, despite the warm critical response, post-release feedback from the Japanese player community has highlighted some noteworthy concerns regarding technical and gameplay differences compared to the original version. Players on social media have reported issues such as missing visual effects and desynchronized audio, which they attribute to the new version’s absence of slowdown.
In the original PlayStation release, hardware limitations introduced slowdown during graphically intense scenes—such as the sequence before the end credits, where buildings gradually sink into space.
With HD Boosted’s smoother performance, these buildings now rapidly exit the screen, and the transition to the credits is accompanied by a sudden audio cut.
Additionally, some players have found the third stage "abnormally difficult" due in part to these gameplay tweaks. These changes are not accidental, as clarified by producer Nobuhiro Yoshikawa in an interview with Gamespark.
Yoshikawa noted that only about 60 to 70 percent of the original’s source code was preserved, requiring City Connection to fill in missing elements during development.
More notably, Yoshikawa explained that the removal of frame lag—a form of intentional slowdown—was based on feedback from original director Hiroya Kita, who previously suggested that the infamous PS1 slowdown was unintended.
Yoshikawa acknowledged this could alter how R-Type Delta HD Boosted feels compared to its predecessor but did not mention any adjustments planned for the game’s sound design in response. As of publication, neither Irem nor City Connection have officially responded to reports of missing effects or audio discrepancies, and it remains unclear if future patches will address these player concerns.
Clear River Games, responsible for R-Type Delta HD Boosted’s Western release, has been contacted for comment. With its launch on the Nintendo Switch and other modern hardware, R-Type Delta HD Boosted delivers a new chance to enjoy a shoot-‘em-up classic in high definition, though longtime players may notice differences in gameplay flow and presentation.
The title is available now through the Nintendo eShop and other digital storefronts, ensuring a wider audience can experience this influential entry in the R-Type series.
The opportunity to revisit this iconic shoot-‘em-up has stirred considerable enthusiasm among retro gaming fans and newcomers alike, especially since the original R-Type Delta commands high prices on the secondhand market.
For many, this new release presents a rare, cost-effective chance to experience the revered classic without relying on collectors’ pricing. R-Type Delta HD Boosted officially launched on Thursday, November 20th, with reviews published the same day.
The reception has been positive across major gaming outlets: Nintendo Life praised the port with a score of 9/10, while Push Square gave it a commendable 8/10.
However, despite the warm critical response, post-release feedback from the Japanese player community has highlighted some noteworthy concerns regarding technical and gameplay differences compared to the original version. Players on social media have reported issues such as missing visual effects and desynchronized audio, which they attribute to the new version’s absence of slowdown.
In the original PlayStation release, hardware limitations introduced slowdown during graphically intense scenes—such as the sequence before the end credits, where buildings gradually sink into space.
With HD Boosted’s smoother performance, these buildings now rapidly exit the screen, and the transition to the credits is accompanied by a sudden audio cut.
Additionally, some players have found the third stage "abnormally difficult" due in part to these gameplay tweaks. These changes are not accidental, as clarified by producer Nobuhiro Yoshikawa in an interview with Gamespark.
Yoshikawa noted that only about 60 to 70 percent of the original’s source code was preserved, requiring City Connection to fill in missing elements during development.
More notably, Yoshikawa explained that the removal of frame lag—a form of intentional slowdown—was based on feedback from original director Hiroya Kita, who previously suggested that the infamous PS1 slowdown was unintended.
Yoshikawa acknowledged this could alter how R-Type Delta HD Boosted feels compared to its predecessor but did not mention any adjustments planned for the game’s sound design in response. As of publication, neither Irem nor City Connection have officially responded to reports of missing effects or audio discrepancies, and it remains unclear if future patches will address these player concerns.
Clear River Games, responsible for R-Type Delta HD Boosted’s Western release, has been contacted for comment. With its launch on the Nintendo Switch and other modern hardware, R-Type Delta HD Boosted delivers a new chance to enjoy a shoot-‘em-up classic in high definition, though longtime players may notice differences in gameplay flow and presentation.
The title is available now through the Nintendo eShop and other digital storefronts, ensuring a wider audience can experience this influential entry in the R-Type series.
