Viper Phase 1 Joins Arcade Archives on Nintendo Switch and PS4: Classic Shooter Launches December 12

Arcade classic enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Seibu Kaihatsu’s legendary shoot-‘em-up, Viper Phase 1, lands on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 this week.

The highly anticipated release, arriving on December 12, 2024, is made possible by Hamster Corporation’s ongoing Arcade Archives series, which continually delivers acclaimed arcade titles to modern platforms through the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store. Originally launched in arcades in 1995, Viper Phase 1 was engineered for the advanced Seibu SPI arcade hardware, offering smooth gameplay and impressive visuals for its time.

This vertical scrolling shooter put players at the helm of a powerful space fighter, tasked with defending Earth against a formidable rebel uprising.

Notably, Viper Phase 1 serves as a spiritual predecessor to the popular Raiden Fighters series, further cementing its legacy within the classic arcade shooter genre. One remarkable aspect of this Arcade Archives release is its inclusion of both original versions of Viper Phase 1.

In its initial form, the game featured limited secondary weapon ammunition, adding a strategic layer for players to manage.

A later revision tweaked this mechanic by granting players infinite use of secondary weapons, albeit with reduced power to maintain balance.

Both iterations are faithfully preserved in this new edition, allowing fans and new players to experience the game as it evolved during its arcade lifespan. Hamster Corporation, acclaimed for reviving and porting arcade legends, continues its commitment to authenticity.

"Bringing Viper Phase 1 to consoles represents an important milestone, as the game never received an official home release during its original era," the publisher noted in a statement.

This release marks Viper Phase 1’s first official debut on home consoles, expanding access for long-time fans and collectors alike. Viper Phase 1 joins a robust lineup of arcade classics on the Nintendo Switch and PS4 platforms, reinforcing the Arcade Archives’ mission to preserve and celebrate video game history.

Interested players can download the game starting December 12, 2024, via the Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store.

With faithful emulation, dual-version access, and the nostalgia of 1990s arcade action, this release is poised to resonate with genre devotees and new enthusiasts eager to experience Seibu Kaihatsu’s timeless space shooter.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Hamster Corporation Arcade Archives Hamster PS4 arcade console Arcade Seibu Kaihatsu Viper Phase 1 Raiden