Ridge Racer's Arcade Debut Lands on Nintendo Switch: Original 'Texture Drive' Working Title Revealed

Bandai Namco's iconic racing classic, Ridge Racer, speeds onto modern platforms today as part of the esteemed Arcade Archives collection, bringing a pivotal moment in video game history to a new generation of players.

Originally launched in arcades in 1993, Ridge Racer quickly established itself as one of the most revolutionary coin-operated titles of its era, largely due to its groundbreaking use of texture mapping technology. When Ridge Racer was first introduced, the gaming world was transitioning from sprite-based visuals to true 3D graphics.

The game was among the first racing titles to leverage texture mapping, enhancing the realism and immersion of its tracks and environments.

Players experienced, for the first time, a driving world rendered with unprecedented depth and detail, marking a significant leap forward in the industry. Famously ported to the Sony PlayStation in late 1994, Ridge Racer helped cement the console's reputation as a powerhouse for 3D experiences.

Now, thanks to Hamster Corporation's Arcade Archives lineup, both Nintendo Switch and PS4 owners can rediscover the original arcade version, now available for download from the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store.

This release delivers faithful emulation, allowing veteran fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the technical achievements that defined the game's legacy. In a noteworthy development for gaming historians and enthusiasts, the game's previously undisclosed working title has recently surfaced.

Community discussion, notably highlighted by user ohfivepro on BlueSky, revealed that Ridge Racer was initially referred to as "Texture Drive" during its development.

This name encapsulates the game's historic role in pioneering texture mapping, a feature that contributed significantly to creating its lifelike visuals. Bandai Namco, formerly known as Namco at the time of Ridge Racer's original launch, has long been celebrated for advancing video game technology.

The enduring popularity of Ridge Racer is evidenced by its continued presence on modern consoles, allowing it to reach new milestones across generations.

With its arrival in the Arcade Archives catalog, Ridge Racer not only offers retro gaming fans a chance to revisit a classic, but also serves as a testament to the innovations that shaped 3D racing games as we know them today.

The addition of the original "Texture Drive" moniker sheds new light on the game's development history, underscoring its vital place in the evolution of video game graphics. Ridge Racer Arcade Archives is now available for purchase on Nintendo Switch via the eShop and on PS4, inviting players to experience firsthand what made this 1993 racing title an industry trailblazer.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Ridge Racer Bandai Namco Switch Arcade Archives PS4 Namco Bandai Nintendo eShop Texture Drive