Little Samson Returns: Limited Run Games Brings Rare NES Platformer to Nintendo Switch in 2026

Limited Run Games is set to revive the cult-classic NES side-scrolling platformer Little Samson for a new generation of players when the title lands on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

The return of this rare and widely sought-after game was revealed as part of Limited Run's 10th anniversary livestream, delivering exciting news for retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike. Originally developed by Takeru and published by Taito in 1992 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Little Samson is acclaimed among fans for its dynamic character-switching gameplay and the creative direction of Shinichi Yoshimoto, known for his previous work on Capcom titles such as Strider and Ghouls 'n Ghosts.

The game gives players control over four unique characters: Samson the hero, Kikira the fire-breathing dragon, Gamm the golem, and K.O.

the nimble mouse.

Each protagonist features distinctive mechanics—Kikira can exhale flames, Samson scales walls and throws bells, while players are free to swap between characters outside of the introductory stages.

The campaign spans 20 stages, culminating in a final boss accessible only on Normal difficulty settings. Over the years, Little Samson has achieved legendary status in the collector’s market, often cited as one of the most expensive NES titles, with some original cartridges fetching thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch version, powered by Limited Run Games' Carbon Engine, promises to make this previously elusive gem readily available to modern audiences via the Nintendo eShop. Bringing Little Samson to new hardware was no simple feat for Limited Run Games.

In a 2022 interview, CEO Josh Fairhurst described the significant licensing challenges involved, explaining that tracking down the rights required extensive outreach and negotiation spanning Taito and the original game owner.

Fairhurst remarked, "Securing the rights was a long and difficult journey, as it wasn't clear who actually held them.

After a lot of searching and communication with multiple parties, we were able to make it happen." While excitement around modern re-releases is high, Limited Run Games has recently faced scrutiny regarding the timing and quality of some physical products, with customer feedback addressing shipment delays and concerns over NES cartridge quality.

The company has acknowledged these issues and is actively working to improve both production processes and customer satisfaction. Little Samson’s highly anticipated 2026 release for the Nintendo Switch not only celebrates a forgotten classic but also signals the ongoing commitment of Limited Run Games to restoring pivotal titles from gaming history to accessible platforms.

Fans eager to revisit the adventure or experience it for the first time can look forward to its debut in the growing library of retro games available via Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Limited Run Games NES Rare Switch Xbox Series X|S Carbon Engine platformer Limited Run Xbox X|S Run Little Samson Shinichi Yoshimoto Taito Josh Fairhurst