Taito Releases R-Gear Prototype as Standalone Title on Nintendo Switch and PS4 in Japan

Taito Unveils Standalone Release of R-Gear Prototype on Nintendo Switch and PS4 in Japan In a notable development for retro gaming enthusiasts and shoot 'em up aficionados, Japanese developer and publisher Taito has officially released R-Gear—a long-shelved prototype previously included only as part of select bundles—individually on digital storefronts for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in Japan.

This marks the first time R-Gear has been made available as a standalone purchase, expanding accessibility for fans eager to experience its historic gameplay. R-Gear was initially intended as the sequel to the critically acclaimed 1994 arcade title RayForce, a foundational entry in Taito’s Ray series.

However, development was ultimately halted in favor of producing RayStorm, another celebrated installment within the series.

Until recently, R-Gear’s existence was largely confined to legend, with only a non-playable demo reel making a brief appearance on the promotional RAY-RAY CD-ROM in the 1990s.

The game remained unreleased for decades, only resurfacing in 2023 as a prototype bonus for pre-orders during Amazon Japan’s Prime Day promotion and select physical editions published by Strictly Limited Games in Western markets.

Consequently, digital purchasers were previously unable to access this rare piece of Taito history. The recent digital launch places R-Gear on the Japanese Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store, priced at 440 yen (approximately $3 USD or £2 GBP).

This new release allows a broader audience to experience the prototype outside of exclusive bundles.

At this time, a Steam version has not been announced, and no information is available regarding a potential standalone release for Western storefronts. According to the product’s official store page, R-Gear is essentially a one-stage demo, featuring original music newly recorded by TAMAYO, a former member of Taito’s legendary ZUNTATA sound team.

The game offers multiplayer capabilities and includes elements and gameplay mechanics that were later reused in RayStorm, providing insight into the creative evolution of the Ray series. Taito’s decision to bring R-Gear out of obscurity has been met with enthusiasm among the shoot 'em up community, many of whom view the release as a celebration of both the legacy of RayForce and the company’s pioneering role in arcade game development.

With its arrival on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, R-Gear’s prototype now secures a new generation of players eager to explore a previously lost chapter of arcade gaming history. For importers or fans with Japanese accounts, R-Gear is now available for immediate download.

Interested players are encouraged to stay tuned for any future announcements regarding global availability through channels such as Nintendo Direct or the PlayStation Blog.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo eShop PlayStation eShop Japan Switch PS4 Taito PlayStation Store R-Gear RayForce PlayStation 4 Ray'Z Arcade Chronology RayStorm Strictly Limited Games TAMAYO