Saiyuuki World II and Whomp'Em Return to Nintendo Switch in Official 2-in-1 Reissue

Saiyuuki World II, an iconic Famicom action-adventure title, alongside its North American alter-ego Whomp'Em, are making their official debut on the Nintendo Switch this week as part of a special 2-in-1 reissue.

Publisher City Connection confirmed that this dual package will launch worldwide on August 7, showcasing both the original Saiyuuki World II and its localized NES variant, Whomp'Em, in the latest installment of the JALECOlle Famicom retro series. First released in 1990 by Jaleco for the Famicom, Saiyuuki World II is the sequel to Saiyuuki World, a fan-favorite that originally drew inspiration from Wonder Boy in Monster Land.

The game continues the legendary journey of Sun Wukong, the fabled monkey king from Chinese mythology, on a quest to retrieve seven Celestial Beads stolen by the deity Mara.

This adventure quickly became a cult classic among Japanese gamers and retro collectors. In North America, the game found new life as Whomp'Em when it released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1991.

Rather than following Sun Wukong, Whomp'Em reimagined the narrative with Soaring Eagle, a Native American protagonist, who embarks on his own mission to recover totem items.

This reskin gave Western audiences a unique take on the original, while preserving the engaging gameplay mechanics and platforming elements that defined Saiyuuki World II. City Connection's latest collection features both versions in a single downloadable Nintendo Switch package, complete with an official English translation for Saiyuuki World II—the first time the original Japanese version has been localized for global audiences.

It also includes the NES conversion, allowing fans of retro gaming to experience both the authentic Famicom narrative and its classic Western adaptation. Beyond the base games, the 2-in-1 reissue brings several new quality-of-life features that enhance gameplay.

Players can access a new Attack Info screen to monitor acquired abilities and their effects, use a convenient UI element for tracking collected gourds (vital for increasing maximum health), and benefit from an updated icon that changes to a smiley face when treasure is nearby—improvements never before available in the original releases. Saiyuuki World II & Whomp'Em will be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop from August 7, priced at £7.19/$7.99.

Early purchasers can enjoy a 10% discount until August 20, or August 21 in the United States.

This reissue not only preserves Jaleco’s legacy for a new generation but also provides global access to a celebrated piece of gaming history.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo NES Switch Xbox Series X|S Famicom retro gaming Saiyuuki World Saiyuuki World II Whomp'Em City Connection JALECOlle Famicom Jaleco