Taito’s Classic 'Midnight Landing' Makes Console Debut with Arcade Archives Release on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S

Taito’s celebrated arcade flight simulator, ‘Midnight Landing,’ is soaring onto modern platforms for the first time as part of Hamster’s renowned Arcade Archives series.

Originally released in arcades in 1987, Midnight Landing introduced players to the thrills of nighttime commercial flight, cementing Taito’s legacy as a pioneer in simulation games.

Now, decades later, the classic title lands on the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with the digital release set for Thursday, October 23rd. Developed by industry stalwarts Taito, Midnight Landing was groundbreaking at its debut, launching a franchise of flight simulations including ‘Top Landing’ (1988), ‘Landing Gear’ (1995), and ‘Landing High Japan’ (1999).

The arcade cabinet itself was designed to mimic a commercial airliner cockpit, complete with a flight yoke, throttle, and the signature Taito Airlines branding.

This immersive setup allowed players to experience the tension and precision required to land an airliner in challenging nighttime conditions, relying solely on rows of runway lights rendered in authentic yellow hues. Game mechanics task players with monitoring wind speed, direction, and controlling descent, aiming for a successful touchdown rewarded by an in-game confirmation and an alternative replay perspective.

While not as complex as later flight simulators, Midnight Landing’s innovative use of visuals and controls paved the way for its successors and holds a nostalgic appeal for both enthusiasts of Taito and fans of arcade history. Hamster, the publisher behind Arcade Archives, emphasized the historical importance of this release, noting that Midnight Landing has never before been officially available on home consoles.

This marks a significant expansion of accessibility for retro gaming fans and preservationists alike. The digital edition is priced at $7.99 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, with versions for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S available at $9.99.

Additionally, an upgrade pathway is offered, allowing Switch and PS4 owners to move to the next-generation versions for a fee of $2.99.

All versions can be purchased via their respective digital storefronts, including the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store. With this release, Taito’s Midnight Landing takes its rightful place in the growing pantheon of reissued arcade classics, ensuring new generations of players can experience a key chapter in the evolution of flight simulation and arcade gaming.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PS5 Xbox Series X Xbox Switch Arcade Archives Xbox Series X|S PS4 Taito arcade Xbox Series consoles X S Arcade Xbox X|S Hamster Midnight Landing Switch 2 Taito Airlines