Ape Escape 3 Vinyl Soundtrack Announced by Cartridge Thunder: Pre-Orders Now Live Worldwide

Cartridge Thunder Announces First-Ever Vinyl Release for Ape Escape 3 Soundtrack by Soichi Terada In an exciting development for video game music enthusiasts and collectors, Chicago-based label Cartridge Thunder has officially opened pre-orders for the first vinyl release of Soichi Terada’s renowned soundtrack for Ape Escape 3.

Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2005 and internationally in 2006, Ape Escape 3 is a celebrated entry in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s beloved platforming franchise.

This vinyl box set marks a historic moment, offering fans and audiophiles a new way to experience the game’s vibrant music. Ape Escape 3 is best known for its inventive gameplay and its eclectic, energetic score by Japanese composer Soichi Terada.

The third mainline title and eighth overall in the Ape Escape series, the game follows twin protagonists Kei and Yumi (known as Satoru and Sayaka in Japan/Europe) as they work to thwart the nefarious Specter and his monkey minions from carrying out a world-domination scheme via a movie-making plot.

Terada’s soundtrack brings the adventure to life, weaving together infectious drum-and-bass rhythms and genre-bending tracks inspired by Westerns, kung-fu epics, and space operas. Cartridge Thunder’s new 4-LP box set will be the soundtrack’s vinyl debut and is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2026.

Fans can secure their copy now for $90.00 through the Cartridge Thunder website, with additional pre-order options available from international partners including Black Screen Records (Europe), Rush Hour Music (Europe), Pixel Crib (Australia), Disk Union (Japan), and Very Ok Vinyl (Canada).

This global distribution ensures that collectors worldwide can add this coveted set to their libraries. The box set showcases stunning visual presentation, featuring four colored vinyl records in translucent violet, ice, blue, and orange, all housed in a hardcover slipcase.

Included is original key art and renders from the Ape Escape creators, making it a must-have collector’s edition.

Renowned engineer Justin Perkins of Mystery Room Mastering has carefully remastered the tracks using Soichi Terada’s premastered source files, ensuring an optimal listening experience tailored specifically for vinyl. A representative from Cartridge Thunder emphasized the significance of this release, stating that the team has collaborated closely with the game’s original creators and Terada to present the soundtrack as authentically as possible.

The set will deliver fan-favorite tracks such as "Mount Amazing," "Kung-Fu Alley," and "Specter's Theme" across eight meticulously curated sides—each celebrating the playful and innovative world of Ape Escape 3. This vinyl collection is poised to become a treasured addition for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers discovering its acclaimed music.

Pre-orders are open now, and more details—including the full track listing and ordering information—are available on the Cartridge Thunder website and participating retailers.

Shipments are expected to begin in Q1 2026, giving fans plenty of time to anticipate this landmark release in video game music history.

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