Battle Arena Toshinden Trilogy Set for Modern Console Release by Edia

Celebrating three decades since its original debut, the Battle Arena Toshinden series is set for a major comeback on modern consoles.

Japanese publisher Edia has officially secured the rights from Takara Tomy to bring the first three entries of this iconic 3D fighting franchise to new hardware, marking a significant moment for retro gaming fans and followers of Japanese fighting game history. Battle Arena Toshinden first launched in 1995 as a key title in the PlayStation 1's early lineup.

Renowned at the time for its impressive polygonal graphics, the game was intended to showcase the technical capabilities of Sony's new platform.

Despite receiving some criticism for its relatively shallow gameplay compared to contemporaries, Battle Arena Toshinden quickly gained a following.

Its impact was significant enough to spawn two direct sequels—Battle Arena Toshinden 2 (1995) and Battle Arena Toshinden 3 (1996)—all of which will be included in Edia’s upcoming release. These titles weren’t confined to the PS1; the series was also ported to the Sega Saturn, MS-DOS, and Game Boy, expanding its reach beyond Sony's console.

However, the fourth installment of the series, which was released exclusively in Japan and Europe, is not part of Edia’s current porting plans. In an official statement, Edia announced, "We will begin developing ports of the contracted titles for current consoles, aiming for release between fiscal 2026 and 2027.

Leveraging our expertise in retro game commercialisation, we aim to go beyond straight ports and develop products that fans old and new can truly enjoy.

Updates on the product lineup and additional details will be shared as soon as they are decided." Edia’s extensive experience in revitalizing classic Japanese titles suggests that this collection could deliver both faithful reproductions and possible enhancements tailored to today’s expectations.

The move comes at a time when interest in retro games has surged, and classic franchises are being rediscovered by contemporary audiences—especially on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop. With its 30th anniversary as a milestone, the Battle Arena Toshinden trilogy's return reflects a broader trend of publishers re-introducing foundational gaming experiences to new generations.

As Edia works towards a fiscal 2026-2027 release window, fans can anticipate a revival of one of the PlayStation era’s earliest and most visually ambitious fighters—this time with the potential for modern enhancements and broader accessibility.

Edia Takara Tomy Tomy Arena Battle Arena Toshinden Nintendo Switch PlayStation Game Boy Sega Saturn MS-DOS