System 3's The Last Ninja Collection Faces Delayed Console Release Due to Rising Sun Flag Controversy

System 3’s highly anticipated The Last Ninja Collection + Bonus Games, a compilation spanning the legendary Last Ninja series and a selection of classic arcade titles, is set to launch on PC via Steam on November 27, 2025.

This news comes as the developer confirmed the official release date for the long-awaited collection, which will also include titles such as The Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Last Ninja 3, Ninja Remix, International Karate, IK+, and Bangkok Knights.

Originally crowdfunded through Kickstarter last year, the collection was promised for a wide range of platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. However, console fans looking forward to reliving these classic action and fighting games will encounter an extended wait.

According to a recent update shared by System 3 on Kickstarter, unforeseen obstacles have delayed the release of The Last Ninja Collection + Bonus Games on consoles.

Notably, the company reported that Nintendo has raised significant concerns about the inclusion of the Rising Sun flag artwork as it appears in Last Ninja 3. The Rising Sun flag, which dates back centuries, was notably used by the Imperial Japanese military during World War II.

Because of this association, the symbol has become a subject of controversy, particularly in countries that experienced Japanese occupation, such as South Korea.

Major video game publishers like Capcom have previously modified or removed this imagery from their titles to avoid causing offense in globally diverse markets. Faced with this challenge, System 3 initially considered two solutions: either removing the Amiga version of Last Ninja 3 from the cartridge entirely or seeking an exemption from Nintendo’s requirements.

However, in a subsequent update, the developer has outlined a new approach that aims to balance historical authenticity and regional sensitivities.

System 3 now plans to restrict access to the contentious title only in specific territories where the Rising Sun flag is likely to provoke strong objections, with South Korea identified as a primary example.

The company stated that this new plan is designed to honor nuanced regional standards while preserving the full legacy of the series in other parts of the world. System 3 is currently awaiting final approval from Nintendo, after which physical production for the Nintendo Switch version will commence.

Until this process is complete, the release of The Last Ninja Collection + Bonus Games on all consoles—including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S—remains delayed.

PC players, however, will be able to access the collection on Steam as planned this November. In parallel, System 3 has also announced an upcoming collection titled James Pond Legacy: The Pond Is Not Enough, which features emulated versions of the classic underwater platformer series for Sega, SNES, and Amiga systems.

This announcement drew additional attention due to promotional artwork that appeared to be AI-generated—a recurring issue previously noted with the company’s marketing materials. For ongoing updates on System 3’s retro collections and Nintendo Switch news, stay tuned to all major gaming news platforms and the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PC Switch consoles System 3 The Last Ninja The Last Ninja Collection Steam PS4 PS5 Xbox Series X|S Amiga Capcom James Pond Legacy International Karate IK+ Bangkok Knights Kickstarter