Ys PC-8801 Classic Arrives on Nintendo Switch via EGGCONSOLE, Launching February 15 in Japan

Nihon Falcom’s Groundbreaking RPG, Ys, Comes to Nintendo Switch via EGGCONSOLE on February 15 in Japan Nihon Falcom’s celebrated action RPG, Ys, is officially set to launch on the Nintendo Switch platform, with the classic PC-8801 version making its debut in Japan on February 15, 2024.

This highly anticipated rerelease arrives as part of D4 Enterprises's EGGCONSOLE label, a brand known for delivering authentic, digital reissues of vintage Japanese games to contemporary hardware.

Fans in the West can expect access to the title through Nintendo’s eShop shortly after the Japanese release, as the distribution aims to reach a global audience of nostalgic RPG enthusiasts. Originally launched in 1987 for the PC-8801 home computer, Ys played a foundational role in establishing Nihon Falcom as one of Japan’s premier RPG developers.

The game introduced players to Adol Christin, a red-haired adventurer whose travels to discover the six mystical books of Ys and face the formidable Dark Fact have become legendary in gaming history.

While many Western players were first introduced to the Ys series through later ports, such as the Sega Master System version, or through internationally released sequels and remakes, the PC-8801 version is where the saga truly began. Unique Gameplay Sets Ys Apart from 1980s Contemporaries Ys set itself apart from other RPGs of its era by employing a distinctive “bump-action” combat system.

Instead of relying on traditional turn-based battles or an attack button, players defeat enemies by colliding directly into them on the overworld map.

This innovative mechanic contributed to the franchise’s reputation for fast-paced, accessible gameplay.

Subsequent Ys titles and remakes have refined and expanded on these core concepts, but the original’s charm and design remain influential. D4 Enterprises, through its EGGCONSOLE initiative, continues to preserve key chapters of Japanese gaming heritage by bringing classics like Ys to modern audiences.

The company has curated a lineup of titles that prioritize historical accuracy and faithful emulation, resonating with both longtime fans and new players eager to explore the origins of storied franchises. Release Details and Language Support As of the announcement, the EGGCONSOLE release of Ys for Nintendo Switch is guaranteed for Japan, with the official store page already live on the Japanese Nintendo eShop.

Western storefronts are anticipated to feature the game soon after.

However, prospective buyers should note that the game will retain its original Japanese text, with only the main menu and 'How to play' instructions available in English.

This decision ensures authenticity but may present accessibility challenges for those unfamiliar with the Japanese language. With its legacy cemented by decades of sequels, remasters, and a dedicated fanbase, Ys on the Nintendo Switch promises to be an essential piece of RPG history, available soon for a new generation via EGGCONSOLE’s digital platform.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Japan PC Switch Nihon Falcom EGGCONSOLE Falcom Ys