Fray for Nintendo Switch: Classic PC-98 Action-RPG Returns via EGGCONSOLE Series

D4 Enterprise and Microcabin are reigniting nostalgia for classic Japanese games with the upcoming Nintendo Switch release of Fray, the beloved action-RPG that originally captivated PC-98 audiences.

Set for launch on July 3rd, 2025, Fray is the latest entry in the EGGCONSOLE series, D4 Enterprise’s initiative to revive and preserve retro gems for modern hardware. Originally debuting on the MSX computer in 1990, Fray was later ported to other Japanese computer platforms, including the PC-88 and PC-98, with the latter’s 1991 version now translated to the Nintendo Switch.

Fray stands out as a spin-off to Microcabin’s cult favorite RPG series Xak.

The game’s narrative follows its titular protagonist, Fray, a courageous young mage first introduced in the inaugural Xak title as a character rescued by series hero Latok Kart. In this action RPG, players rejoin Fray a few years after her debut, having just completed magical training and determined to prove her worth as an adventurer alongside Latok Kart.

Intent on supporting Latok’s latest journey, she travels to the village of Banuwa, only to discover he has already departed, prompting her to traverse the land in pursuit of his path. Described in updated promotional materials, Fray departs from the often serious tone of the main Xak games, opting instead for a lighter and more whimsical adventure.

Gameplay is presented from a top-down perspective: players can freely explore towns, while adventure stages employ upward-scrolling screens that move only as the player advances.

This design, which differs from the forced scrolling typical of certain shooting games, allows for a more relaxed style of play, complemented by mechanics such as charged attacks and jumping. The release of Fray for Nintendo Switch marks the first official opportunity for Western audiences to experience this PC-98 classic on a Nintendo platform.

It also highlights D4 Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to the EGGCONSOLE series, which already encompasses a variety of emulated titles originally released on MSX, MSX2, and PC-88 systems through Nintendo’s hardware. However, prospective players should be aware that, consistent with most EGGCONSOLE reissues, Fray will not feature an English translation of its original Japanese text.

Instead, the reissue will include English instructions, allowing international audiences to navigate the game’s controls and systems while still engaging with the authentic Japanese narrative.

While this approach provides a practical way for Western fans to experience a pivotal piece of Xak history, it does not represent a fully localized edition for English-speaking gamers. Fray’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch eShop on July 3rd, 2025, is poised to delight retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike, further enriching the expanding library of preserved Japanese classics accessible on Nintendo’s modern platforms.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PC Switch EGGCONSOLE D4 Enterprise English PC-98