Hamster is bringing a 1987 arcade classic to modern consoles this week, giving retro gamers immediate access to Karnov on current-generation hardware. The release lands on September 10, allowing players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and Switch to jump back into the action. This multi-platform rollout ensures that owners of both legacy and next-gen systems can experience the Data East title without waiting for separate updates.
Hamster ports 1987 Data East classic to five platforms with enhanced features
The game arrives in two distinct digital formats, with the version tailored for newer systems labeled Arcade Archives 2. Hamster states, "Rise, brave Karnov! Defeat the Emperor of Darkness! Karnov is an action game released by Data East in 1987." This framing highlights the historical significance of the port while confirming the developer and original release year for context.
Arcade Archives 2 versions for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 cost $9.99 USD (around $9.99) or 1,100 JPY (around $7.12). These editions include Variable Refresh Rate support and a new Time Attack Mode alongside standard features like rewind and rapid-fire. The older Arcade Archives versions for PS4 and Switch are priced lower at $7.99 USD (around $7.99) or 838 JPY (around $5.43). Players who already own the standard version can upgrade to the enhanced edition for $2.99 USD (around $2.99) or 330 JPY (around $2.14).
Both versions feature online rankings and multiple save slots to enhance the competitive and casual play experience. We looked at Arcade Archives Cyber Cycles Launches August earlier while tracking similar retro ports on modern hardware. The upgrade path allows users to move from the basic package to the enhanced version without repurchasing the entire game. This structure supports players who start on older consoles but plan to migrate to newer systems later.
The game is available for purchase on all listed platforms starting September 10. Buyers can choose the standard or enhanced version based on their current hardware and desired features. The upgrade option provides a clear path for existing owners to access additional functionality. This release completes the multi-system launch for the title across the major current and previous generation consoles.
Source: Arcade Archives Karnov, Gematsu
