If you're fond of retro sports titles, you'll be pleased to hear Hamster will soon release the 1987 arcade game, Tecmo Bowl, on the Nintendo Switch. This new entry in the Arcade Archives line, as the name suggests, was originally developed by the Japanese company Tecmo.
Nintendo fans are likely to be more familiar with the NES iteration of Tecmo Bowl, which has previously been released on multiple digital platforms including the Wii Shop, 3DS eShop and Wii U eShop. The original cabinet version was last added to the Virtual Console Arcade line on the Wii in 2009.
It's a nice change of pace to have a slightly rarer retro release on its way to the Switch eShop. Apart from a number of gameplay differences to the NES version, one other bonus of the arcade release is improved visuals – with a larger colour palette and more detailed sprite work. For more information about this game, take a look at our review.
Let us know in the comments if this is one of the classic games you've been wanting to play on your Switch.
[source japanesenintendo.com]
Comments 29
Hell yeah!!! I’ve never played this version!! Can’t wait!!!
I used to play this in the arcade just because I love the dual screen.
Is there a consensus about this version? Aside from the graphics mentioned in this article, are there significant gameplay differences versus the NES release? I know I like the NES game, but haven't tried the arcade game.
People seem to love the nes game and think this game is too basic. But I like simple games and it's four players so I'm in.
@MotionMan Same! So excited to get this finally. Huge TB fan.
@PBandSmelly There are literally 10's of us.
This is a day 1 purchase for me for sure
I imagine there are more than 10’s. This is probably my favorite series of games. It’s definitely my favorite sports series with the exception of the really bad PlayStation game.
I remember in Wii days when it was announced Tecmo was bringing a football game out, I was so excited. Unfortunately, we got Family Fun Football.
I’ll definitely pick this one up.
@PBandSmelly i really loved playing Tecmo Bowl on NES and i’ve always known that there was an Arcade version. This is finally my chance to play it!!!
I remember Nintendo Power slamming this version, and I was confused on how this was even to be played.
Suffice to say, you may as well just stick with the NES game on Switch Online
I just want Tecmo Super Bowl (nes), soon. It's hard to back and play the original after being so accustomed to Super.
@MotionMan The NES one is far superior.
For those that don't know or haven't played, don't bother. The NES version is far superior.
A Tecmo Arcade Archives release? Then there's hope for a Ninja Gaiden arcade release in the future I pray. =X That was one of my favorite titles ever.
@Godlike_Virus you night want to check our the eshop tomorrow. Make sure to sort by "new"
@Koopatroop Ohh don't get me excited like that... 0.0 !!!
What about the Bubble Bowl?
@Koopatroop Duuude! I just now saw the article on here from the other day after doing a quick look up. =D !!!!! XD !!! AHHH!!! I'm giddy as F right now. Thank you for bringing that tease to my attention. I just really love this game, and other than Mortal Kombat and Pole Position, was the one arcade game I dropped the most quarters on to play. Not to mention rocking out to the soundtrack while I played. Thank you again, and to this site for upping that news piece the other day. m/m/
I only played the cabinet a few times back in the day, but played the NES ports endlessly. This is a must at some point. Off topic, but if you’re excited about this, Super Blood Hockey is probably right up your alley.
This arcade game was so advanced for its time. Not really comparable to the NES releases, but I'm glad its coming to the switch. FOOTBALL HEROES TURBO is like Super Tecmo and Baseball Stars rolled into one, so be sure to get that to scratch your NES Temco itch.
Like Contra, people prefer the NES version of this one cause it's just more fun on the NES. I too had never got into the arcade version so this will be worth checking out for me.
Tecmo Bowl is nice, but they really need to start releaseing the Irem games they keep teasing, particularly the 2 Image Fight games and R-Type Leo.
On a sidenote, i hope everyone here voted in the Twitter poll about the platforms R-Type Final 2 should hit.
I really really really want final lap 1&2 with 8 player option like vr racing.
No idea they had an arcade... I'll look into this. I enjoy the NES one and look forward to Tecmo Super Bowl, but I think the NFL license may disrupt that.
@MeloMan
Maybe they could just take out the player names and team names like in the NES game and the game that game out on DS. I would love to Tecmo Super Bowl again.
Tecmo Bowl arcade is really fun. Not quite as good as the NES version but still really fun.
They had this version on Wiiware. Glad to see it coming back. I know it lacks the NFL teams/players but it's a much better looking and sounding game and it plays differently.
Is this still coming out?
Tecmo Bowl on the NES was a certified classic. I'm glad to hear that HAMSTER is gonna port the arcade version of TB onto the Switch eShop. I'll look forward to purchase it when it's released on January 30th!
@Luigi_Skywalker Tecmo Bowl Arcade is gonna launch worldwide on January 30th.
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