Hamster's Arcade Archives helps nostalgia

Your menu when it comes to an Arcade Archives or ACA Neo-Geo. Playing on Switch. (Screenshot taken using Elgato Game Capture HD60.)

        Hamster corporation has a dedicated video game lineup titled Arcade Archives. From here, long lost retro arcade titles are brought back under the lineup and does some things extra. Not only that but a sub-brand dedicated to the Neo-Geo games titled ACA Neo-Geo. Arcade Archives and ACA Neo-Geo have been releasing retro arcade titles, especially the lost ones on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows 10, and Nintendo Switch. These titles don't just get re-released on the eShop, PSStore, or Xbox and Windows 10 marketplaces. They come equipped with multiple regional versions so you the play with the differences. Also they do come with instruction manuals helping you out with controls of the game and the features of the game. King of Fighters 2003's manual has a moves list for every character. These Arcade Archives titles are helping retro games and gaming in ways as there are elephants in the room we need squashing as I love the Neo-Geo and I will mention them a lot in this post.

This guy is excited. Game is Zupapa, Part of the Switch lineup. (Screenshot taken using Elgato Game Capture HD60.)

Differences between Arcade Archives and Retro Mini Consoles (SNES Classic, Genesis Mini, etc.)?

        If you have a console plugged into a TV or you have Windows 10, Arcade Archives is definitely a worth a look. If you do not have a console or you want something plugged in your bedroom to play on because your console is in another room, then the retro mini consoles might as well be the cheapest and quick ways. Not saying those Retro Mini Consoles are not must haves as they are really essential due to the convenience caused by them being easy mini plug and play systems with pre-installed games and you will end up needing one in the future. As a matter of fact Neo-Geo Minis are around $100 as if you to match the number the games the same as the 40 games included would cost more. We are talking about $7.99 each title, so 40 ACA NeoGeo titles would give you the ability to pick your own Neo-Geo lineup but you are going to pay $319.16 unless you wait for titles to go on sale. While Neo-Geo Mini is cheaper even due to discounts. The Arcade Archives lineup on your Switch gives you already the portability and home entertainment just the same except ACA Neo-Geo has seen more than 40 titles on the eShop.

So much for days of scoring strikes when I was playing this. Game is League Bowling, part of the lineup as well. (Screenshot taken using Elgato Game Capture HD60.)

Nobody is perfect.

        There are a few issues with the lineup along a few things to know about. First off, we are talking about arcade versions which means no practice modes unless included in the arcade release. Also, if you are connected to the internet, your game will load faster as if you don't, the game would load longer. This is because Arcade Archives is known for having online leader boards so when your session ends, you have the option of submitting. Also, your settings reset to default in every startup because your settings will hardly save. Those are a few flaws I managed to find as I were have no additional issues with playing the games.

Arcade Sticks have more meaning alongside fighting games!

        Your QANBA and Hori sticks give you the retro arcade feel if you were to play anything in Arcade Archives or ACA Neo-Geo. Hell, you might as well make your Arcade Cabinet with dock for your Nintendo Switch to implemented. We are going to see a future where we see DIY arcade sticks thanks to not only SNK and their Neo-Geo Mini and Arcade Stick Pro games but Hamster Corp and their lineup as well.  

Game is Money Puzzle Exchanger. (Screenshot taken using Elgato Game Capture HD60.)

We are talking about lost arcade titles.

        That is right. Let's take a look at Money Puzzle Exchanger, a Magical Drop like puzzle game that revolves around money and financing....and magical girls. I never even heard of it and I have not seen a Neo-Geo cabinet that carries such game. However, Hamster Corp brought it to the Nintendo Switch selection. I managed to do a video on that game on my YouTube Channel. If we are talking about King of Fighters 2003, this is way more long and lost compared to 2002. Finally, when Samurai Shodown V Special made debut on PC, PS4, and PSV, Hamster managed to bring it to the Switch as a temporary thing to scratch your itch until there is a release date for that Samurai Shodown collection coming Consoles and PC. I wonder where is that collection?

        If you were to do a drinking game as to take a shot at every time I talk about Neo-Geo, you would be drunk right now. Let's be honest. The point here is that Hamster Corp has been doing a consistently good job getting these arcade classics to become discovered again. For that, that is something I can salute.

IF YOU WISH TO SEE A LIST OF ARCADE GAMES RELEASED IN THEIR LINEUP, GO TO THEIR WEBSITE AT http://www.hamster.co.jp/american_hamster/arcadearchives/ (Make sure your console is picked by checking the drop box on the top right.)

IF YOU WISH TO SEE THE LIST FOR ACA NEOGEO, GO THERE AS WELL: http://www.hamster.co.jp/american_hamster/arcadearchives/title_list_ng.htm (Make sure your console is picked by checking the drop box on the top right.)