Classic Arcade Thrills Emerge: Namco’s 1996 Racer Aqua Jet Gets First Home Release

In a thrilling development for retro gaming enthusiasts, Namco’s classic 1996 arcade racer, Aqua Jet, has finally received its first-ever home release this week. The game, which has been locked away in arcades for nearly three decades, is now available on a wide range of platforms thanks to retro specialist Hamster Corporation’s Arcade Archives and Arcade Archives 2 series. This long-awaited port brings the high-speed jet ski action to a new generation of players, while offering a wave of nostalgia for those who remember its large, jet ski-style cabinet.

Aqua Jet was originally a technological showcase for Namco’s System Super 22 hardware, which delivered stunning texture-mapped polygonal graphics and a high frame rate for its time. The original cabinet was a major part of the experience, with players standing on a large, tilting jet ski controller and feeling gusts of wind to simulate speed. While the home console versions can’t replicate the physical hardware, they faithfully reproduce the core racing experience, from the shimmering waves to the resort-like courses and the challenging, unforgiving gameplay.

The game’s arrival is part of a growing trend of preserving arcade history, a mission Hamster Corporation has been dedicated to for years. The company recently launched its new Arcade Archives 2 series, which has already brought the first home releases of the original arcade versions of Ridge Racer and Air Combat 22. The new series enhances the classic experience with additional features, including a Time Attack Mode, multiple save slots, and a rewind function—all designed to make these vintage gems more accessible and enjoyable for a modern audience.

The release is split across two product lines to accommodate different console generations. Arcade Archives AQUA JET is available for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, while the more feature-rich Arcade Archives 2 AQUA JET is available for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S. The newer version boasts a slightly higher price point, but a discounted upgrade path is available for players who purchase the older-gen version and later upgrade their console.

While some modern players might find the game’s difficulty and straightforward design a sharp contrast to today’s expansive racers, Aqua Jet’s charm lies in its simplicity and raw arcade feel. It’s a game built for short, intense bursts of play, where every turn and jump matters. Its pick-up-and-play nature is perfect for quick sessions, and the inclusion of online leaderboards in both versions allows players to compete against one another for high scores, reigniting the competitive spirit of the original arcade days.

The long-overdue home release of Aqua Jet is a testament to the enduring appeal of 1990s arcade gaming. It’s a significant moment for video game preservation and a welcome addition to any retro gamer’s library. Hamster Corporation continues to prove its value by ensuring that these historic titles are not lost to time, but rather celebrated and enjoyed by new and old fans alike.