Konami Announces 13-Game Goemon Collection for Switch, PS5, PC

Konami and game developer M2 have announced Ganbare Goemon Daishuugo, a collection of 13 retro games from the Ganbare Goemon series. The package will launch on July 2, 2026, in Japan for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam. The news came during a Japanese Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.

Background

The Ganbare Goemon series started in 1986 on the Famicom, Nintendo's version of the NES in Japan. Goemon is a thief based on a real historical figure from Japan's Edo period. He fights enemies in wild, funny stories full of Japanese culture mixed with modern jokes. The games mix action, adventure, and role-playing elements. Many early titles stayed only in Japan and never came west. A few later ones, like The Legend of the Mystical Ninja on Super Nintendo, did reach other countries. Those versions changed names and added local touches.

Over the years, the series grew with spin-offs and side stories. It jumped from Famicom to Super Famicom and handheld Game Boy systems. Players control Goemon and his sidekick Ebisumaru as they rescue princesses, battle robots, and explore mazes. The humor comes from parodies of samurai films, pop culture, and even other video games. Konami stopped making new Goemon games after the early 2000s, but fans kept asking for revivals. This collection marks the 40th anniversary of the first game.

M2, the studio behind the project, specializes in porting old games to new hardware. They handle things like Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Sega Ages titles. Their work keeps the originals faithful while adding modern fixes.

Key Details

Ganbare Goemon Daishuugo packs 13 games from three eras: Famicom, Super Famicom, and Game Boy. Here is the full list:

• Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Douchuu (Famicom, 1986, action)
• Ganbare Goemon 2 (Famicom, 1989, action)
• Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Oogon Kiseru (Famicom, 1990, RPG)
• Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyuushutsu Emaki (Super Famicom, 1991, action)
• Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru! (Game Boy, 1991, action)
• Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2: Tenka no Zaihou (Famicom, 1992, RPG)
• Ganbare Goemon 2: Kiteretsu Shougun McGuiness (Super Famicom, 1993, action)
• Ganbare Goemon 3: Shishi Juurokube no Karakuri Manjigatame (Super Famicom, 1994, action adventure)
• Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Douchuu: Boku ga Dancer ni Natta Wake (Super Famicom, 1995, side-scrolling action)
• Soreyuke Ebisumaru! Karakuri Meiro – Kieta Goemon no Nazo!! (Super Famicom, 1996, action puzzle)
• Ganbare Goemon: Kurofune Tou no Nazo (Game Boy, 1997, action)
• Ganbare Goemon: Tengu-tou no Gyakushuu! (Game Boy Color, 1999, RPG)
• Ganbare Goemon: Seikuushi Dynamites Arawaru!! (Game Boy Color, 2000, action)

New Features Added

The collection includes tools to make old games easier to play today. Players get rewind to undo mistakes, quick save anywhere, turbo buttons for faster action, and rapid fire for shooting. A music player lets users listen to soundtracks from all games. There is also a gallery with scans of the original instruction manuals.

It will cost 5,478 yen in Japan, about $36 USD. Digital versions go on all platforms. Physical copies come for Switch and PS5. Konami plans a limited edition with extra items like art or collectibles, but details remain small for now.

"This collection brings together the early adventures of Goemon that shaped the series," said a Konami representative during the announcement.

The trailer showed gameplay from several titles, highlighting the mix of platforming, combat, and puzzles.

What This Means

This release gives Japanese players easy access to hard-to-find games. Many originals are rare cartridges that cost hundreds of dollars now. Emulation by M2 means smooth play on modern screens without slowdowns or glitches. For fans outside Japan, it raises hopes for a global version. Past collections like Super Bomberman R showed Konami sometimes brings Japan-only titles west later. No word yet on English support or worldwide launch.

The timing fits Nintendo's push for retro content on Switch. Recent Directs featured ports of old hits. Konami's focus on collections continues with this after other packs like Castlevania. It could spark interest in later Goemon games like the N64 titles, which mixed 3D worlds with mini-games. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon on N64 and its sequel remain fan favorites without modern re-releases.

Physical editions may draw collectors. Limited stock often sells out fast in Japan. Online stores could ship worldwide, letting fans import copies. Steam version opens the door for PC players used to emulators. Save states and rewind fix common complaints about tough 8- and 16-bit games.

Goemon's return reminds players of Nintendo's rich handheld history. Game Boy titles in the pack cover action and RPG styles from the pocket console's peak years. As Switch nears its later days with Switch 2 rumors, bundles like this keep the library growing. Konami gains from nostalgia sales while testing demand for more Goemon content.