Key Highlights:
- Ridge Racer (1993 arcade original) lands on PS5, PS4 and Switch 2 on 5th June 2025.
- Arcade Archives 2 port features Time Attack mode, VRR, rewind, and multi-save.
- First-ever home release of the arcade version, not the PS1 port.
The original arcade Ridge Racer, a cornerstone of 90s racing heritage, is officially making its way to PlayStation consoles for the first time ever.
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Releasing on 5th June 2025, the newly remastered version will be available for both PS5 and PS4, marking a significant moment for long-time fans of the iconic franchise.
It’s also being released on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which happens to be making its debut on June 5th coincidentally.
This version of Ridge Racer is not a re-release of the PlayStation 1 port, this is the full-fat 1993 arcade version that ran on Namco’s powerful System 22 hardware. Unlike the PS1 version, which featured lower resolution textures and a reduced frame rate to fit the home console’s specs, this re-release captures the game in its original visual fidelity with support for modern enhancements.
This will be the first time players at home can experience Ridge Racer in its arcade-perfect form without emulators or ROM hacks.
What’s New in Arcade Archives 2
Developer Hamster Corporation has added several improvements under its new Arcade Archives 2 label.
Exclusive to the PS5 version but also partially available on PS4, the update introduces:
- Time Attack Mode: Race the clock rather than the scoreboard, with pure speed as your only metric.
- Multiple Save Slots: Unlike older versions with a single save, you now have multiple states to preserve progress or experiments.
- Rewind Feature: Allows players to retry sections instantly, a game-changer for mastering tight corners.
- Quick Start: Bypass menus and dive right into the action.
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Ensures smooth gameplay that closely mimics the feel of the original arcade cabinet.
These quality-of-life additions elevate the gameplay without compromising the authenticity of the source material.
A Timely Return Amid Dormancy
Ridge Racer has been absent from the gaming scene for over a decade.
The last major title, Ridge Racer Unbounded (2012), was a combat-heavy spinoff developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Free-to-Play Ridge Racer Driftopia had a closed beta and hit early access, but ultimately got shutdown on August 15th 2014.
Since then, the franchise has remained mostly silent, with only a few mobile adaptations, none of which captured the spirit of the arcade originals.
This release isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a reminder of what made Namco’s racer so influential.
The 1993 version introduced real-time texture mapping and smooth 3D rendering, which were revolutionary at the time and made it a staple in arcades globally.
Will This Spark a Revival?
Although Namco itself is not directly involved in this re-release, the renewed attention on Ridge Racer may spark discussions about reviving the series.
With Hamster already having ported other Namco racers like Pole Position and Rally-X, the hope is that Ridge Racer 2, Rave Racer, and even Ridge Racer Type 4 could follow.
Given the increasing interest in arcade preservation and retro authenticity, this release may act as a litmus test for broader franchise demand. This is more than just a retro re-release, it’s a long-overdue homecoming for one of racing’s most important arcade entries.
With its June launch, Ridge Racer on PS5, PS4 and Nintendo Switch is one long road worth racing down.