Namco’s Arcade Oddity Armadillo Racing Makes Its Console Debut on PS5, with Trackball Support
Bandai Namco's obscure 1997 arcade racer Armadillo Racing is making its first-ever home console appearance, launching on PS5 and PS4 this week via Hamster's Arcade Archives series. The trackball-controlled title, originally built on the System Super 22 arcade board, tasks players with steering a rolled-up armadillo through various stages, and the release is notable for supporting select trackball controllers so players can experience the game as it was originally designed to be played.
The game arrives on 23rd July, priced at $16.99 on PS5 and $14.99 on PS4, with a $2.99 upgrade fee for PS4 owners wanting to move to the PS5 version. It includes a secret bowling minigame unlocked by finishing first, alongside Original, High Score and Caravan modes, plus an exclusive Time Attack mode on PS5. Ryoichi Kaku of Bandai Namco's Research Institute, a member of the original development team, described the 30-year re-release as personally meaningful and thanked fans for their continued support of the Arcade Archives series.
In short
- Armadillo Racing debuts on PS5 and PS4 on 23rd July
- Supports select trackball controllers for authentic play
- Priced $16.99 (PS5) / $14.99 (PS4), plus $2.99 upgrade fee
Explained simply
Armadillo Racing is a 1997 arcade game made by Bandai Namco. Players steer an armadillo that rolls through obstacle-filled stages, using a trackball controller rather than the joystick or buttons common in many arcade games.
The game is part of Hamster’s Arcade Archives series, which brings older arcade titles to modern systems. Its console release matters because this little-known game has not previously been available on a home console, and support for some trackball controllers lets players use its original style of control.
Americas Art Asia Culture Entertainment Gaming TV