Joe & Mac Retro Collection: Everything You Need to Know

Red Art Games is bringing three Data East Super Nintendo platformers together in Joe & Mac Retro Collection. The digital version launches on October 29, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam. Physical PS5 and Nintendo Switch editions are planned for early 2027. 1212

What games are included?

The compilation contains the three Joe & Mac games developed by Data East and released for the Super Nintendo between 1991 and 1995: 35

• Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja
• Congo’s Caper
• Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics

These are the SNES versions rather than a broader selection of arcade or later adaptations. The games retain their prehistoric action-platforming premise, with caveman heroes battling through dinosaur-filled environments.

Western and Japanese versions are included

A major preservation feature is the inclusion of both the Western releases and the original Japanese editions. The Japanese versions are presented as uncensored versions, giving players a way to compare the regional releases rather than receiving only the versions originally distributed in North America and Europe. 345152

Modern features for classic games

The collection adds several conveniences designed to make older platformers easier to revisit:

• Rewind, allowing players to undo mistakes
• Save states for quick progress checkpoints
• An optional CRT filter for a more period-appropriate display effect
• Adjustable aspect-ratio and display-frame options
• Local two-player co-op in the games that supported it originally
• Boss Rush, a collection-exclusive mode that places bosses from all three games into one challenge 34548

The result is a package that preserves the original releases while adding the standard flexibility expected from a modern retro compilation. Boss Rush is the biggest addition beyond presentation and convenience features: it links the three games together and challenges players to defeat their bosses as quickly as possible. 48

Digital release date and platforms

The digital release is scheduled for October 29, 2026 on:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• Nintendo Switch
• Nintendo Switch 2
• PC via Steam 12912

Nintendo Switch 2 is part of the final announced platform lineup, alongside the original Switch. 910

Physical editions arrive in early 2027

Physical versions are planned for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch in early 2027. The lineup consists of Standard, Deluxe and Rock editions. 212

Standard Edition

The Standard Edition is the regular physical release. It is intended to receive wider European retail distribution, alongside the Rock Edition, while pre-orders are also available through Red Art Games. 25

Deluxe Edition

The PEGI-rated Deluxe Edition is limited to 500 copies for each platform. It is sold through Red Art Games’ official online shop and includes additional collector-focused packaging or physical content beyond the standard game. 617

Rock Edition

The Rock Edition is the collector-oriented version, priced at €69.99 in the announced listings. It comes in a retro-styled Retro Rock Box and includes the game alongside physical bonuses. Confirmed listings mention items such as a soundtrack, artbook, poster, badges, stickers and an acrylic stand, although buyers should check the individual PS5 or Switch product page for the final contents. 1461118

All three physical editions can be pre-ordered through Red Art Games, while Standard and Rock editions are also planned for participating European retailers. 2517

Who is making Joe & Mac Retro Collection?

The collection is developed by Red Art Studios, Red Art Games’ internal development studio, and published by Red Art Games. It was originally supported through a Kickstarter campaign before the publisher announced the wider digital release and public physical pre-orders. 123544

What is the original Joe & Mac series?

The collection revisits Data East’s prehistoric platforming series, best known in the West as Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja. The Japanese version uses the title Tatakae Genshijin, which translates roughly as “Fight, Primitive Man.” 142

For modern players, the appeal of the collection is its combination of regional preservation and convenience. It offers the original SNES trilogy, including the Japanese versions, while rewind, save states, display options and co-op make the games more approachable on current hardware.

Bottom line

Joe & Mac Retro Collection is a three-game Data East SNES compilation launching digitally on October 29, 2026. It includes Caveman Ninja, Congo’s Caper and Lost in the Tropics, plus Western and uncensored Japanese editions, rewind, save states, CRT presentation options, local co-op and a new Boss Rush mode. Physical PS5 and Switch copies follow in early 2027, with the Deluxe edition capped at 500 copies per platform and the €69.99 Rock Edition aimed at collectors. 35612