Classic NES Title Jaws Set for Retro Physical Re-release on Switch and PS5

The year is 1987. Beverly Hills Cop II is the top-grossing film, “Walk Like an Egyptian” is the chart-topping hit, and the Iran-Contra scandal is making waves in American politics, all while Konami’s Contra is racking up quarters in arcades. Yet, the standout moment is the arrival of Jaws on the NES, with its box art ominously declaring, “This time there’s no escape!” Fast forward 38 years, and this classic 8-bit title is making a comeback with a physical re-release from Limited Run Games.

This retro revival aligns perfectly with the 50th anniversary of the Spielberg film. From December 19 to January 18, you can secure a physical copy for the Switch and PS5.

There are two physical editions available: a standard “Retro Edition” priced at $35 and a deluxe “The Bigger Boat Edition” for $100. The deluxe version comes with an NES-style box, a physical CD of the game’s soundtrack, a keychain, and — the highlight — a pixelated shark lamp. Both editions feature the original and an “enhanced” version of the 1987 game.

Gameplay alternates between a top-down view, where you navigate your boat around the map, and an underwater side view, where you take aim at marine life with your harpoon. Eventually, you’ll face off against Jaws. After several encounters that chip away at his health, you’ll attempt to finish him off in a faux-3D perspective on the water’s surface. If this sounds reminiscent of other licensed NES games from that era, you’re not mistaken.

You can pre-order the Jaws re-release from Limited Run Games’ website starting December 19 at 10 AM ET. In the meantime, check out the video below to jog your memory of the 8-bit classic.