Get ready to bundle up and roll some snowballs, because Nick and Tom are back! In an exciting move for retro gaming fans, Limited Run Games, in partnership with Headless Chicken Games, has officially unveiled the Snow Bros. Classic Collection. This new compilation aims to preserve and re-release the beloved 1990s arcade platformer for a new generation, though its arrival comes with a few caveats that have the community talking.
The announcement confirms earlier speculation that began in early May 2025, when a listing from the ESRB hinted at a collection of four "action platformers." The rating description, which mentioned princess rescues, pixelated levels, and an evil curse, was a dead ringer for the classic Toaplan title. Now, the full picture has come into focus, revealing what is—and isn't—included in this frosty bundle.
What’s in the Snow Bros. Classic Collection?
The collection is confirmed to include three core titles from the series' early console history:
- Snow Bros. (NES): The iconic 8-bit home port that introduced many to the snowball-rolling action.
- Snow Bros.: Nick & Tom (Sega Genesis): The 16-bit version that brought enhanced graphics and sound to the Mega Drive/Genesis.
- Snow Bros. Jr. (Game Boy): The portable version of the classic, perfect for on-the-go snowball fighting.
While this is a solid lineup of retro titles, many fans have expressed disappointment over two significant omissions. Firstly, the collection does not feature the original arcade version, which is often considered the definitive way to play. Secondly, the sequel, Snow Bros. 2: With New Elves, is also absent, which would have made this a more complete and faithful tribute to the franchise's history.
The Snow Bros. Classic Collection is scheduled to release on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Notably, there has been no mention of an Xbox version, leaving fans on that platform out in the cold for the foreseeable future.
Pre-Orders Are Live, But Act Fast
If you're eager to secure a physical copy, you'll need to move quickly. Pre-orders for the collection went live on November 14 and have already seen periods of being sold out before being restocked.
Pre-orders for the Standard Edition are available now via Limited Run Games. The purchase window is set to close on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. However, as with many Limited Run Games releases, popular items can sell out well before the official deadline.
Two Editions for Fans and Collectors
The collection is being offered in two distinct physical editions to cater to different types of fans:
- Standard Edition ($34.99): Includes the game on your chosen platform, a standard physical case, and a full-color booklet.
- Classic Edition ($64.99): Aimed at collectors, this version comes with the game in a retro NES-themed box, a poster, and a bonus soundtrack CD, making it a premium package for die-hard enthusiasts.
Digital releases will also be available but are expected to follow after the physical versions have shipped.
A Note of Caution: Limited Run's Track Record
It's important for potential buyers to be aware of the fine print. The collection is currently listed as "Pre-Production," which means it's unclear exactly when physical editions will begin shipping. Furthermore, it’s expected that the games will run on Limited Run's proprietary Carbon Engine, a tool designed to port classic games to modern hardware.
While the announcement has been met with excitement, the community's response is tempered by Limited Run Games' reputation for long wait times, occasional quality control issues, and customer service challenges. The fact that pre-orders have already sold out once demonstrates high demand, but it also raises concerns about fulfillment timelines. The official ESRB rating provides some official reassurance, but fans are advised to manage their expectations regarding delivery.
A Blast from the Past: The History of Snow Bros.
For the uninitiated, Snow Bros. was initially released by Toaplan as an arcade-only game in 1990. It quickly became a hit for its charming, bubble-bobble-like co-op gameplay where players control snowmen Nick and Tom, rolling snowballs to trap enemies and defeat bosses. A year later, the game found a new audience on the Nintendo Game Boy, followed by an NES port later in 1991. It arrived on the Sega Mega Drive in 1993 and saw mobile ports as recently as 2012.
This Classic Collection represents the most significant effort yet to bring these scattered console ports together in one place. Whether you're a nostalgic fan or a curious newcomer, the return of Snow Bros. is a welcome event in the world of retro revivals. For those looking to grab a copy, the Standard Edition is available for pre-order on Amazon as well, providing another potential avenue for securing this piece of gaming history.
Will you be adding this frosty bundle of joy to your collection? Let us know!
