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| A promotional poster for Jaws: Retro Edition |
For a generation of gamers, the ominous two-note theme isn’t just movie magic—it’s the sound of pixelated terror. The infamously challenging (and often frustrating) 1987 NES game Jaws is swimming back onto our shores. In a move that’s equal parts nostalgia and redemption, Limited Run Games has just announced Jaws: Retro Edition, a lavish physical re-release for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, timed perfectly for the iconic film’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
Originally developed by LJN, the NES title took players from a top-down perspective, navigating a boat to harpoon the great white, before diving into a tense, first-person-style boss battle. It was a game that left an indelible mark, remembered for its simple yet tense gameplay. Now, almost four decades later, it’s getting a second chance to make a first impression—and this time, it’s bringing friends.
More Than Just a Port: A "Massively Expanded" Overhaul
This isn’t a simple ROM dump onto a new cartridge. Jaws: Retro Edition promises to be the definitive way to experience the cult classic. The package includes the original 1987 NES game, lovingly preserved with crucial modern quality-of-life features. Think save-anywhere functionality, a rewind feature to undo those fatal shark chomps, and built-in achievement/trophy support for a new layer of challenge.
But the real headline is the new Enhanced Edition. This isn't just a graphical polish; it's a complete overhaul that expands the story into a multi-chapter saga. In a bold move, it pulls inspiration from all four films in the franchise, promising a deeper and more varied hunt that goes beyond the Amity Island of the original.
Choose Your Edition: Standard Fare or the "Bigger Boat"
True to form, Limited Run Games is offering two distinct physical editions to cater to every type of fan and collector.
The Standard Edition ($34.99) provides the perfect entry point. It includes a region-free physical game case for your chosen platform (PS5 or Switch) and an 8-page booklet, ideal for the retro enthusiast who wants a tangible piece of the action on their shelf.
For the ultimate collector, the Bigger Boat Edition ($99.99) is, frankly, monstrous. This premium set comes housed in a special NES-inspired slipcover box and packs in every imaginable extra:
- Everything from the Standard Edition.
- An official CD soundtrack featuring the original score by Shinichi Sakamoto.
- A "Beach Closed" enamel pin.
- A themed keychain.
- The showpiece: a detailed, pixel-art-style great white shark LED lamp.
Ready to Pre-Order? Mark Your Calendar
The hunt begins soon. Pre-orders for Jaws: Retro Edition will open next Friday, December 19, at 10 AM Eastern Time exclusively through the Limited Run Games website. The pre-order window will remain open until January 18, 2026, with no purchase limits. The game is currently listed as in pre-production.
Whether you're driven by nostalgia for the original NES challenge, curiosity about the ambitious Enhanced Edition, or the desire to own a unique piece of gaming and film history, this release ensures the legend of the great white shark continues to swim—and terrify—for a new generation.
While you wait for your pre-order, why not add a new kind of collectible to your shelf? Check out this iconic Jaws Funko Pop on Amazon to keep the mood perfectly ominous.