 |
| A screengrab of Mega Cat Studios' triple launch video on YouTube |
PITTSBURGH, PA — JANUARY 13, 2026 — In an era of photorealistic graphics and sprawling digital storefronts, a dedicated corner of the gaming world is thriving on nostalgia and pure, pixelated charm. Leading the charge is retro publisher Mega Cat Studios, which has just announced a stunning "triple launch" of brand-new games for the legendary Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo (SNES), set to ship on January 29.
Forget software updates and downloadable content—this is about physical cartridges you can blow into and slot into original hardware. The trio includes the spooky SNES party game Super Fanger, the cerebral NES puzzle-platformer Plyuk, and the action-puzzle hybrid Old Towers, also for the NES. Each title will be available for digital download, with the coveted physical editions hitting Mega Cat's online store at launch.
This move underscores the vibrant pulse of the homebrew community, where developers continue to push 30- and 40-year-old hardware to its creative limits. Mega Cat Studios has built a solid reputation as the go-to publisher for this niche, with a track record of delivering authentic, high-quality new experiences for the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis.
"Every new cartridge release is a love letter to gaming's roots," says a representative from the retro gaming community. "It's about the tactile feel, the box art, and that magical moment the screen lights up. Mega Cat gets that."
A Closer Look at the Games
Super Fanger (SNES)
Taking a retro-spooky twist on the classic playground game of tag, Super Fanger is built for social, couch-competitive fun. Designed for two players, it features four distinct maps filled with hidden unlockables. The core loop is deliciously simple: chase down or desperately run away from "whoever's it." With both a solo Arcade Mode and a competitive Versus mode, it promises to be a perfect centerpiece for a retro game night.
Want a taste of the chase? Check out the eerie, pixel-perfect atmosphere in the official teaser trailer.
Plyuk (NES)
Switching gears to the 8-bit realm, Plyuk offers a more cerebral challenge. Players guide the titular character, trapped in a hazardous underground laboratory, by mastering the art of cloning. The core mechanic involves creating duplicate blocks or stacks of Plyuks to reach high ledges and solve intricate environmental puzzles. Originally released on Itch.io, this NES edition has been meticulously refined to play to the strengths—and constraints—of Nintendo's classic console.
Old Towers (NES)
Rounding out the trio is Old Towers, a fast-paced action-puzzle game that tasks players with bolting through a cursed tower across 40 brain-twisting levels. The key to success is dynamically switching between different characters, each likely vital for solving specific "brain-boggling" puzzles. Players will dash vertically and horizontally, hoard coins, and think quickly. Originally a ZX Spectrum title in 2018, Old Towers has seen numerous ports, including a digital NES release last year. Now, it receives its ultimate tribute: a full NES cartridge release.
Why This Matters: Keeping the Legacy Alive
For enthusiasts, these releases are more than just new games; they're fresh chapters in a living history. They provide a legitimate reason to dust off the original consoles sitting in attics or displayed on shelves. For those without the vintage hardware, the digital versions offer a chance to experience authentic 8-bit and 16-bit design on modern emulators or devices.
Speaking of classic hardware, the popularity of these homebrew titles often goes hand-in-hand with the resurgence of plug-and-play classics. For a seamless official experience, many fans turn to modern recreations like the NES Classic Edition.
Buy the NES Classic Edition on Amazon
Mega Cat Studios' January 29th launch is a powerful statement: the stories for these iconic platforms are far from over. It's a testament to timeless gameplay, passionate development, and the undying appeal of hearing that satisfying click as you insert a new adventure into a beloved old friend. For retro gamers, 2026 is starting with a very special kind of power-up.