One of the First Wrestling Video Games Is Coming Back

May 21, 2026 - 00:36

A classic piece of video game history is getting a modern revival. HAMSTER Co., a Japanese publisher known for preserving retro titles, is bringing back "Tag Team Wrestling" for a new generation of consoles. The game will be available on the Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Originally released in 1983 for arcades, "Tag Team Wrestling" is considered one of the very first wrestling video games ever made. It predates the massive popularity of franchises like "WWF WrestleMania" and "Fire Pro Wrestling." The game featured simple two-on-two matches, with players controlling a wrestler in the ring while their partner waited on the apron. Tagging in and out was a core mechanic, something that seems basic now but was innovative at the time.

The graphics were blocky and the moves were limited, but the game captured the chaotic energy of live wrestling events. For many older gamers, it represents the humble beginnings of a genre that would later explode in popularity. HAMSTER Co. specializes in these kinds of re-releases through their "Arcade Archives" series, which aims to keep old-school arcade experiences alive on modern hardware.

This re-release will likely include features like online leaderboards and adjustable difficulty settings, making it more accessible than the original coin-operated version. While it may not have the polish of modern wrestling simulators, "Tag Team Wrestling" offers a direct link to the past. It is a chance for long-time fans to revisit a childhood memory and for younger players to see where it all started. The exact release date has not been announced yet, but the game is expected to launch later this year.