Retro shoot ’em up Sonic Wings Special returns on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2

A classic shoot ’em up from the 90s is making a return to modern consoles this week, as Sonic Wings Special prepares to launch on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, the game is part of the long-running Sonic Wings series—known in the West as Aero Fighters—which gained popularity in arcades for its fast-paced vertical shooting gameplay and colorful cast of pilots. Developed by Video System, Sonic Wings Special expanded on earlier entries in the franchise by combining content from previous arcade games while introducing new missions, characters, and storylines. The game features multiple playable pilots from different countries, each flying a unique aircraft and delivering their own dialogue and endings. This structure encouraged players to replay the game with different characters to see every stage variation and storyline.

The upcoming release is being handled by Hamster Corporation as part of its Console Archives series, which focuses on preserving classic console games and making them accessible on modern hardware. The goal of the initiative is to bring retro titles from older systems to current platforms while maintaining their original gameplay. While the core experience remains faithful to the original release, the modern version will include several quality-of-life features designed for contemporary players. These additions include customizable button layouts, rapid-fire options, save states, adjustable screen settings, and visual filters that recreate the look of CRT televisions. These features aim to preserve the authentic feel of the game while making it more convenient to play on modern displays. The re-release will be priced at $11.99, making it an affordable option for fans of retro gaming and shoot ’em ups. For longtime fans of the Sonic Wings series, the new release offers a nostalgic chance to revisit a cult classic from the PlayStation and Sega Saturn era.