Joe & Mac Retro Collection brings three classic Data East platformers to Xbox Series X|S, with new features from Red Art Studios. It’s out now. Here’s everything we know.
Joe & Mac Retro Collection at a glance
- Release date: 29 October 2026
- Console: Xbox Series X|S
- Price: £16.74 / $19.99
- Launch discount: £15.06 / $17.99 until 6 November
- Players: 1-2 (local co-op in Joe & Mac 1 and 2)
- Game Pass: No
- Developer: Red Art Studios
- Publisher: Red Art Games
Which games are included?
All three Joe & Mac games released in the West between 1991 and 1995, originally developed by Data East and known as the Tatakae Genshijin series in Japan:
- Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja: the original run-and-gun platformer, with 12 levels.
- Congo’s Caper: a side-scrolling spin-off starring Congo, a half-human, half-monkey boy, across 35 levels.
- Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics: a sequel with a light role-playing side, where you can court and marry a Stone Age girlfriend.
Are the Japanese versions included?
Yes. Each game comes in its Western version and its uncensored Japanese original.
What new features are there?
A Boss Rush mode, save states, rewind, an optional CRT filter, customisable aspect ratios, a Virtual Unboxing Experience for the original boxes, manuals and cartridges, and a music player with all three soundtracks.
Is there co-op?
Yes. Joe & Mac 1 and 2 support two-player co-op.
How much does it cost?
£16.74 / $19.99. A 10% launch discount brings it to £15.06 / $17.99 until 6 November.
Is there a trailer?
Yes. Red Art Games released a launch trailer on 29 October showing everything in the collection. Read our launch report.
Is Joe & Mac Retro Collection on Game Pass?
No, it isn’t part of Game Pass.
Visit our Joe & Mac Retro Collection hub for the essentials, or find it on the Xbox Store. We’ll update this page with any new details.
