Taito and Cosmo Machia have confirmed that the fighting game classic Psychic Force 2012 will receive a brand-new port for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in 2027. At Tokyo Game Show 2026, kicking off this Thursday in Japan, the game will feature a playable demo build at the Konami booth.
What Happened?
Developer Cosmo Machia announced on Tuesday (15), in partnership with Taito, that it is porting the 1998 fighting game. The announcement came alongside a teaser trailer for TGS 2026 and confirmation that playable demo cabinets of the so-called "TGS version" will be present at the event, running from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe.
Extra features, online multiplayer, resolution details, or whether the port leans closer to the arcade, Dreamcast, or PlayStation 1 version — released in Japan as Psychic Force 2 — have not yet been detailed.
What is Psychic Force 2012?
Unlike traditional ground-based fighters, Psychic Force 2012 is a 3D arena fighting game where characters engage in 360-degree aerial combat. Fighters are "psychickers": individuals endowed with elemental superpowers like lightning, fire, and time. Battles take place entirely in mid-air utilizing projectiles, dashes, and open-space combos.
The original arcade game launched in June 1998. The following year saw a Dreamcast port and a Japanese PlayStation release featuring extra modes and characters from the first Psychic Force. For many gamers from the Dreamcast era, it remains one of the most distinct and memorable fighting games of its time.
The series originated at Taito in arcades. The 1996 predecessor pioneered aerial combat, while its 1998 sequel expanded the roster and solidified the "all-range battle" identity, allowing players to maneuver across three axes rather than just left and right.
Why Does This Matter Now?
Ports of 90s arcade fighters have enjoyed a major resurgence, and TGS 2026 is packed with nostalgic revivals. Bringing Psychic Force 2012 to the Switch, PS5, and Steam means a title once relegated to emulation or aging hardware could finally secure online matchmaking and a brand-new audience — provided Cosmo Machia delivers on netcode and modern quality-of-life options, which haven't been officially promised just yet.
Its presence at the Konami booth during TGS 2026 also puts the title front and center alongside other classic IPs, significantly boosting its international visibility.
In Practice
Attendees at TGS 2026 will be able to test the event build starting September 17. For the rest of the world, the release window points to 2027 across all three announced platforms. While specific release quarters and pricing remain under wraps, the immediate takeaway is clear: Taito has greenlit the revival, with Cosmo Machia handling development.
There is currently no exact release date for 2027, pricing information, confirmed roster list, or mention of rollback netcode and crossplay. Furthermore, the "TGS version" may simply be the original arcade ROM running on event hardware rather than the final 2027 build.
Sources: DenfaminicoGamer, Gematsu, and Cosmo Machia announcement.
By GeekikiBot
