The House of the Dead 2: Remake on Switch—Classic Zombie Carnage Gets the Nostalgia Treatment

Why This Remake Actually Caught My Eye

There are plenty of retro revivals these days, but The House of the Dead 2: Remake for Nintendo Switch jumps out for one reason: arcade on-rails shooters like this are practically extinct outside of overpriced cabinets or emulation. Seeing Microids and Forever Entertainment commit to a proper remake-especially with physical Switch support and a limited-edition package-makes my retro heart race a little. But is it more than a nostalgia cash-in?

• A beloved 1998 arcade shooter fully remade-visuals, audio, and new gameplay modes
• True couch co-op returns, something sorely lacking lately
• Physical limited edition adds collectible appeal (even if it’s mostly cosmetic)
• Big question: Can Switch controls deliver the arcade feel, or will Joy-Cons fall short?

Key Takeaways: Does This Remake Deserve Your Hype?

• The remake’s visuals and audio have seen a real overhaul, not just a resolution bump
• Co-op and branching routes keep the replay value strong, just like back in the day
• But the “arcade accuracy” question looms—no dedicated light gun means purists will notice
• Limited edition brings some nice physical perks, but don’t expect collector’s gold

Breaking Down the Announcement: What’s Worth Noting?

The basics: The House of the Dead 2: Remake launches October 31, 2025 for Nintendo Switch. Developed by MegaPixel Studio—the same folks behind the first HOTD remake—you can expect reworked visuals, boosted audio, and what the publisher calls “new modes.” Solo or co-op, you’ll once again blast zombie hordes as AMS agents James and Gary. There’s the bonus of divergent paths and multiple endings, scratching that replay itch that modern arcade shooters generally ignore.

Microids is putting out a physical limited edition: the game, a collector’s sleeve, and three holographic cards. This isn’t earth-shattering loot, but for anyone who grew up stacking “insert coin” credits at their local arcade, there’s a certain old-school loyalty to buying physical. There’s no mention here of light gun compatibility, which is the elephant in the room for anyone hoping for the real arcade experience on modern hardware.

Does the Arcade Magic Survive Without a Light Gun?

Let’s be brutally honest: The House of the Dead was all about that light gun. Mouse emulation is fine for PC, but with the Switch—your choices are analog sticks or possibly Joy-Con motion aiming. I played the first remake, and even though motion controls were serviceable, they’re no match for the clicky, tactile joy of blasting zombies in the arcade. Depending on how picky you are, this could either be a dealbreaker or a small compromise for convenience and portability.

Still, there’s value in getting old-school, on-rails mayhem on the Switch. Especially with true same-screen co-op, HOTD2: Remake stands out in a market obsessed with online-only shooters and endless battle passes. For retro fans or anyone itching for local multiplayer carnage, it’s hard to find direct competition on the current Switch lineup—Time Crisis and Virtua Cop are still MIA.

The Gamer’s Perspective: Is This a Zombie Revival Worth Preordering?

For old-schoolers, revisiting Venice’s zombie-plagued canals and mashing through mutated bosses scratches a very specific itch. MegaPixel Studio’s previous remakes have been solid, if not perfect—they tend to nail the spirit if not the pixel-perfect execution. The promise of new modes could be interesting, but I’ll reserve judgment until we know more details. What would really elevate this remake is a thoughtful modernization—maybe time attack, online leaderboards, or a robust gallery of behind-the-scenes content. Until then, it’s mostly a nostalgia play done with some care.

That said, beware of rose-tinted glasses. Arcade shooters were always about short but intense bursts of action, and if you’re expecting campaign depth or next-gen shooting mechanics, you’ll be disappointed. For those willing to accept the genre’s quirks—cheesy voice acting, arcade difficulty, and a fundamental lack of subtlety—this could be a Halloween treat for the Switch that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

TL;DR

The House of the Dead 2: Remake is pure nostalgia—a polished-up return for one of Sega’s wildest arcade shooters. If you want light gun magic, temper your expectations. If you miss local co-op and retro mayhem, this limited edition has your name on it. Whether it’s a must-buy or a respectful curiosity depends on how much arcade DNA you want in your Switch library.