R-Type Dimensions III Brings the Classic Shooter Back in May 2026

As someone who has spent years hunting down arcade PCBs and firing up classics on my Raijin supergun, the R-Type series has always been that white whale I never quite managed to catch. The original boards are expensive, rare, and increasingly difficult to maintain. I've got a decent collection of horizontal shooters from the golden era, but an authentic R-Type PCB has always been just out of reach. So when ININ Games announced R-Type Dimensions III is bringing the legendary R-TYPE III THE THIRD LIGHTNING back to modern platforms, I nearly fell out of my chair.

For those who might not know, R-TYPE III THE THIRD LIGHTNING originally released on the Super Nintendo back in 1993 and was considered one of the finest entries in Irem's legendary shooter franchise. It expanded on the iconic Force pod system by letting players choose between different Force types for the first time, and delivered some of the most punishing yet fair bullet patterns in the genre. Now ININ Games is giving it the full modern treatment.

Switch Between Old and New

This isn't just a lazy port with some filters slapped on top. ININ Games has completely rebuilt the game with refreshed 3D graphics that bring the Bydo Empire's biomechanical nightmares into the modern era. The backgrounds have been reimagined with depth and detail that the original SNES hardware could only dream of, while the rock-arranged background music gives the iconic soundtrack a harder edge.

The feature that has me most excited is the ability to switch between the remastered visuals and the original 2D graphics with the push of a button during gameplay. Not between levels or from a menu, but instantly during gameplay. For purists who want to experience the game exactly as it looked on the SNES, or for those moments when you want to appreciate just how far the visuals have come, this toggle is a brilliant addition that shows ININ understands what classic gaming fans actually want.

Features for Modern Players

R-Type Dimensions III includes local cooperative play for those who want to tackle the Bydo Empire with a friend. There's something special about having a second player in a horizontal shooter, and coordinating Force pod positioning with a partner adds a whole new layer of strategy to an already deep game.

The game also features detailed customization menu options and what ININ describes as "crazy" 3D camera settings that let you experience the side-scrolling action from entirely new perspectives. While I'm personally a bit skeptical about messing with the classic viewpoint in a precision shooter like this, I'm curious to see how these alternate camera angles might add replay value for those who have already mastered the standard view.

Platform Availability

The game launches in May 2026 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam. Japanese language support is confirmed for the Steam version, which is great news for importers and fans who want the authentic experience.

For Switch 2 owners, ININ is offering special editions that collectors will want to keep an eye on. The Special Edition includes an artbook featuring concept art and the game's soundtrack, perfect for fans who want to dive deeper into the visual design. The Collector's Edition goes even further with a limited figurine included, though pre-orders for this edition are only available until February 8, 2026. The Switch 2 version uses physical game cards rather than key cards, which is always appreciated.

For shmup fans like myself who never managed to track down an original PCB or authentic SNES cartridge, R-Type Dimensions III represents the perfect opportunity to finally experience one of the genre's defining titles the way it was meant to be played. May 2026 cannot come soon enough.

Game Information