Atari has announced that RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic will be available on Nintendo Switch starting December 5, bringing the beloved theme park simulation to current-generation consoles for the first time. This release combines the best elements from two iconic titles in the RollerCoaster Tycoon series: RollerCoaster Tycoon and RollerCoaster Tycoon 2.

The Legacy Lives Anew

Since its debut in 1999, RollerCoaster Tycoon has allowed players to create their own theme parks from the ground up. Place rides and attractions, design roller coasters, and engage with your guests in various aspects of park operations. There’s a variety of environments to play with in both Sandbox and Challenge mode, from the tranquility of Forest Frontiers to the bustle of Megaworld Park. This classic game has inspired other theme park games like Planet Coaster and Thrillville, and now rejoins them on modern consoles.

Ethan Stearns, VP of Games Publishing at Atari, expressed excitement over bringing RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic to the Nintendo Switch, saying, “Fans have been hoping for a Switch version, and we’re thrilled to deliver it.” Stearns also praised Atari’s partners at Graphite Lab for successfully adapting the game’s detailed keyboard-based controls to the Switch’s controller interface. This should make managing your park smoother than ever before.

The release of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on the Switch marks the culmination of a year-long celebration of the RCT franchise, which began in March 2024 to honor the 25th anniversary of Chris Sawyer’s original creation. As part of this celebration, Atari has launched various RollerCoaster Tycoon merchandise and apparel collaborations, re-released RCT Classic on Android, expanded RCT Touch with major updates, and acquired RCT 3 from Frontier, reuniting it with the franchise’s catalog.

The Switch version of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic offers an exciting opportunity to reconnect with long-time fans of the series, attract new players, and provide an additional platform for active players to enjoy the game. With the Switch’s large install base, Atari hopes to reach a broader audience, allowing both seasoned players and newcomers to experience the franchise in a new way.