There’s something timeless about arcade racers that value raw speed over realism, and Arcade Archives 2 TOP SPEED delivers exactly that as it launches on Xbox Series X|S.
Reviving TAITO’s 1987 coin-op classic, this latest Arcade Archives release is all about dodging traffic, hitting the nitro, and blasting toward the finish line before time runs out. It’s priced at £7.49.
As part of the newly branded Arcade Archives 2 lineup, TOP SPEED doesn’t just bring back the original experience. It refines it with modern features designed to preserve the feel of the arcade while smoothing out the edges for today’s players.
High-Speed Racing, Old-School Rules
Originally released during the golden age of arcades, TOP SPEED throws players into high-stakes street races where reflexes matter more than finesse. There are no tuning menus or lengthy tutorials here – just the open road, rival cars, and a ticking clock pushing you forward.
Nitro boosts offer explosive bursts of acceleration, letting you surge past traffic and opponents alike, but one wrong move can end a run in seconds. The challenge comes from threading the needle between obstacles while maintaining momentum, capturing the relentless pace that defined arcade racing in the late ’80s.
Faithful Recreation With Modern Options
HAMSTER Corporation’s Arcade Archives series has always focused on authenticity, and TOP SPEED is no exception. The original visuals, audio, and gameplay balance are carefully preserved, while optional settings allow players to tweak difficulty, screen layout, and input preferences.
Rewind functionality, rapid-fire options, and multiple save slots make the experience far more approachable than the original arcade cabinet ever was, without stripping away its identity.
Introducing Time Attack Mode
Arcade Archives 2 TOP SPEED comes with the addition of TIME ATTACK MODE. Rather than chasing points, this mode challenges players to clear the game as fast as possible, rewarding perfect lines, smart nitro use, and fearless driving.
Alongside ORIGINAL MODE, HI SCORE MODE, and CARAVAN MODE, it adds a fresh competitive angle that fits the game’s high-speed design perfectly. Online leaderboards let players compare times and scores globally, keeping that arcade rivalry alive decades later.
At A Glance
- Price – £7.49
- Platform – Xbox Series X|S
- Originally Released In Arcades In 1987
- High-Speed Arcade Racing With Nitro Boosts
- Includes Time Attack, Hi Score, Caravan, And Original Modes
- Online Rankings And Modern Quality-Of-Life Features
- VRR Support For A Smoother Arcade Experience
A Pure Arcade Hit For Racing Purists
With VRR support helping the action feel closer than ever to the original arcade hardware, Arcade Archives 2 TOP SPEED via the Xbox Store is another strong entry in HAMSTER’s preservation-focused series. It won’t overwhelm you with content, but it doesn’t need to; this is a distilled hit of arcade adrenaline, built to be played in short, intense bursts.
For fans of classic racers, score chasers, or anyone craving a no-nonsense blast of speed, TOP SPEED proves that sometimes the old ways are still the fastest.
