Designed by planner Akira Fujita and graphic designer Hiroshi Tsujino, Taito's brick breaking game arrived in arcades in 1986, handing players control of the starship Vaus. Sliding left and right along a fixed axis, Vaus serves as a spacefaring paddle to bounce an energy ball off the spacecraft, shattering Space Walls and collecting power-ups.
Arcade Archives 2 Arkanoid for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S consoles includes additional features. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for smoother, arcade-accurate gameplay. An exclusive Time Attack Mode challenges players to complete the game as quickly as possible.
Iconic music cues from Arkanoid are by Hisayoshi Ogura of Zuntata. Taito highlighted an orchestral tribute to the sound design, performed at the "NJBP Live! #17 'Orchestra Invasion" concert. A video recording can be viewed on the official YouTube channel of organizer New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra.
From the Arcade Archives product page:
The ultimate block-breaking legend—everyone knows the name! "ARKANOID" is a brick breaker released by TAITO in 1986. Take the helm of the spacecraft "VAUS" and bounce the Energy Ball to shatter the Space Walls. Your goal is to escape from the dimension of a warped labyrinth and return to the mothership "ARKANOID." Collecting power-up items will give you the edge you need to conquer each stage!Hamster Corporation - Arcade Archives ARKANOID
Arkanoid theme from NJBP Live! #17 'Orchestra Invasion' posted to the official YouTube channel of the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra. https://t.co/1gtGyg5Tz2 https://t.co/ygZHQvIa7B
— The Ongaku (@TheOngaku) March 27, 2026