SNK is bringing The King of Fighters ’98 back to the arcade through exA-Arcadia, adding a highly regarded fighting game to the platform’s growing catalogue. The release will be shown publicly at EVO Japan 2026.
The King of Fighters ’98 returns at EVO Japan 2026
First released for the NEOGEO MVS in July 1998, The King of Fighters ’98 quickly became one of the series’ most respected entries. Its 38-fighter roster, strong presentation, music and refined fighting system helped establish its lasting arcade appeal.
Known as The Slugfest in Western markets, the game later appeared in several other forms. The Sega Dreamcast version used 3D backgrounds, while The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match followed in 2008.
SNK has previously licensed games to exA-Arcadia, including Samurai Shodown V Perfect. Details about this new version remain limited, although the promotional image shows it running on an ARC-32 cabinet and confirms support for exA-Arcadia’s fast input response.
The game will be playable at EVO Japan 2026, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the release and learn more about its features. For Australian arcade fans following new fighting-game hardware and software, the event should provide the first substantial hands-on information.
exA-Arcadia’s platform is distributed internationally rather than being restricted to Japan. Its releases are not region locked and include English localisation, with additional languages often supported. A Spanish version would be a welcome inclusion, although it has not been confirmed for this release.
Why KOF ’98 still matters in arcades
The King of Fighters ’98 has remained a particularly popular choice for dedicated fighting-game players. Its appeal was also strengthened by the widespread use of affordable NEOGEO MVS hardware across Latin America and South America, where the format gave operators access to major arcade titles at a lower cost than many alternatives.
Among the later entries, KOF ’98 has often attracted more consistent interest than The King of Fighters 2000 or The King of Fighters 2002. That combination of a broad roster, familiar mechanics and proven arcade history makes the exA-Arcadia release a natural fit for modern venues and home enthusiasts researching their next arcade machine.
More exA-Arcadia titles are on the way
The announcement is part of a broader exA-Arcadia showcase at EVO Japan. The company is expected to reveal more new games, while also presenting upcoming and existing releases such as AVATAR Legends: The Fighting Game, which begins testing in Tokyo on 30 April, and Axel City 2: The Final Storm.
For collectors and operators planning a fighting-game setup, the announcement is another reason to monitor exA-Arcadia’s expanding arcade catalogue. Our arcade machine buying guide can help with broader cabinet considerations, while arcade parts are useful when preparing controls for competitive play.
Further information about availability, final features and the release schedule has not yet been announced.
Leave a Reply