The Switch’s best puzzle game was released in 1997, but is only now available in the US
American gaming history is filled with iconic names. Nintendo, Sega, Playstation and Microsoft all made their mark on the landscape by releasing hardware that inspired a generation. But one name never quite left an impression in the U.S. SNK was a household name in Japan, leading the charge in arcades. But when they made a swing at home consoles in the ’90s with the Neo Geo, they never quite emerged from the shadow of the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis. But now, some of this obscure console’s best hits are making their way to the Nintendo Switch — and none among them are more essential than Money Puzzle Exchanger.
Originally released as Money Idol Exchanger in 1997, the game was a hit in arcades before hitting home on June 28. The premise is classic — rows of coins descend toward the player, who must frantically match them with like symbols to score points and manage the flow. It’s the monetary twist that makes Exchanger unique. Coins must match coins of equal value to be exchanged into higher tiers of currency. Five ‘1’s make a ‘5,’ two ‘5’s make a ‘10,’ all the way up to 500 coins, which clear out once matched. On the surface, it’s very similar to games like Bust a Move — but with an astonishingly high skill ceiling.
This is a true lost gem of the ’90’s arcade era, and it’s one that deserves time in the spotlight. Similar match-based puzzle games are extremely common, yet Exchanger treads unique ground. It won’t be long before players are structuring complex combos and setting off chain reactions to bury the competition and rise up the leaderboards. Exchanger follows the quick to learn, lifetime to master archetype, but it’s one of the purest puzzle games on the market, and the retro anime aesthetic adds some Sailor Moon-esque charm. Plus, at $8, it’s the best possible Switch pickup — low risk, quick to dive in and perfect for spontaneous 1-on-1 duels with friends.
While the base game is great, the packaging does leave something to be desired. Online leaderboards have been added, but online multiplayer is tragically absent. Navigating the menus can be a bit obtuse, since the game’s UI still shows the original arcade layout. But these are relatively small hurdles, easily forgiven by the low price point and massive replay potential.
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