Image via Arcade1Up
It’s been nearly nine years since Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was delisted, but the fan-favorite fighting game will finally make its return later this year. Arcade1Up announced today that it will launch a Marvel vs. Capcom 2 arcade cabinet — the first officially licensed re-release of the game since its delisting. Pre-orders for the cabinet will go live on September 8, with orders set to ship the following month in October, said the company.
The re-release will feature both online multiplayer and leaderboard support. The cabinet itself will also boast exclusive side panel art depicting Hulk, Spider-Man, Ryu, and Zangief.
⏰ The wait is over ⏰Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 is BACK!!! The iconic fighting game, unavailable since 2013, has finally been set free. Catch it from Arcade1Up with WIFI PLAY! #freedMVC2
Ready to game like a hero? https://t.co/vuyNylnhzK pic.twitter.com/usTR6Krn60— Arcade1Up Official (@arcade_1up) August 5, 2022
Additionally, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 will be just one of the fighting games featured in the cabinet. The machine will also include the original Marvel vs. Capcom, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men: Children of the ATOM, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, and Marvel Super Heroes in War of the Gems.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 originally launched in arcades in 2000, and through the following decade, came to a variety of systems. The game is often considered to be one of the top fighting games of all time, with a dedicated competitive scene having developed around it.
The game was delisted from digital storefronts in 2013, seemingly due to licensing issues with Marvel. In the years since, fans have clamored for an official re-release. Last year, fighting game YouTuber Maximilian Dood started the #FreeMvC2 trend on Twitter, calling for Capcom and Marvel to bring the game out of “digital jail.” While Arcade1Up’s new cabinet might not be the multiplatform re-release the fighting game community was hoping for, it could be a sign of things to come.
#FREEMVC2 12 years since Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 was re-released & 7 years since it was pulled from stores & sent to digital jail. One of the most celebrated games of all time. Plz RT if you'd like MVC2 out of jail. @CapcomUSA_ @MarvelGames & @DigitalEclipse https://t.co/OPWf6YS5RD pic.twitter.com/Gdwkbdqtqq
— Maximilian Dood (@maximilian_) August 2, 2021