Yes—if you want M2’s focused, practice-friendly editions of two Toaplan shooters, rather than the most games for your money. Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark brings together Flying Shark and Fire Shark, with training tools that make learning their arcade patterns more approachable. If you’re mainly curious about the games or want a broad Toaplan sampler, compare it with Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 before buying.
What do you get in Flying Fire Shark?
The collection centers on the arcade versions of Flying Shark (1987) and Fire Shark (1989). Reviewers describe regional arcade variants, while the PlayStation Store also lists Teki-Paki, a Toaplan puzzle game, as a bonus. The Nintendo eShop listing names M2 as developer and publisher and confirms the two shooters.
Edition contents can differ. Creative Bloq’s September 14, 2026 Switch review reports that the digital edition sells the NES, Mega Drive, Genesis versions and Wardner separately as DLC, while its reviewed physical edition includes them. Check the specific regional listing and physical SKU: the review does not establish that every retailer or region has identical contents.
How do the games play, and what helps you learn them?
Flying Shark is the more approachable starting point
Nintendo Insider describes Flying Shark as relatively straightforward: its basic shot can be upgraded, and bombs are limited. Creative Bloq reviewer Ian Dean likewise found it more playable than its sequel. These are reviewers’ assessments, not a guarantee that the game will feel easy to every player.
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#1 Best Overall
- Includes Flying Shark (1987), Fire Shark (1989), and Wardner (1987)!
- Super Easy or Arcade Challenge? New bonus modes for every skill level!
- Enjoy the free DLC game Teki-Paki!
Fire Shark raises the pressure
Reviewers characterize Fire Shark as the tougher game, with more weapon pickups and a faster, harsher challenge. Dean points to dense attacks and durable bosses as sources of difficulty. Expect the pair to offer distinct challenges rather than two interchangeable versions of the same experience.
M2’s tools support practice
Nintendo’s listing describes a “Super Easy Mode” in both games, side-panel gadgets that flag enemies approaching from blind spots and provide item information, and Arcade Challenge training sections with rewind. Nintendo Insider also praises the practice mode for players working toward a one-credit clear. These features give newcomers ways to study stages and recover from mistakes, while leaving the original arcade challenge available.
Rank #2
- Includes Flying Shark (1987), Fire Shark (1989), and Wardner (1987)!
- Super Easy or Arcade Challenge? New bonus modes for every skill level!
- Enjoy the free DLC game Teki-Paki!
Vertical play and menu trade-offs
For Switch, Dean highlights TATE mode, which rotates the playfield vertically. He also finds the menus cluttered and says the surrounding gadget displays may distract some players. His review rates the game 8/10; treat those interface comments as one reviewer’s experience, not universal consensus.
How does it compare with other ways to play Toaplan?
| Option | What it includes | Best fit | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark | Flying Shark and Fire Shark; listings and reviews also identify regional variants and, on PlayStation, bonus game Teki-Paki. | Players focused on these shooters and M2’s practice features. | Arcade Challenge sections, rewind, gadgets and Super Easy modes are listed for the collection. |
| Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 | Includes Flying Shark and Fire Shark with regional variants, plus six other games, according to Nintendo Insider. | Value-first buyers or players who want a wider Toaplan selection. | More games in one collection; Nintendo Insider prefers Flying Fire Shark for its section-by-section practice tools. |
| Flying Shark on Steam | A separate PC release of Flying Shark, developed by Bitwave Games and Toaplan and published by Clear River Games. | PC-first players who want this one game. | Steam lists beginner mode, CRT filters, adjustable assists, practice mode and online leaderboards. It is not the same M2 console collection, and the cited listing does not establish that it includes Fire Shark. |
Nintendo Insider rates Flying Fire Shark 8/10. Its review page’s publication date was not stated in the available material. The PlayStation Store displayed 4.91/5 from 69 ratings when observed on October 7, 2026; that is a changeable storefront snapshot, not a critic score or lasting measure of quality.
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- WATCH OUT FOR THE SHARK BITE: Carefully reach in and save the fish with a fishing rod. Will the shark jump? You never know when the shark will bite!
- EASY TO LEARN, FUN TO PLAY: Simple rules make it quick to pick up and perfect for kids ages 4 and up. No batteries needed and no reading required!
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Kids will be hooked at first bite! Quick rounds with laugh out loud surprises. Great for playdates and parties too!
- BUILDS CONFIDENCE & FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Encourages hand-eye coordination and patience, all while having a blast!
- GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS: Board games make a great gift for kids. Perfect for birthdays and the holidays!
Which edition or platform makes sense for you?
- Dedicated Toaplan or arcade-shooter fan: Choose this collection if these two games and M2’s learning tools are the draw.
- Collector: Consider the Switch physical edition if your local listing confirms the extra ports and Wardner. Compare its price with the digital game plus separately priced DLC.
- Newcomer: The easier modes, gadgets and rewind-enabled training offer ways to learn, though the underlying arcade games still present a challenge.
- Casual or value-first buyer: Compare Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1, which the review describes as including the same two shooters and six more games.
- PC-first player: Steam’s separate Flying Shark release is relevant if you want that single game and its PC features.
The US Nintendo eShop listing showed the Switch digital edition with an August 29, 2026 release date. The US PlayStation Store listed the PS4 edition with the same date and says it runs on PS5, though some PS4 features may be absent. Those details and current prices are regional storefront information; check your local store before purchase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🕹️ Officially licensed titles: Includes POLE POSITION and POLE POSITION II. A classic 1982 arcade racing game by Namco
- High resolution 3.5" full color display. Features artwork inspired by the original POLE POSITION arcade cabinet. Dimensions: 4" L x 4.25" W x 7.5" H
- 🎮Realistic racing controls, High score saving,
- Built-in speaker with volume control. 3.5 mm headphone port. Adjustable screen brightness.
- Powered by either 4 AA batteries (not included) or a USB-C cable (not included).
Rank #4
- The excitement of an arcade right at home.
- Giant 3 foot long track.
- 2 ways to play: roll the ball by hand or fire the balls with the launcher.
- Each player gets 60 seconds… high score wins.
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