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What does Flying Fire Shark include?
Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark centers on Toaplan’s vertical shooters Flying Shark (1987) and Fire Shark (1989). Regional arcade variants are described in reviews. Nintendo’s US listing confirms the two games and identifies M2 as developer and publisher; the PlayStation Store listing also names Toaplan puzzle game Teki-Paki as a bonus. See the Nintendo listing and PlayStation Store listing for their respective platform details.
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Digital and physical editions are not necessarily alike
A September 2026 Creative Bloq review reports that the Switch digital edition sells the NES, Sega Mega Drive, and Sega Genesis versions, along with Wardner, separately as DLC, while its reviewed physical edition includes those extras. The report does not establish that every region’s or retailer’s physical SKU has identical contents, so check the exact local listing before buying. Creative Bloq’s review discusses the edition split.
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How do the games play, and what helps you learn?
Flying Shark is the more approachable starting point
Nintendo Insider describes Flying Shark as relatively straightforward: its basic shot can be upgraded, and the player has a limited supply of bombs. Reviewers characterize Fire Shark as tougher, with more weapon pickups and a steeper challenge. Creative Bloq’s Ian Dean likewise describes it as faster and harsher, citing dense attacks and durable bosses. These are reviewers’ assessments rather than a guarantee that every player will find the games equally difficult. Nintendo Insider’s review and Creative Bloq’s review give more detail.
#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!
M2’s training features suit players working toward a clear
Both games include a “Super Easy Mode.” Side-panel gadgets provide item information and flag enemies approaching from blind spots. Arcade Challenge breaks stages into smaller practice sections and includes rewind, giving players a way to work on difficult stretches rather than repeatedly replaying a full run. Nintendo Insider specifically recommends the practice features for players aiming to clear a game on one credit. Those assists help with learning, but they do not remove the challenge of the original arcade modes. Details appear in the Nintendo listing and Nintendo Insider review.
Switch presentation includes vertical play, with a busy interface
Creative Bloq’s Switch review highlights TATE mode, which rotates the playfield vertically, and rates the game 8/10. The same reviewer says the menus can feel cluttered and the surrounding gadget displays may distract some players. That is one reviewer’s judgment, not a universal verdict. Read the review.
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!
How does it compare with other ways to play?
| Option | What it includes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark | Flying Shark and Fire Shark, with M2’s training and presentation features; platform listings also describe regional or bonus content. Physical Switch contents may differ from digital contents and vary by SKU. | Players focused on these two shooters, their arcade versions, and practice tools. |
| Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 | Nintendo Insider describes it as including Flying Shark and Fire Shark with regional variants, plus six other games. | Buyers who want a wider Toaplan sampling. The reviewer favors Flying Fire Shark for M2’s section-by-section practice tools. |
| Flying Shark on Steam | A separate PC release by Bitwave Games and Toaplan, published by Clear River Games. Its Steam page lists beginner mode, CRT filters, adjustable assists, practice mode, and online leaderboards; it is not the two-game M2 console collection. | PC-first players who mainly want Flying Shark. |
The collection comparison is based on Nintendo Insider’s review. Steam’s listing describes the distinct PC release and its features: Flying Shark on Steam. Current prices and availability vary by region and can change; compare the listings where you buy.
Who should buy it?
- Dedicated Toaplan and arcade-shooter fans: A strong fit if you want these two games and expect to use the practice sections, rewind, and information gadgets.
- Newcomers: The easier modes and training aids offer a gentler way in, though the arcade challenge remains.
- Collectors: The Switch physical edition may be appealing if your local SKU includes the extra versions and Wardner. Compare its verified contents and price with the digital game plus DLC.
- Casual or value-first buyers: Consider Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 if six additional games matter more than this collection’s M2-focused practice features.
- PC-first players: Steam’s Flying Shark release is a separate option if that one game is your priority; its listing does not make it the same collection.
What do reviewers say?
Creative Bloq’s Ian Dean rated the game 8/10 in a review dated September 14, 2026, writing: “M2’s superb arcade preservation shows why one of Toaplan’s classics remains so playable, even if the modern UI can get in the way.” Nintendo Insider also rated it 8/10; the publication date was not stated in the review information available here. These are individual reviews, not an overall consensus. The US PlayStation Store listing showed 4.91/5 from 69 ratings on October 7, 2026; store ratings are a changing snapshot, not a critic score.
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.
Rank #3
- 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!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
