Play Shin Nihon Pro Wrestling Online

Shin Nihon Pro Wrestling came out for the Game Boy in 1993, developed by I’Max and published by Yutaka. It was one of the few wrestling games on the handheld at the time, offering a portable take on the sport when most wrestling games were on consoles. The small screen and limited sprites gave it a distinct, almost minimalist look compared to its bigger cousins.

You control a single wrestler, moving left or right to grapple your opponent, execute strikes, or attempt throws. The main goal is to win matches by pinfall or submission, working your way through a tournament or exhibition bouts. Key mechanics include a timing-based grapple system where you push buttons to counter or initiate moves, and a momentum meter that builds as you land attacks, letting you pull off stronger slams or finishers. The pacing is deliberate, almost methodical; you can't just mash buttons and expect to win. Matches feel like a test of patience and timing, where a single mistake can turn the tide. It's a game that rewards learning its quirks, and landing a well-timed German suplex after a back-and-forth struggle is genuinely satisfying.