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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Double Dragon

Double Dragon is a beat 'em up video game series that began with a 1987 arcade game developed and published by Technōs Japan.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Double Dragon is a beat 'em up video game series that began with a 1987 arcade game from Technōs Japan, starring twin martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee.

What it is

Double Dragon is a side-scrolling beat 'em up series where one or two players fight through urban stages using punches, kicks, and weapons. The original arcade game helped define the genre with its cooperative play and rescue-the-girl storyline.

Key details

The franchise includes arcade releases, home-console ports, remakes, and newer entries like Double Dragon IV, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, and Double Dragon Revive. It has appeared on platforms including Nintendo Switch, where multiple titles are available.

Why it matters

Double Dragon is one of the best-known early beat 'em ups and influenced countless later games. Its twin heroes and street-fighting action remain iconic in gaming culture, and the series continues with modern releases.

In short

  • First released as an arcade game in 1987 by Technōs Japan.
  • Centres on twin martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee.
  • Helped popularize the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre.
  • Available on modern platforms like Nintendo Switch.
Canadian angle

Double Dragon is familiar to Canadian gamers through its releases on Nintendo and other home platforms, including modern Switch compilations and re-releases.

Quick questions

What is Double Dragon?
Double Dragon is a beat 'em up video game series that began with a 1987 arcade title. It is best known for its two-player street-fighting action and the twin heroes Billy and Jimmy Lee.
How to play Double Dragon?
In the original style, one or two players move through side-scrolling stages, defeating enemies with punches, kicks, jumps, and picked-up weapons. The goal is usually to fight through levels and defeat bosses.
Is Double Dragon on Switch?
Yes. Multiple Double Dragon titles have been released on Nintendo Switch, including Double Dragon IV, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, Double Dragon Collection, and Double Dragon Revive.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Dragon
    Supports: Series overview, original developer, main characters, franchise history, Nintendo Switch releases.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Dragon_(video_game)
    Supports: Original 1987 arcade game's release year, genre, developer, and publisher.
  3. Double Dragon Wiki — https://doubledragon.fandom.com/wiki/Double_Dragon_(series)
    Supports: Series roster, releases, and broad count of titles across the franchise.
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRUrtICDZ2E
    Supports: Basic description of the original game's premise and its role in popularizing the beat 'em up genre.
  5. TV Tropes — https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/DoubleDragon
    Supports: General gameplay description, original premise, and mention of later Nintendo Switch releases.