History of Jet Set Radio in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 5, 2025

Jet Set Radio is a 2000 action-platform game developed by Smilebit and published by Sega for the Dreamcast. Players control members of the GG's, a gang of inline skaters who spray graffiti across Tokyo-to, challenging rival gangs and evading the police. The game features a cel-shaded art style and a vibrant soundtrack, emphasizing freedom of expression and rebellion against authority. The core gameplay involves performing tricks, grinding on rails, and tagging locations with graffiti while avoiding obstacles and enemies.

1999: Influences from Fight Club and Hip Hop Culture

In 1999, the anti-establishment themes of the film Fight Club and elements of 1980s American hip hop culture, such as graffiti, influenced the development of Jet Set Radio.

1999: Fight Club's Anti-Establishment Themes Influence Jet Set Radio

In 1999, the anti-establishment themes of the film Fight Club were an influence on the development of Jet Set Radio.

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1999: Development challenges of open 3D world

In 1999, the team working on Jet Set Radio encountered their biggest challenge developing the game, one of the earliest games to feature an open 3D world.

1999: Jet Set Radio Presentation at Tokyo Game Show & Programming Begins

In mid-1999, programming for Jet Set Radio began. The game was presented at the 1999 Tokyo Game Show, drawing media attention for its cel-shaded style.

June 29, 2000: Jet Set Radio released in Japan

On June 29, 2000, Jet Set Radio was released in Japan.

December 20, 2000: Release of Jet Set Radio Original Soundtrack in Japan

On December 20, 2000, the soundtrack CD Jet Set Radio Original Soundtrack (UPCH-1048), featuring 19 tracks including a data track from the game, was distributed by Polydor Records in Japan.

2000: Awards at E3 Game Critics Awards

In 2000, Jet Set Radio won Best Console Game at the E3 Game Critics Awards and was the runner up for Best in Show at the same event.

2000: Jet Set Radio Release

In 2000, Jet Set Radio, an action-platform video game developed by Smilebit and published by Sega, was released for the Dreamcast.

June 22, 2001: Typing Jet Release

On June 22, 2001, Sega released Typing Jet, a 2D side-scrolling mobile game based on Jet Set Radio, for Japanese mobile phones.

October 18, 2001: De La Jet Set Radio released in Japan

On October 18, 2001, Sega re-released the game in Japan under the name De La Jet Set Radio via Dreamcast Direct, including a T-shirt featuring the protagonist Beat for those who pre-ordered.

2001: Game Developers Choice Awards

In 2001, Jet Set Radio won the "Excellence in Visual Arts" award, received a "Game Spotlights Award" and was nominated for Game of the year at the Game Developers Choice Awards.

2002: Jet Set Radio Future Release

In 2002, Jet Set Radio Future was released for the Xbox early in the system's life cycle.

2002: Release of Jet Set Radio Future

In 2002, Jet Set Radio Future, a sequel to Jet Set Radio was released for the Xbox.

June 26, 2003: Jet Set Radio Release on Game Boy Advance in North America

On June 26, 2003, Jet Set Radio was released for the Game Boy Advance in North America, developed by Vicarious Visions and published by THQ.

2003: Game Boy Advance Version Released

In 2003, a Game Boy Advance version of Jet Set Radio, developed by Vicarious Visions, was released, as well as versions for Japanese mobile phones.

February 20, 2004: Jet Set Radio Release on Game Boy Advance in Europe

On February 20, 2004, Jet Set Radio was released for the Game Boy Advance in Europe.

2009: Captain Onishima Ranked in IGN's Top 100 Videogame Villains

In 2009, Captain Onishima, an early antagonist in Jet Set Radio, was ranked 95th in IGN's "Top 100 Videogame Villains" list.

September 18, 2012: Release of the HD Version Soundtrack CD with Bonus Tracks

On September 18, 2012, the new soundtrack CD titled Jet Set Radio: Original Soundtrack with Bonus Tracks from JSRF, was distributed by Sumthing Else for North America and Europe, containing a total of 17 tracks.

October 3, 2012: Release of Jet Set Radio Sega Original Tracks on iTunes

On October 3, 2012, the Jet Set Radio Sega Original Tracks soundtrack, containing 15 tracks, was released on iTunes alongside Jet Set Radio Future Sega Original Tracks.

November 29, 2012: Release of iOS and Android Versions

On November 29, 2012, the iOS and Android versions of Jet Set Radio were released in North America and Europe.

December 20, 2012: iOS Version Released in Japan

On December 20, 2012, the iOS version of Jet Set Radio was released in Japan.

2012: Jet Set Radio Rerelease

In 2012, Jet Set Radio was re-released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iOS, Windows, PlayStation Vita, and Android.

Xbox 360 250GB Slim Console - (Renewed)

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2012: Release of High-Definition Ports

In 2012, high-definition ports of Jet Set Radio, developed by BlitWorks, were released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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2012: Soundtrack Changes in 2012 Port

In 2012, the Jet Set Radio soundtrack port omits the songs "Yappie Feet" and "Many Styles" for licensing reasons.

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January 30, 2013: Android Version Released in Japan

On January 30, 2013, the Android version of Jet Set Radio was released in Japan.

February 20, 2013: Japanese Release of HD Ports

On February 20, 2013, the PS3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Vita versions of Jet Set Radio were released in Japan simultaneously.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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2015: Delisting of Smartphone Versions

In 2015, the smartphone versions of Jet Set Radio were delisted due to compatibility problems with iOS updates.

January 2016: Jet Set Radio Live Radio Station

In January 2016, Jet Set Radio Live was created, a 24/7 browser-based radio station based on the fictional radio station in-game.

May 2016: Backwards Compatibility with Xbox One

In May 2016, Jet Set Radio was made backwards-compatible with the Xbox One.

Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

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February 20, 2018: Release of Memories of Tokyo-To

On February 20, 2018, the album Memories of Tokyo-To was released.

August 24, 2021: Release of Sounds of Tokyo-To Future by 2 Mello

On August 24, 2021, American musician 2 Mello released the album Sounds of Tokyo-To Future.

2021: Sega Teases Jet Set Radio Reboot and Announces Beat in Super Monkey Ball

In 2021, Sega teased a possible Jet Set Radio reboot and announced Beat as a playable character for Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania.

February 2023: Xbox 360 Version Delisted

In February 2023, the Xbox 360 version of Jet Set Radio was delisted from the Xbox Live Arcade store, but remains available for download for owners.

Xbox 360 250GB Slim Console - (Renewed)

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2023: Sega Announces New Jet Set Radio Game at the Game Awards

At the Game Awards 2023, Sega announced a new Jet Set Radio game.

2023: Sega announces new Jet Set Radio game

In 2023, Sega announced a new Jet Set Radio game is in development.

December 6, 2024: Steam Version Delisted

On December 6, 2024, the Steam version of Jet Set Radio was delisted, along with other games from the Dreamcast Collection, except for Sonic Adventure and its sequel.