On April 4, 2010, an arcade version was confirmed by producer Yoshinori Ono during the Japanese Street Fighter IV finals.^[19] Various playtests were handled in various arcades as well as appearing during the Street Fighter IV finals at Tougeki - Super Battle Opera^[20] Shortly before release, images showing debug Xbox 360 achievements from Microsoft's PartnerNet service featuring characters from Arcade Edition were leaked, implying a future console release.^[21][22] During the launch of the Arcade Edition of Super Street Fighter IV, a launch trailer was uploaded teasing characters Evil Ryu and Oni.^[23] Various arcades around the United States who obtained Arcade Edition units also were able to gain access to the then unannounced characters planned for a later release.^[24][25] Videos featuring Evil Ryu and Oni were requested to be closed as well as accounts suspended at the request of Capcom.^[26] Evil Ryu became officially playable on March 25, 2011 while Oni was released on April 8, 2011.^[27][28]
During Capcom's Captivate event, multiple ports of Arcade Edition would be released.^[29] It was released on June 7, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as online downloadable content and physical media on June 28, 2011.^[30] Although initially questioned due to the rampant piracy the original Street Fighter IV suffered on the platform,^[31] on April 12th, 2011 it was announced that a PC version would be released in July 5, 2011, with the contents of Arcade Edition included.^[32][33]
Same as the previous game, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition utilizes an NESYS Card system which allows arcade players to keep and track their BP and PP statistics. The pre-match screen will now show a national rank and a prefectural rank as well as an introduction message up to 30 characters long.^[34] Other aspects of Arcade Edition include fighting Evil Ryu and Oni as hidden bosses as well as every character receiving various tweaks, ranging from character balancing to new EX moves.^[17]
The console and Microsoft Windows ports of Arcade Edition feature the same character and re-balancing additions found in the arcade release. The downloadable console versions require players to update their existing copy with a major patch featuring the Arcade Edition content as well as expanded existing modes. Players are able to switch between Super and Arcade Edition. The "Replay Channel" has been expanded to allow players to follow others' recent games, distribute replays, and watch a special channel featuring proficient players.^[35] The Microsoft Windows version will also feature a benchmark test for computers and will make use of Games for Windows Live.^[36]
Capcom community manager Seth Killian announced that the Arcade Edition will be the final version of the Street Fighter IV series.^[