Virtua Fighter 5 R was an update to Virtua Fighter 5, released on July 24th 2008 to Japanese arcades. This revision featured brand new stages and a new character named Jean Kujo, who practices Karate. Also included was the return of the sumo wrestler Taka-Arashi from Virtua Fighter 3, which brought the fighter count up to twenty (counting Dural).

A "Version A" update was released on December 16th, 2008. The version added various improvements to the game, as well support for the "Bingo Festival - Bingo Days!" event for the month of December 2008.

Version B of Virtua Fighter 5 R was officially released in the Japanese arcades on May 21, 2009. This version featured changes in the animations of moves on all the characters, as well as changes to enhance the gameplay modes, and an improved camera system.

Version C was released on November 25, 2009. However, this particular version mainly added new team items for the character's outfits.