Shoot 'em up and retro gaming fans have reason to celebrate: Earthion, the new title from Yuzo Koshiro, now has an official release date. The renowned Japanese composer and developer—best known for his legendary soundtracks and iconic game work—returns with a modern shmup deeply rooted in the spirit of the classics.

A multi-platform release to reach every fan

Earthion will be released on July 31st, 2025 on all major platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This wide availability ensures the game reaches a broad audience across both console and PC gamers.

However, nostalgic fans of the Mega Drive will need to wait a little longer. The version for the legendary 16-bit console has been pushed to next year, according to Japanese physical publisher Superdeluxe Games, known for its focus on retro physical editions.

This delay was explained by Yuzo Koshiro himself on his X account:

"We understand that some of you were hoping the MD cartridge version would launch first.
It was originally scheduled for release sometime this year, but the timeline would have been extremely tight.
We’ve already confirmed that the game runs well in its current state, but since physical cartridges can’t be patched after release,
we decided to take more time and make sure the game is in 'perfect condition.'
This decision was made out of respect for the platform and for everyone who’s been waiting for it.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support."

A blend of modern gameplay and classic inspirations

In Earthion, players pilot a spacecraft to take on waves of enemies and massive bosses across varied environments. The game promises fast-paced, demanding shmup action, with modern features like speed boost, weapon customization, and an art style clearly inspired by the golden age of the genre.

Collector's editions for dedicated fans

For collectors, Superdeluxe Games will release an Earthion Deluxe Edition for Switch and PS4 on October 30th, 2025. This special edition launches on the same day as a Limited Run Games version—another key player in the world of limited physical game releases.

And that’s not all: retro controller maker 8BitDo will also launch a special Earthion Edition of its Bluetooth M30 gamepad. The perfect accessory to play the game in true style!

A title to keep an eye on

With its mix of retro tribute and modern gameplay, Earthion is shaping up to be one of the must-play shmups of the year. Yuzo Koshiro’s signature touch is a strong seal of quality, and it’s generating major interest among gamers and video game music fans alike. Keep your eyes on the skies this summer—Earthion is coming in hot!