Earthion Blasts Off on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch

Limited Run Games has announced that Earthion, the critically acclaimed retro-inspired shooter from Ancient, is now available on consoles. Already a hit on Steam earlier this summer, Earthion arrives today as a digital download for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Earthion has been winning over both critics and fans with its blend of high-speed action and gorgeous pixel art, earning a 9.0 user score on Metacritic. Designed as a love letter to classic 16-bit shooters of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive era, the game spans eight unique levels filled with intense bullet-dodging action and massive boss encounters.

The presentation stands out thanks to the artistry of Makoto Wada, who brings a vivid, 16-bit aesthetic to life with modern flair. Matching the visuals is an unforgettable soundtrack by legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, Shinobi, ActRaiser). His energetic score ensures players will be humming along long after the final stage.

For collectors, Limited Run Games will also be releasing Earthion in physical form later this year. Disc and Game Card editions for PC (DRM-free), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch are expected to ship in late 2025. Even more exciting, a special Sega Genesis/Mega Drive cartridge release is planned for 2026, bringing Earthion back to the hardware that inspired it.

What We Can Expect

• Classic 16-bit inspired visuals and gameplay crafted by Ancient.

• A standout soundtrack from legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro.

• Multiple physical editions, including a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive cartridge in 2026.

My Thoughts

My initial reaction was that Earthion feels like a spiritual successor and a clear improvement to the arcade classic Gradius. The vivid colors, outstanding soundtrack, and frantic arcade action immediately earned it a spot on my backlog. With such an impressive trailer and the pedigree of its developers, I will find time to dive into Earthion.

Do yourself a favor and check out the trailer. It’s well worth a look!