Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Slashes Its Way onto Nintendo Switch 2
SEGA and Lizardcube officially announced that the hit 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. The game features a striking hand-drawn look, fluid combat, and an updated resolution explicitly tailored for Nintendo’s latest hardware.
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Game | Shinobi: Art of Vengeance |
| New platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Release date | 24 September 2026 |
| Developer | Lizardcube |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Genre | 2D action platformer |
| Starting price | $29.99 USD (around €29.99 on the Italian/EU eShop check your local listing) |
| Editions | Standard, Digital Deluxe, Physical Deluxe |
| Pre-orders | Live now on the Nintendo eShop |
| Switch 2 upgrade | Updated resolution (exact number not confirmed) |
What Is Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Anyway?
Maybe the name feels familiar. That’s because Shinobi is one of SEGA’s oldest action series, born back in the arcade era. But this is no lazy remaster it’s a full, fresh revival.
Here’s the exciting part: it’s made by Lizardcube. The hand-drawn art comes from the same studio behind Streets of Rage 4 and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap. If you’ve seen those games move, you already know what to expect bright colors, smooth animation, and stages that look like living paintings.
And the game already has a strong reputation. It first launched on August 29, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Critics liked it too. It earned “generally favorable” reviews and a nomination for “Best Action Game” at The Game Awards 2025. Nintendo Life gave the original Switch version 8 out of 10, describing it as “a beautifully crafted return for Joe Musashi.” So this isn’t a gamble it’s a proven game getting a better home.
The Story: Simple, but It Hits Hard
You play as Joe Musashi, leader of the Oboro clan a line of mystical ninjas who have protected people for hundreds of years. In the story, the world is attacked by a powerful military group called ENE Corporation, led by a man named Lord Ruse. ENE storms the village, destroys most of the clan, and leaves Joe with almost nothing — except a very long list of enemies to hunt.
How It Plays
The combat is fast, smooth, and built around always staying on the move.
- Your ninja tools: You fight with the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo (magic powers).
- The clever move: You can stagger and “tag” enemies, then trigger a Shinobi Execution that kills every tagged enemy at the same time. Line up a crowd, then clear it in one stylish flash.
- Great movement: Joe can double jump, dash through the air, and dodge-roll. The platforming and fighting blend together beautifully.
- Make it yours: Chain combos, equip Amulets for new abilities, and use Ningi tools to clear obstacles and open new routes.
What the Switch 2 Version Offers
The Switch 2 version runs at an improved resolution, but SEGA has not shared the exact numbers. So you’ll see the words “updated resolution,” but no confirmed figure like 1080p or 4K yet.
Does it still matter? For this game, yes. A pixel game might not gain much from extra sharpness but a hand-painted game depends on it. Cleaner visuals mean crisper line work, smoother animation, and combat that’s easier to read when the screen fills with enemies. For something this pretty, that’s a real win. SEGA had already added a resolution update to the original Switch version back in September 2025, and the Switch 2 release pushes that idea further on stronger hardware.
| Edition | What’s included |
|---|---|
| Standard | The full base game |
| Digital Deluxe | Base game + SEGA Villains Stage DLC + ghost outfit, medic lite amulet, digital art book & soundtrack, 2,000 gold, original arcade outfit, and fortune hunter amulet |
| Physical Deluxe | The same extras in a boxed release (important: it’s a game-key card, not a full cartridge) |
The Deluxe bundle includes the SEGA Villains Stage DLC, a ghost outfit, a medic lite amulet, a digital art book and soundtrack, 2,000 gold coins, the original arcade outfit, and a fortune hunter amulet. Not bad for a few extra euros.
The Best Bonus: Fighting Famous SEGA Villains
The star extra is that crossover stage, and it’s a real treat for long-time SEGA fans. The SEGA Villains Stage sends Joe Musashi into battle against three legendary SEGA enemies. Here’s who shows up:
| Boss | From the game | Who they are |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eggman | Sonic the Hedgehog | The mustached mad genius and Sonic’s biggest rival |
| Goro Majima | Like a Dragon / Yakuza | The wild, unpredictable “mad dog of Shimano” |
| Death Adder | Golden Axe | A giant, brutal warlord from SEGA’s classic brawler |
The Physical Copy Catch (Please Read This)
If you love holding a real cartridge, slow down for one moment. The boxed version is a game-key card so you get the DLC and a few physical bonuses, but the cartridge itself doesn't hold the full game.
A Note for Players
The confirmed price is $29.99 USD for the standard edition. On the Italian eShop, you’ll see the price in euros, and for games like this it usually lands close to €29.99 but always check your local listing, since Nintendo sets regional prices. The good news: the game launches worldwide on the same day, so Italian players get it on 24 September 2026 along with everyone else. No waiting, no region delays.