A side-scrolling action scene from SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance showing Joe Musashi in mid-combat against robotic enemies in a burning village, with hand-drawn art style and 'Switch 2' branding in the corner.
A side-scrolling action scene from SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance showing Joe Musashi in mid-combat against robotic enemies in a burning village, with hand-drawn art style and 'Switch 2' branding in the corner.

Technology By June

Joe Musashi's return with hand-drawn action and a SEGA villain showdown offers solid context for a friend who follows retro revivals.

Shinobi Returns in September Story flow and key facts

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, a revival of the classic ninja action series, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. Published by SEGA and developed by Lizardcube, the game first launched in August 2025 for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and original Switch. The new Switch 2 version features enhanced accessibility and a special physical 'Deluxe Edition' that includes a game-key card, translucent character cards, a physical art book, digital soundtrack, and in-game bonuses. The base digital version starts at $29.99.

The game follows Joe Musashi, the series' longtime protagonist, who returns from an adventure to find his village destroyed and his clan turned to stone. Fueled by vengeance, he battles through hand-drawn worlds filled with enemies and massive bosses. Gameplay emphasizes fluid movement, fast combat, and multiple unlockable paths to encourage replayability.

A key selling point is the 'SEGA Villains Stage' downloadable content included in Deluxe Editions, which features boss fights against Dr. Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog, Goro Majima from Yakuza/Like a Dragon, and Death Adder from Golden Axe. This crossover content highlights SEGA's legacy while expanding the game's appeal to longtime fans of the publisher's franchises.

Facts

  • SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026.
  • The game was originally released on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and original Switch.
  • A physical Deluxe Edition includes the base game, SEGA Villains Stage DLC, character cards, art book, and in-game bonuses.
  • The SEGA Villains Stage features boss fights against Dr. Eggman, Goro Majima, and Death Adder.
  • The Switch 2 digital version starts at $29.99 USD.
  • The game features hand-drawn visuals and fast-paced ninja combat led by Joe Musashi.

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