Fast Striker EX Launches on Nintendo Switch eShop June 26, 2025: Enhanced Neo Geo Classic Returns

Fast Striker EX Launches on Nintendo Switch eShop June 26, 2025: Enhanced Neo Geo Classic Returns In a significant revival for fans of classic arcade shoot ‘em ups, Fast Striker EX is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch eShop on June 26, 2025.

Developed by German studio NGDev, co-founded by brothers René Hellwig and Timm Hellwig, Fast Striker has earned a cult following since its original 2010 release on the Neo Geo MVS.

This upcoming Switch version marks the first time the acclaimed shooter will be available on a Nintendo platform, expanding its reach to an ever-growing audience of retro and arcade enthusiasts. First released 15 years ago, Fast Striker originally challenged players with fast-paced, vertically-scrolling gameplay, putting them at the controls of a spacecraft navigating a science fiction universe across six demanding stages.

With diverse mechanics and multiple game modes—Novice, Original, Maniac, and Omake—the game quickly distinguished itself in the arcade scene as well as with homebrew and indie fans.

Over the years, Fast Striker has been ported to platforms such as the Sega Dreamcast, iOS, PS Vita, and PlayStation 4, further cementing its reputation for tight controls and intricate scoring systems. The upcoming Fast Striker EX for Nintendo Switch distinguishes itself as the first port based directly on the Neo Geo MVS original, retaining all of the original’s graphics and fluid animations.

According to NGDev, the new edition features hundreds of enhancements and tweaks designed to improve gameplay and visual fidelity.

Players can expect fresh 32-bit style graphical updates, richer background layers for deeper immersion, and notable technical upgrades, including a new full autofire option and normalized diagonal player movement.

Fast Striker EX also introduces stage and boss select tools for training, ensuring both returning veterans and newcomers can hone their skills with greater ease. A statement from the developer outlines the expanded features of Fast Striker EX: the game offers 6 stages, 4 distinct game modes, elaborate scoring systems, over 40 fully animated CGI enemies, more than 7 massive boss battles, 3D scrolling CGI backgrounds, a consistent 60 frames-per-second frame rate, and an adaptive difficulty ranking system.

These improvements are all aimed at enhancing the overall player experience while maintaining the tight, challenging gameplay veterans remember. Pre-release interest is already strong, with Fast Striker EX available now for wishlisting on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Upon its release on June 26, 2025, the game will carry a price of $14.95.

With its combination of faithfully preserved Neo Geo spirit and new enhancements tailored for the Switch, Fast Striker EX is poised to be a standout addition to the eShop’s library of classic arcade experiences. For dedicated shoot ‘em up fans and Nintendo Switch players alike, Fast Striker EX represents both a nostalgic return and a fresh, feature-rich update to one of the genre’s hidden gems.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch Switch eShop arcade Nintendo Switch eShop Neo Geo Fast Striker EX NGDev René Hellwig Timm Hellwig