Atari's Adventure of Samsara Brings Retro Metroidvania Revival to Nintendo Switch in September 2025

Atari has officially announced the upcoming launch of its new retro-inspired metroidvania, Adventure of Samsara, arriving on Nintendo Switch on September 4, 2025.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary Atari 2600 classic Adventure, originally created by Warren Robinett, Adventure of Samsara delivers both nostalgia and innovation for fans of action-adventure games. The original Adventure, released in 1980, is celebrated as a pioneering title for its open-world exploration and hidden secrets.

Adventure of Samsara aims to honor that legacy while bringing modern mechanics and expanded gameplay depth to the Nintendo Switch platform.

While the connection to the 1980 game is apparent in elements like dragon adversaries and thematic nods, Atari’s new installment reimagines the concept with richer visuals and contemporary metroidvania design. According to Atari, Adventure of Samsara offers players an expansive adventure across ten unique biomes, including frozen landscapes and intricate industrial laboratories.

Each environment is filled with distinct foes, environmental hazards, and concealed upgrades encouraging deep exploration.

Channeling a classic gameplay spirit with warped 2D pixel art, the game evokes retro titles such as Prince of Persia (1989) while introducing original worldbuilding and narrative depth.

“Adventure of Samsara is a celebration of classic adventures that resonates with both nostalgic fans of our early titles and a new generation of explorers,” Atari stated. Key gameplay features include: - Metroidvania-style exploration across 10 vibrant biomes, each packed with secrets, enemies, and environmental challenges. - Classic side-scrolling action paired with modern retro-inspired pixel art for a timeless visual aesthetic. - Engaging original lore that crafts an interdimensional fantasy adventure enriched with spiritual themes. - Multiple nods to the original Adventure, from familiar enemy types and references to iconic locales, rewarding both newcomers and longtime Atari devotees. - Hidden collectibles that increase player abilities—health, mana, and damage—as well as a range of augments for customizing playstyles. Fans of classic and modern action games alike can look forward to Atari’s continued presence on Nintendo Switch.

In addition to Adventure of Samsara, the company is preparing the release of Fatal Run 2089, a combat-focused racing game set to launch on Switch later this year.

Meanwhile, Atari subsidiary Digital Eclipse is applying the final touches to the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, which will be available on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, expanding the classic fighting franchise for new and returning players. With Adventure of Samsara’s launch date now confirmed for September 4, 2025, on Nintendo Switch, longtime Atari fans and metroidvania enthusiasts alike will have an exciting new title to explore this fall.

For those eager to embark on a revamped, retro-fueled adventure, Atari’s latest offering promises plenty of discoveries and nostalgic thrills while proudly embracing the Switch’s robust indie and retro gaming library.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Atari Switch Atari 2600+ Metroidvania Adventure of Samsara Adventure Atari 2600 Warren Robinett Digital Eclipse Fatal Run 2089 Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection