Bounty Sisters Nintendo Switch Release Date Confirmed: Pixel Co. Ltd's New Shooter Launches December 2025 in Japan

Pixel Co.

Ltd, a notable Japanese game developer recognized for titles such as Xelan Force, has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated shoot 'em up, Bounty Sisters, on the Nintendo Switch.

According to the latest release date trailer, Bounty Sisters will make its debut on December 18th, 2025, in Japan, with pre-orders for the physical edition now available at leading consumer electronics retailers and game stores across the country.

In addition, a Steam version for PC is set to follow at a later, yet unannounced date. Bounty Sisters is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up that promises to deliver an exciting blend of action and artistry, building on the expertise of an accomplished development team.

Featuring striking character and ship designs from renowned artist Shūjirō Hamakawa—celebrated for his work on the TwinBee and Parodius series—and a distinguished soundtrack composed by Junya Nakano (noted for Final Fantasy X and Mystic Warriors) along with Miki Higashino (credited for Gradius and Suikoden), the game aims to provide a visually rich and sonically immersive experience for genre fans. Industry observers, including analyst Gosokkyu, have noted that Bounty Sisters serves as a spiritual successor to the unreleased, crowdfunded PC shoot 'em up project Steam Pilots.

Steam Pilots initially raised over 8 million yen on Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake after its 2019 campaign, with a planned September 2022 release.

However, complications arose in early 2022 when Pixel Co.

Ltd withdrew from the project, citing unresolved payment issues with former Konami composer Motoaki Furukawa.

The dispute escalated to legal action, with both Pixel Co.

Ltd’s Shinya Sasaki and Furukawa filing lawsuits.

Ultimately, the project was canceled, and in 2023, Automaton reported that crowdfunding backers would be refunded by Makuake, as Furukawa did not respond to requests for mediation. Comparisons drawn between Bounty Sisters and Steam Pilots show that while some assets may be repurposed, Bounty Sisters introduces a new cast of protagonists and reimagined gameplay elements.

The game centers on three bounty hunter sisters—Dorothy (Dot), Bethany (Betty), and Frannie (Francis)—each piloting a uniquely designed vehicle suited for tackling a variety of natural and mechanical adversaries.

Concept art and promotional videos highlight a steampunk-inspired aesthetic, suggesting a fresh direction for Pixel Co.

Ltd’s latest venture. Since its initial reveal in July 2024, Bounty Sisters has enjoyed growing interest from fans of the shoot 'em up genre.

The developer has released multiple trailers and screenshots, offering an inside look at dynamic gameplay and the richly detailed world.

While story information remains limited, the developer has officially confirmed that players will take command of the three sisters as they navigate perilous environments in pursuit of their bounties.

Bounty Sisters launches on December 18th, 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch in Japan, with a Steam version in development.

For those interested in securing a copy, physical pre-orders are now open at major Japanese retailers.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bounty Sisters’ global release plans and additional details surrounding the Nintendo eShop availability.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Steam Japan Switch Ltd. Ltd Pixel Co. Ltd Bounty Sisters Steam Pilots Gosokkyu Shūjirō Hamakawa Junya Nakano Miki Higashino Motoaki Furukawa Makuake Konami