Xenon 3: Hyperblast Announced for Nintendo Switch as Commodore Industries Revives Bitmap Brothers’ Classic Shooter

Commodore Industries has officially announced 'Xenon 3: Hyperblast', a long-awaited continuation of The Bitmap Brothers’ legendary Amiga shooter series, with confirmed releases planned for the Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PlayStation platforms.

This latest entry celebrates the franchise’s enduring legacy, first established in 1988 with the original 'Xenon' and later solidified by the global acclaim of 1989’s 'Xenon 2: Megablast'. Having secured the license for the Xenon property in 2024, Commodore Industries is positioning 'Xenon 3: Hyperblast' as both a tribute and a bold evolution of the franchise.

The company emphasized its commitment to upholding the legacy of the original Bitmap Brothers titles, stating via a recent statement that it is focused on delivering a gaming experience that honors the spirit and innovation of its predecessors.

Commodore Industries indicated, "We are dedicated to building an experience that not only pays homage to the original Bitmap Brothers masterpiece but also advances its legacy.

Our passion is reflected in our efforts to enrich the immersion, pacing, and quality that fans expect." 'Xenon 3: Hyperblast' will feature classic top-down arcade shooter gameplay, blending roguelite elements with the series’ iconic real-time transformation mechanic, allowing players to switch between spaceship and tank forms instantly.

Commodore Industries promises that every gameplay element has been crafted to capture the franchise’s hallmark arcade intensity and offer the addictive pace that kept players coming back for "just one more play." The upcoming title draws creative inspiration from modern and retro classics such as 'Sky Force Reloaded', 'Battle Garegga', 'Cygni', and 'RayStorm', aiming to deliver visually spectacular and challenging boss encounters that will stand out in the bullet-hell shooter genre. 'Xenon 3: Hyperblast' will first debut on Commodore’s own Starcade gaming ecosystem and will subsequently launch on popular digital storefronts, including Steam, Nintendo Switch eShop, and PlayStation Network.

No specific release date has been announced yet, but the multi-platform strategy highlights Commodore Industries’ commitment to making this retro revival accessible to a wide audience of old and new fans alike. Alongside the Xenon sequel, Commodore Industries is also developing a new version of Taito’s 'The New Zealand Story'.

This updated edition aims to deliver an approximately 90-minute adventure, refreshing another beloved classic for contemporary platforms. With these projects, Commodore Industries is cementing its reputation as a steward of classic game franchises.

By combining a respect for gaming history with thoughtful innovation, it is poised to reintroduce these iconic titles to a new generation of players across the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo New Zealand Switch Amiga Commodore Commodore Industries The Bitmap Brothers Bitmap Brothers Xenon 3 Xenon 2 Megablast Steam PlayStation The New Zealand Story Taito Starcade