Compile Heart has officially postponed the release of its highly anticipated Aleste and Zanac crossover title, Zaleste.
Initially expected to debut in Japan in 2025, the game will now launch for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.
This announcement was made on November 6, 2025, via the company’s website and social media accounts, confirming the new timeline for fans eagerly awaiting the shoot 'em up revival. Zaleste is a collaborative project between Compile Heart, legendary developer M2, and D4 Enterprise.
The game was first revealed in January 2025 and quickly captured the attention of the gaming community due to its blend of classic Aleste and Zanac gameplay elements.
As showcased at Shooter Fes 2025, the project promises to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh experience for shoot 'em up enthusiasts on modern consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and Sony's current PlayStation offerings. Addressing the delay, Compile Heart stated that the release has been moved to 2026 to enable further “quality improvements.” In a statement shared on their official channels, the company expressed appreciation for the fans’ patience and acknowledged the importance of delivering a polished product.
While specifics regarding the enhancement areas were not detailed, the team pledged to share an exact release date in a future update. The news comes as the end of 2025 approaches, a time when hints of a potential delay had been growing due to the quiet spell since the game’s major showcase at Shooter Fes 2025, held five months prior.
At the event, Zaleste was demonstrated via livestream on Mikado Game Center’s YouTube channel.
The gameplay footage offered fans an extended look at the second stage, where players control one of three selectable characters, battling through waves of naval enemies, robots, and formidable bosses.
Unique abilities such as Breakshot and Plasma Flash were also highlighted, growing excitement on social media and driving discussions about parallels to Aleste and Zanac’s classic mechanics. Beyond the gameplay reveal, Shooter Fes 2025 featured deep dives into Zaleste’s concept art and character designs, further solidifying the game’s appeal among shmup fans.
Developed for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5, Zaleste is intended to honor both its legacy and the expectations of a modern audience. Compile Heart, alongside M2’s renowned expertise in classic shoot 'em up conversions and D4 Enterprise’s involvement, ensures that Zaleste remains one of the most closely watched retro-inspired releases on the horizon.
As more information becomes available, including the finalized release date and new gameplay updates, fans are encouraged to follow official channels for timely news.
Zaleste’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch eShop and PlayStation Store is now set for 2026, marking it as a key release for fans of the genre.
Initially expected to debut in Japan in 2025, the game will now launch for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in 2026.
This announcement was made on November 6, 2025, via the company’s website and social media accounts, confirming the new timeline for fans eagerly awaiting the shoot 'em up revival. Zaleste is a collaborative project between Compile Heart, legendary developer M2, and D4 Enterprise.
The game was first revealed in January 2025 and quickly captured the attention of the gaming community due to its blend of classic Aleste and Zanac gameplay elements.
As showcased at Shooter Fes 2025, the project promises to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh experience for shoot 'em up enthusiasts on modern consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and Sony's current PlayStation offerings. Addressing the delay, Compile Heart stated that the release has been moved to 2026 to enable further “quality improvements.” In a statement shared on their official channels, the company expressed appreciation for the fans’ patience and acknowledged the importance of delivering a polished product.
While specifics regarding the enhancement areas were not detailed, the team pledged to share an exact release date in a future update. The news comes as the end of 2025 approaches, a time when hints of a potential delay had been growing due to the quiet spell since the game’s major showcase at Shooter Fes 2025, held five months prior.
At the event, Zaleste was demonstrated via livestream on Mikado Game Center’s YouTube channel.
The gameplay footage offered fans an extended look at the second stage, where players control one of three selectable characters, battling through waves of naval enemies, robots, and formidable bosses.
Unique abilities such as Breakshot and Plasma Flash were also highlighted, growing excitement on social media and driving discussions about parallels to Aleste and Zanac’s classic mechanics. Beyond the gameplay reveal, Shooter Fes 2025 featured deep dives into Zaleste’s concept art and character designs, further solidifying the game’s appeal among shmup fans.
Developed for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5, Zaleste is intended to honor both its legacy and the expectations of a modern audience. Compile Heart, alongside M2’s renowned expertise in classic shoot 'em up conversions and D4 Enterprise’s involvement, ensures that Zaleste remains one of the most closely watched retro-inspired releases on the horizon.
As more information becomes available, including the finalized release date and new gameplay updates, fans are encouraged to follow official channels for timely news.
Zaleste’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch eShop and PlayStation Store is now set for 2026, marking it as a key release for fans of the genre.
