Xelan Force Nintendo Switch Release Date Confirmed for Japan: Pixel Co. Ltd's Retro-Style Shooter Arrives February 29th

On February 29th, Japanese developer Pixel Co.

Ltd will officially launch its newest Famicom-inspired shoot 'em up, Xelan Force, on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan.

Known for its contributions to the local retro gaming scene—including game development, event organizing, and running a retro game store—Pixel Co.

Ltd first unveiled Xelan Force as a commemorative title for last year’s "Retro Game Summit." Following a positive reception on Steam, this vertically-scrolling shooter is now ready to broaden its reach among Switch players.

Xelan Force delivers a nostalgic gameplay experience reminiscent of classic Famicom shooters, enhanced with engaging new features and modern technical polish.

The narrative unfolds in a distant galaxy invaded by the evil alien Moldark, who has seized a vital satellite base harboring the last survivors from the planet Xelan.

Players assume the role of Levi Kuzier, a daring rogue pilot piloting the prototype "Riserion" aircraft, tasked with battling endless enemy waves to reclaim the occupied base. Underlining the game’s commitment to both authenticity and innovation is its original soundtrack, composed by Yasuhiro Inazawa.

Inazawa’s prior works include music for the shooter Death Crimson OX, the adventure title Captain Love!!, and Sega Saturn RPG Dragon Master Silk.

The visuals, handled by Studio Vigor—known for their previous art on Xiaomei and the Flame Dragon’s Fist—help carry the game’s retro aesthetic, channeling the charm of 8-bit classics with contemporary flair. A standout element of Xelan Force is its P.L.S.

(Player Level Score) system.

As detailed on its Steam product page, this adaptive scoring mechanic dynamically adjusts game difficulty and point rewards based on player performance, providing a tailored challenge and replayability for genre enthusiasts.

Currently priced at £7.49 on Steam, the game requires a controller, as keyboard support is not available. With the confirmed Nintendo Switch release date set for February 29th in Japan, anticipation is high among fans of shoot 'em up titles and the retro gaming community.

As of now, there has been no official statement regarding availability on Western Nintendo Switch eShops or additional regions. Xelan Force marks yet another step in Pixel Co.

Ltd’s journey through game development, building on its partnership with celebrated artists and composers and its dedication to preserving retro gaming traditions on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and Steam.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Japan Switch Ltd. Famicom Ltd Xelan Force Pixel Co. Ltd Steam Studio Vigor Yasuhiro Inazawa Retro Game Summit