Gradius Origins Brings Salamander III and Classic Arcade Titles to Nintendo Switch and More

Konami has officially revealed 'Gradius Origins', a new anthology set to launch on August 7, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, alongside simultaneous releases for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

Announced during the latest Nintendo Switch Direct presentation, this collection is a celebration of Konami’s legendary arcade shoot 'em up legacy, highlighted by the inclusion of the long-awaited new title 'Salamander III'. 'Gradius Origins' features a comprehensive lineup of games from the Gradius and Salamander series, offering players a chance to experience both classic iterations and international variants from different regions and years.

The full list of included titles and versions is as follows: - Gradius (Japan ROM Version, Japan Bubble Version, North America Version (Nemesis), US Version (Nemesis), North America Prototype (Nemesis)) - Salamander (Japan Version, North America Version (Life Force)) - Life Force (Japan Version) - Gradius II (Japan Early, Mid, Late Versions; North America Version (Vulcan Venture)) - Gradius III (Japan Old Version, Japan New Version, Asia Version, Japan AM Show Version) - Salamander 2 (Japan Version) - Salamander III (brand new sequel) In a prepared statement, Konami shared that each game in the collection will feature a robust suite of user-friendly options, including rewind functionality, quick save and quick load, and multiple gameplay modes designed for every skill level—such as easy, invincible, and training options.

Players can further dive into the rich history of these titles through unlockable sound and visual galleries, and measure their skills via global online leaderboards complemented by a replay gallery. The 'Gradius' franchise is a cornerstone of arcade gaming dating back to its 1985 debut, acclaimed for its innovative side-scrolling shooter mechanics, memorable power-up system, and challenging enemy patterns.

The inclusion of Salamander III marks the first new entry in the Salamander subseries in decades, underscoring Konami’s commitment to honoring its classics while also moving the series forward. With the Gradius Origins collection, both longtime fans and newcomers will have an unprecedented opportunity to experience the definitive versions of these iconic shoot 'em ups on the Nintendo Switch eShop, as well as across major modern platforms.

Stay tuned to official channels for further updates and gameplay reveals as the August 7 release date approaches.

Nintendo Switch Konami Nintendo Switch Gradius Gradius Origins Salamander Salamander III Arcade Life Force Gradius II Gradius III Salamander 2 Xbox Series X|S PS5 Steam