BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted: Kumagumi Launches Official Merchandise Collection for Toaplan’s Classic Shooter

Toaplan’s iconic 1993 arcade shooter BATSUGUN is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to the recent release of BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted on modern gaming platforms.

This critically-acclaimed bullet hell classic, which has paved the way for today’s intense 'danmaku' shoot-'em-up subgenre, is now receiving a fresh wave of attention—not just from fans and players, but also from the world of video game merchandise.

To commemorate the BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted release, Japanese company Kumagumi, renowned for its high-quality video game-themed merchandise, has unveiled an officially licensed BATSUGUN product line.

The new collection includes a diverse range of apparel and accessories such as hats, t-shirts, jackets, and even a collectible rug.

This launch offers enthusiasts a chance to celebrate Toaplan’s legacy both in-game and in their everyday lives. According to Kumagumi’s announcement on the collaboration, “BATSUGUN, released in 1993, fundamentally shaped what would become the bullet hell, or ‘danmaku’, subgenre of shoot-’em-ups.” The statement highlights the lasting legacy of Toaplan’s final project—created by artists Junya Inoue (also known as Joker Jun) and Yuko Takata and developed by a noted team that included Tsuneki Ikeda, who would later become director at shooter powerhouse CAVE.

Three decades after its debut, BATSUGUN continues to command respect and admiration among shooting game aficionados. The new product line is produced under an official partnership between Kumagumi and Tatsujin Co., Ltd.—the company helmed by Toaplan’s co-founder Yuge Masahiro, which retains the rights to Toaplan’s catalog.

Kumagumi’s BATSUGUN collection is available worldwide through Kumagumi’s official website and selected retro gaming retailers, making these exclusive items accessible to fans across the globe. BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted is available on several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, enabling a new generation of gamers to experience Toaplan’s groundbreaking gameplay.

Toaplan’s influence continues to be felt in the shooter genre, and with this official merchandise, both loyal followers and newcomers can celebrate the enduring appeal of one of the most influential shmups in video game history. For collectors and fans of retro gaming, Kumagumi’s officially licensed BATSUGUN products provide a unique way to honor a title that helped define an entire genre of video games.

With the game’s return to digital storefronts such as the eShop and the launch of new merchandise, BATSUGUN’s legacy is firmly secure for years to come.

Saturn Tribute Toaplan Saturn BATSUGUN Kumagumi Saturn Tribute Boosted Jun Inoue Yuko Takata Tsuneki Ikeda Tatsujin Co Ltd Nintendo Switch