Gradius Origins Announced for Nintendo Switch: Konami Reveals Definitive Shmup Collection

Konami has officially announced Gradius Origins, a robust shoot 'em up collection set to launch on the Nintendo Switch on August 7, 2025.

Unveiled during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, this highly anticipated bundle consolidates several iconic titles from one of gaming’s most celebrated shmup series, giving fans and newcomers alike extensive opportunities to revisit or discover top-tier arcade action. Gradius Origins represents the definitive collection for fans of the Gradius franchise, featuring the original Gradius trilogy, both Salamander games, and the classic Life Force.

Board the Vic Viper and experience each title in one cohesive package, now enhanced for the modern era.

Notably, this bundle is designed with both purists and new players in mind—the collection includes 17 different regional game variants, offering an in-depth look at how these arcade classics evolved across markets. In a significant announcement for longtime fans, Gradius Origins will also introduce Salamander III, an entirely new shoot 'em up entry created by Konami specifically for this collection.

This marks the first new game in the Salamander sub-series in decades and is expected to deliver the fast-paced, challenging action that has defined the series since its debut in the mid-1980s. To ensure the games are accessible for today’s audience, Konami has implemented a variety of modern quality-of-life features.

Players can take advantage of functions like rewinding gameplay, adjusting difficulty settings, and establishing custom checkpoints, enriching the experience for both newcomers and veterans looking to fine-tune their runs.

These updates allow a broader player base to approach the notoriously difficult shmup genre without compromising the integrity of the original releases. Pre-orders for Gradius Origins open on the Nintendo eShop immediately following the Nintendo Direct.

Fans eager to secure their copy can do so ahead of the August launch.

Given Konami’s history with premium retro compilations and the enduring legacy of the Gradius franchise, this release is set to become a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners passionate about arcade history and classic shooters. With Gradius Origins, Konami reaffirms its commitment to preserving and revitalizing its most beloved properties.

By offering both nostalgia and innovation, this Nintendo Switch collection stands as one of the year’s most notable announcements in the retro gaming and shoot 'em up genres.

Konami Nintendo Nintendo Direct Switch arcade Gradius Origins Salamander Salamander III Gradius Nintendo Switch