Published on: August 01, 2025
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Launches on Nintendo Switch with 2D Action Revitalized by The Game Kitchen
The legendary Ninja Gaiden franchise makes a dynamic return to its 2D roots with the release of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, now available on Nintendo Switch.
Developed by The Game Kitchen, the acclaimed studio behind Blasphemous, this new entry reinvigorates the classic action platforming gameplay that defined the series for a new generation of players.
Debuting digitally on the Nintendo eShop, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound continues the narrative established by the original NES Ninja Gaiden trilogy.
In this latest installment, the boundaries between the human and demon realms have been shattered, throwing the world into chaos.
With Ryu Hayabusa departing the Hayabusa Village to avenge his father's death, the story introduces Kenji Mozu—a rising young ninja of the Hayabusa Clan—as the game's protagonist, setting the stage for an epic confrontation with the forces of darkness.
Players are invited to follow Kenji on his quest for vengeance, joined by Kumori, a kunoichi from the rival Black Spider Clan.
Setting aside historic rivalries, Kenji and Kumori forge an unlikely alliance, combining their unique ninja skills to navigate treacherous terrain and face a host of formidable foes.
The partnership between these characters serves as the emotional core of the story, emphasizing themes of unity and growth across generations of ninja warriors.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound serves up intense, skill-driven combat reminiscent of the original 2D entries, but with modern enhancements to ensure fast-paced, rewarding action.
The game challenges players with epic boss battles against monstrous adversaries, demanding mastery of both swordplay and acrobatics.
Additional features include unlockable abilities, hidden collectibles, secret missions, and optional challenges—offering ample content to test the mettle of even the most seasoned ninja fans.
A standout aspect of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is its exquisite 2D pixel art, which artfully evokes the aesthetics of the NES era while leveraging the Nintendo Switch hardware to deliver detailed backgrounds and vibrant enemy designs.
The immersive presentation is further elevated by a dynamic soundtrack, crafted by a team of legendary composers: Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Niita, and Kaori Nakabai—who contributed to the original NES Ninja Gaiden soundtracks—alongside Sergio de Prado of Blasphemous fame.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is available now for digital purchase via the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.
A physical boxed edition is slated for release, with further details forthcoming.
This release not only revives a storied franchise, but also stands as a testament to The Game Kitchen’s expertise in delivering challenging, visually stunning, and musically rich gaming experiences.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo The Game Kitchen Switch soundtrack Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Blasphemous Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Keiji Yamagishi Ryuichi Niita Kaori Nakabai Sergio de Prado Nintendo eShop NES Ninja Gaiden