Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection Confirmed for Nintendo Switch – Trilogy Release Date, Features, and Details
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Published on: February 19, 2021
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Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection Confirmed for Nintendo Switch – Trilogy Release Date, Features, and Details
Action fans have reason to celebrate: after swirling rumors last fall, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection was officially announced for Nintendo Switch during the recent Nintendo Direct broadcast.
Developed by established Japanese publisher Koei Tecmo, this highly anticipated compilation gathers three of the most acclaimed entries in the modern Ninja Gaiden franchise—Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge—into a single definitive package for Nintendo’s hybrid console.
The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is set to launch globally on June 10.
This marks the first time the full trilogy will be available to play natively on Nintendo Switch, following their original releases on earlier platforms such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
While the eShop listing offers a digital version, details about whether the physical release will contain all three games on a single cartridge or require additional downloads are pending; Koei Tecmo has been contacted for clarification.
Each title in the compilation has been thoughtfully curated to maintain the fast-paced combat, deep challenge, and iconic style that defined the series throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
Returning protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, one of gaming’s most renowned ninjas, is joined by playable characters Ayane, Rachel, Momiji, and Kasumi, offering a wide variety of gameplay experiences and fighting styles across the trilogy.
Additionally, players can look forward to a broad selection of costumes for Ryu, enhancing the visual appeal and replay value for longtime series fans.
However, it’s important to note some functionality will differ from earlier versions.
According to the official Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection website, certain online features will not be supported in this Nintendo Switch release.
Specifically, online multiplayer is not available for the “Tag Missions” mode in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
Similarly, “Clan Battle” for “Shadows of the World” in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge and “Ninja Trials” multiplayer are not included.
These changes bring the Switch edition in line with the recent trend of focusing on single-player content, though local replay value remains significant due to the robust campaign modes and unlockable content.
Ninja Gaiden remains a landmark in Japanese action game design, renowned for its razor-sharp difficulty, fluid combat, and atmospheric world-building.
Koei Tecmo’s legacy with the franchise is further cemented through this release, providing new and returning Nintendo Switch players a chance to experience all three titles in one masterful collection.
As an added cross-promotion, owners of Nioh 2 or Nioh 2: The Complete Edition on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 will soon be able to outfit their protagonists in a Ryu Hayabusa costume, illustrating the enduring influence of the Ninja Gaiden brand beyond the Nintendo platform.
With its official release date of June 10, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection stands as a key addition to the Nintendo Switch eShop and retail lineup, solidifying 2021 as a significant year for action game enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For more updates and in-depth coverage on Ninja Gaiden and other top Nintendo Switch releases, stay tuned to our news feed.
