ZPF Launches New Sega Genesis Cartridge Editions; Digital Releases Set for Steam, Switch, and Xbox in 2026
Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate, as the highly-praised shoot 'em up ZPF rolls out another wave of physical editions for the Sega Genesis (also known as the Mega Drive).
The announcement comes from worldwide publisher Mega Cat Studios, marking another milestone for the acclaimed ZPF Team developers and an expanding audience for this standout 16-bit title. ZPF first captured attention through a successful Kickstarter campaign in July 2023, smashing its funding goal in only 19 minutes.
Support continued to surge, ultimately amassing $204,670 from backers.
Following this impressive crowdfunding run, Mega Cat Studios facilitated additional early purchases via Backerkit in December 2023, with the earliest batch of cartridges shipping to supporters earlier this year. Responding to continued demand, Mega Cat Studios has confirmed that a new set of cartridge releases will become available for pre-order starting November 20th, directly from the publisher’s website.
Retro fans can choose from three editions: a cartridge-only option ($49.99), a standard boxed edition ($59.99), or a premium limited edition ($150) that includes a custom laser-etched cartridge emblazoned with the ZPF logo.
These releases further solidify ZPF’s reputation as a must-have addition for collectors and classic gaming enthusiasts. Developed by the talented ZPF Team—comprised of Perry “Gryzor” Sessions, Mikael Tillander, and Jamie “JGVex” Vance—ZPF delivers a vibrant, retro-themed side-scrolling shoot 'em up experience.
Drawing inspiration from iconic genre titles like Lords of Thunder, Elemental Master, and Thunder Force III & IV, the game places players in control of one of three distinct avatars (Knight, Gold, or Gladius) as they battle through seven meticulously crafted stages.
Unique among its contemporaries, ZPF eschews traditional in-level weapon pickups in favor of a shop-driven upgrade system, allowing players to enhance their ships using credits earned during each playthrough, akin to the upgrade system seen in Lords of Thunder. Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive.
In our own review from May 2025, ZPF received a strong score of 8/10, with praise for its technical prowess and standing among the best 16-bit shoot 'em ups ever released.
This acclaim cements ZPF as a worthy addition to any Sega Genesis or Mega Drive library. In addition to the physical cartridge news, Mega Cat Studios also confirmed expanded digital plans for ZPF.
The publisher stated that the shoot 'em up is scheduled to launch on multiple modern platforms—specifically Steam, Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox family of consoles—in early 2026.
This move aims to introduce ZPF’s expertly crafted retro gameplay to audiences on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Steam, and Xbox storefronts, broadening its reach beyond dedicated classic hardware collectors. As ZPF continues to make waves with its blend of nostalgic design and modern polish, both retro gamers and newcomers alike have plenty to look forward to across current and upcoming platforms.
Collectors interested in the latest Sega Genesis editions are encouraged to visit Mega Cat Studios’ official website starting November 20th to secure their copies.
Digital fans can anticipate the highly anticipated Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox versions arriving in early 2026, continuing ZPF’s journey into the next era of shoot 'em up excellence.
The announcement comes from worldwide publisher Mega Cat Studios, marking another milestone for the acclaimed ZPF Team developers and an expanding audience for this standout 16-bit title. ZPF first captured attention through a successful Kickstarter campaign in July 2023, smashing its funding goal in only 19 minutes.
Support continued to surge, ultimately amassing $204,670 from backers.
Following this impressive crowdfunding run, Mega Cat Studios facilitated additional early purchases via Backerkit in December 2023, with the earliest batch of cartridges shipping to supporters earlier this year. Responding to continued demand, Mega Cat Studios has confirmed that a new set of cartridge releases will become available for pre-order starting November 20th, directly from the publisher’s website.
Retro fans can choose from three editions: a cartridge-only option ($49.99), a standard boxed edition ($59.99), or a premium limited edition ($150) that includes a custom laser-etched cartridge emblazoned with the ZPF logo.
These releases further solidify ZPF’s reputation as a must-have addition for collectors and classic gaming enthusiasts. Developed by the talented ZPF Team—comprised of Perry “Gryzor” Sessions, Mikael Tillander, and Jamie “JGVex” Vance—ZPF delivers a vibrant, retro-themed side-scrolling shoot 'em up experience.
Drawing inspiration from iconic genre titles like Lords of Thunder, Elemental Master, and Thunder Force III & IV, the game places players in control of one of three distinct avatars (Knight, Gold, or Gladius) as they battle through seven meticulously crafted stages.
Unique among its contemporaries, ZPF eschews traditional in-level weapon pickups in favor of a shop-driven upgrade system, allowing players to enhance their ships using credits earned during each playthrough, akin to the upgrade system seen in Lords of Thunder. Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive.
In our own review from May 2025, ZPF received a strong score of 8/10, with praise for its technical prowess and standing among the best 16-bit shoot 'em ups ever released.
This acclaim cements ZPF as a worthy addition to any Sega Genesis or Mega Drive library. In addition to the physical cartridge news, Mega Cat Studios also confirmed expanded digital plans for ZPF.
The publisher stated that the shoot 'em up is scheduled to launch on multiple modern platforms—specifically Steam, Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox family of consoles—in early 2026.
This move aims to introduce ZPF’s expertly crafted retro gameplay to audiences on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Steam, and Xbox storefronts, broadening its reach beyond dedicated classic hardware collectors. As ZPF continues to make waves with its blend of nostalgic design and modern polish, both retro gamers and newcomers alike have plenty to look forward to across current and upcoming platforms.
Collectors interested in the latest Sega Genesis editions are encouraged to visit Mega Cat Studios’ official website starting November 20th to secure their copies.
Digital fans can anticipate the highly anticipated Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox versions arriving in early 2026, continuing ZPF’s journey into the next era of shoot 'em up excellence.
