Shinobi: Art of Vengeance—SEGA’s Classic Franchise Eyes Revival on Nintendo Switch

SEGA Reignites Shinobi Franchise With Art of Vengeance, Hints at Future Nintendo Switch Expansion The Shinobi series, one of SEGA's most revered franchises from the golden era of arcade and console gaming, is staging a remarkable comeback with the upcoming release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Developed under the careful guidance of SEGA’s content production department, led by Kagasei Shimomura, the new title is set to launch on multiple platforms, including the highly popular Nintendo Switch.

This marks the franchise’s most significant resurgence in years and reflects SEGA’s renewed dedication to nurturing its classic intellectual properties in the modern era. In an exclusive conversation with Game Informer, Kagasei Shimomura shared insights into SEGA's broader vision for the Shinobi franchise.

Shimomura emphasized that SEGA does not view this latest entry as a mere standalone revival.

He underlined that the internal team hopes Shinobi: Art of Vengeance will achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success—a result that could pave the way for a full-scale revival of the once-dormant Shinobi series. Shimomura explained, “Our top priority is delivering great games for our players.

At the same time, we feel a strong responsibility to grow and nurture our existing intellectual properties.

While our main focus right now is on launching Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, we remain open to expanding our efforts to other types of content, including comics, merchandise, or even future games, depending on reception.

We truly believe IPs should evolve, and Shinobi is an important part of our history we want to continue to develop.” This passion for growth is evident in SEGA's release strategy for Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which is set to appear on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop as well as other platforms.

The franchise, which debuted in arcades in 1987 and gained a devoted global following through subsequent home console entries, has been relatively quiet in recent years.

The return of Shinobi signals SEGA’s broader commitment to revitalizing beloved classics to suit the preferences of today’s diverse gaming audience. As with many recent revivals, SEGA appears keen on integrating fan feedback and considering continued expansion if Shinobi: Art of Vengeance meets sales and review expectations.

While no specific sequels or additional media content have been officially confirmed, Shimomura emphasized that the future of the Shinobi IP will be determined by how the gaming community receives this fresh installment. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance set to bolster the Nintendo Switch’s already formidable library of classic and modern action titles, industry watchers and longtime fans alike will be keeping a close eye on its upcoming release.

This new chapter could mark the beginning of sustained prominence for the Shinobi series within SEGA’s diverse portfolio.

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