Operius DX Launches on Nintendo Switch: Distant Illusions Brings Revamped Tube Shooter to the eShop

Operius DX, the fast-paced tube shooter from indie developer Distant Illusions, has officially landed on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

This adrenaline-fueled arcade game expands upon the studio’s original Operius, a project that first captivated gamers as the winner of the 2021 Opera GX Game Jam.

Now, with a “sharper, faster, and louder” experience, Operius DX arrives on both Nintendo Switch and PC platforms, offering a host of new features for fans of retro-inspired shooters. Originally developed within the competitive spirit of the Opera GX Game Jam, Operius made an immediate impact by securing first place and a $10,000 prize thanks to its mesmerizing gameplay loop.

Players pilot an arrow-shaped spacecraft, charged with fending off relentless waves of alien UFOs aiming to disrupt the world’s internet infrastructure.

Following its jam-winning debut, Distant Illusions committed to developing a deluxe, expanded version for a wider audience.

This vision materialized with the release of Operius DX—now available globally on the Nintendo Switch eShop for £4.49, and recently launched on Steam and itch.io for £4.29/$4.99 as of May 30th. According to Distant Illusions, this new DX edition boasts a variety of enhancements over its predecessor: “We’ve made the game sharper, faster, and much louder.

Players can enjoy new game modes, richer visuals, alternate color palettes, and more refined gameplay,” said a studio representative in a developer update. Operius DX retains the core appeal of the tube shooter genre.

Players move along the periphery of a grid-like tube, blasting enemies that descend from the distance in increasingly challenging waves.

A major innovation in DX is the ship progression system—players can navigate through special rings to level up their spacecraft, boosting movement speed and unlocking additional abilities.

The game also features a lineup of challenging bosses and supports local co-op, allowing friends to partner up and take on the alien threat together. Distant Illusions’ journey from indie jam to multi-platform release underscores their commitment to arcade excellence and inventive gameplay design.

With Operius DX now on Nintendo Switch, Steam, and itch.io, fans of classic shooters and newcomers alike can dive into a tightly crafted, modern arcade experience across platforms.

The affordable price point and robust feature set make Operius DX a noteworthy addition to the Nintendo eShop and a compelling pick for Switch players on the hunt for their next arcade fix.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch Operius DX Distant Illusions Steam itch.io Opera GX Game Jam Nintendo eShop