Earthion, the upcoming retro 16-bit SHMUP from Yuzo Koshiro’s studio Ancient Corp, has hit a bit of a snag for console players. While the PC version is still on track to launch via Steam on July 31, 2025, the console versions for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch have been delayed until September 2025 for unspecified reasons.
This update comes from Limited Run Games, the game’s publisher. While delays happen all the time, it’s a little surprising that the digital PC release is still moving forward while the console versions are being held back. I’m sure this will disappoint fans who were looking forward to playing it on their platform of choice.
Earthion is a throwback to the golden age of 16-bit shooters such as Thunder Force and Gradius. I had a chance to go hands-on with the game at PAX West 2024, which you can read more about here. I’ve been looking forward to playing more ever since, and since I mainly play on PC these days, I’ll still be able to see what this game is all about at launch. Still, it’s unfortunate that console players will have to wait a bit longer.
Earthion is still on track for a July 31st, 2025, release on PC (Steam).