TATSUJIN EXTREME is out on PS5, Switch 2, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S, and its 38th anniversary story video arrived on October 8, 2026, a day before the original arcade game's October 13 anniversary. The download version is discounted 20 percent through October 21.
TATSUJIN EXTREME is the series' first completely new entry since the original 1988 arcade game, and it launched on July 30, 2026, from THQ Nordic Japan and TATSUJIN Co., Ltd. Physical versions went to PS5 and Switch 2, with digital versions on PS5, Switch 2, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. A free demo had preceded it on July 22 across the same platforms, with four modes including HEART STARTER, which lets players continue without a game over.
Reviews settled around a Metascore of 76 on PS5 and 78 on Switch 2. Critics praised the classic design, visuals, and soundtrack while noting high difficulty and story pacing issues. The game carries five weapon types, including series weapons Power Shot, Tatsujin Beam, and Thunder Laser, plus new Homing Shot and Starmine Shot. Masatoshi Yuge, the series creator, returns as composer and worked with Raiden Fighters designer Takayuki Saito at TATSUJIN Inc. on the game.
The fiction has become more visible since release. A story video on October 8, 2026 presented the comic-format narrative with illustrations by Junya Inoue, formerly of Toaplan, and newly recorded narration, timed to the 38th anniversary of the original TATSUJIN's October 13, 1988 arcade debut. The download version (DLC included) is discounted 20 percent on PS5 and Switch 2 through October 21, from 4,950 yen to 3,960 yen.
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Oct 8
TATSUJIN Co., Ltd. released a story introduction video for the shooter TATSUJIN EXTREME on October 8, 2026, timed to the imminent 38th anniversary of the original arcade TATSUJIN, which began operation on October 13, 1988. The video presents the game's narrative through comic-format panels, with illustrations by manga artist Junya Inoue, formerly of Toaplan, and newly recorded narration. TATSUJIN EXTREME arrived in 2026 and carries the shooting systems of earlier entries alongside 3D graphics, music, and a comic-style story presentation. The download version of TATSUJIN EXTREME (DLC included) for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 is discounted 20 percent for the first time since release, from 4,950 yen to 3,960 yen, through October 21. The package bundles the main game plus BGM from TATSUJIN, Tatsujin Ou, and BATSUGUN, each with a player ship skin. A Steam sale and a follow-and-repost campaign for a Pipiru Alien plushie also run.
Aug 7
Masatoshi Yuge, creator of TATSUJIN, and Takayuki Saito, designer of the Raiden Fighters series, have joined forces at TATSUJIN Inc. for the new game TATSUJIN EXTREME. In an interview with Denfaminicogamer, the two veterans discussed their first collaboration and their decades-long careers in vertical shooters.
Jul 30
THQ Nordic Japan and TATSUJIN Co., Ltd. released the physical versions of "TATSUJIN EXTREME" for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 on July 30, 2026. The digital versions for PS5, Switch 2, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S began rolling out from 10:00 PM JST the same day. The game is a completely new title inheriting the lineage of Toaplan's 1988 arcade shooter "TATSUJIN" and its sequel "Tatsujin Oh." It uses 3D graphics, newly composed music by series composer Masatoshi Yuge, and a story presented through in-game comics. Players use five weapon types including returning weapons Power Shot, Tatsujin Beam, and Thunder Laser, plus new additions Homing Shot and Starmine Shot. The standard physical edition costs 4,950 yen on PS5 and 5,940 yen on Switch 2. A PREMIUM BOX edition is also available, priced at 19,800 yen for PS5 and 20,790 yen for Switch 2, containing a 2-disc gold soundtrack with 78 tracks, a metal ship figure, a 112-page art book, a 128-page comic, and a special box. Both editions include DLC with BGM and ship skins from "TATSUJIN," "Tatsujin Oh," and "BATSUGUN." A free demo is available across all platforms, featuring four modes: TUTORIAL, HEART STARTER, STORY, and TEAM. A follow-and-repost campaign on the official X account runs until August 6, 2026, giving away 10 non-sale Pipiru Alien plushies.