Neon Inferno reveals Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer [update: delay]
June 3: A release date has just come through for Neon Inferno, the upcoming 2D run-and-gun and gallery-shooter. It’s due out for Nintendo Switch on October 2, 2025.
We previously heard about the project earlier in the year when it had a Q3 2025 launch window. Remember that it comes from Zenovia Interactive, the team behind Steel Assault.
As a reminder, here’s what to expect from the game:
Taking inspiration from classic titles like Contra and Wild Guns, Neon Inferno splits the action into the foreground and background with a variety of enemies and bosses in levels set in a dystopian New York City of 2055.
Developed by Zenovia Interactive and published by Retroware, Neon Inferno lets players take on the role of either Angelo or Mariana as they fight for a fledgling crime family striving for power against a corrupt NYPD and other crime syndicates in the war-torn metropolis.
With “Bullet Time,” players can deflect certain projectiles back at enemies they choose—regardless of whether they’re in the foreground or background! With multiple upgrades available to equip between missions, multiple difficulties, including an Arcade Mode, and two-player co-op available, players will be able to tackle their missions however they choose.
Key Features
- Shoot Close, Aim Far – A dynamic blend of side-scroller and gallery-shooter, where the action takes place in both foreground and background (like playing Contra and Wild Guns at the same time).
- Glorious 32-Bit Style – A science-fiction cityscape rendered in beautiful pixel art and backed by an evocative soundtrack.
- Two-Player Cooperative Play – With danger lurking around every street corner, wouldn’t you be better off with a friend?
- Satisfying Arcade Challenge – Enjoy a playthrough on an easier mode…or put your skills and resilience to the test with 1-credit-clear arcade mode.
Release Date Trailer
For more on Nintendo Switch, check out this page.
September 11: The game has now been delayed, and will launch on November 20, 2025. Here’s a message from creative director Sri Kankanahalli:
“As of this writing, the game is essentially done. However, unfortunately, releasing it isn’t as simple as pressing a button. We needed to take into account the schedules and certification needs of multiple platform holders and multiple physical distribution companies, as well as Retroware’s release schedule, which is jam-packed this fall. We considered the option of staggering the launch and releasing on some platforms before others, but in the end we decided a simultaneous release was worth preserving at all costs.”
“In the end, this small delay is a good thing for Neon Inferno. We get even more time to polish the experience and make it as amazing as possible for you, and we may get to throw in some new features and new content originally planned for post-release. Neon Inferno will be an even better game this way, and you will be able to feel it.”
An updated release date trailer can be found below.
