Konami's Long-awaited Gradius Collection Headlined By Long-awaited New Salamander Game

The iconic arcade space shooter returns

Mike Lind

3/29/20251 min read

During the March 27th Nintendo Direct, Konami revealed what may have been a strongly anticipated collection from the classic side-scrolling adventures of Vic Viper. Gradius Origins, which will also be released on multiple platforms, compiles six games in the influential space shooter franchise. Along with the anthology will be a brand new title, Salamader III.

Physical copies will be distributed through Limited Run Games in Standard and Collector's Edition versions.

Through the six games will be 18 different versions, which will include the first ever release of Gradius AM Version, coming to home consoles for the first time. Salamander III will also mark the first new legitimate game in the franchise since Gradius ReBirth on WiiWare in 2008, dating back 17 years.

All titles that will be a part of the Gradius Origins collection are:

  • Gradius - Japanese ROM version, Japanese "bubble" version, North American version (Nemesis), North American prototype (Nemesis), European version (Nemesis)

  • Salamander - Japanese version, North American version (Life Force)

  • Life Force - Japanese version

  • Gradius II - Japanese (early) version, Japanese (mid) version, Japanese (late) version, North American version (Vulcan Venture)

  • Gradius III - Japanese (old) version, Japanese (new) version, Asia version, Japanese AM show version

  • Salamander 2 - Japanese version

  • Salamander III - All-new entry developed for this collection

Gradius Origins is due to release August 7th 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam.