R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos: A Tactical Masterpiece Arrives on a New Platform, with a Switch 2 Version Confirmed

After a series of delays, the highly anticipated strategy RPG compilation, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos, has a firm release date in Japan: March 12, 2026. This monumental news comes with an even more significant announcement: the game will be launching with a confirmed version for the new Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Granzella, a studio composed of former Irem staff, and published by NIS America in the West, this collection breathes new life into two beloved PSP titles, bringing their intricate turn-based strategy to modern platforms with a complete visual overhaul in Unreal Engine 5. The confirmation of a Switch 2 version is a major boon for fans of the genre and a strong indicator of Nintendo’s next-generation console’s market presence and developer support.

For those unfamiliar with the original games, R-Type Tactics (known as R-Type Command in the West) and its Japan-exclusive sequel, R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate, are turn-based strategy games set in the dark and dangerous universe of the classic arcade shooter series. Players command a fleet of the Earth’s Space Corps or, in a unique twist, the biomechanical Bydo Empire, engaging in grid-based tactical battles. The games are known for their deep strategic gameplay, vast number of units, and a compelling narrative that delves into the lore of the R-Type universe. This collection marks the first time R-Type Tactics II will be officially localized for Western audiences, a fact that has the international fanbase buzzing with excitement. The game’s official Japanese website has confirmed that the release will include English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian language support, making a simultaneous worldwide launch or a close-to-simultaneous release highly likely.

The Nintendo Switch 2 and a Next-Gen Makeover

The announcement that R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos will be a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan is a major piece of news that will surely be a topic of discussion among gamers. The inclusion of the game on a new, unreleased console is a clear signal of Granzella’s confidence in their product and a testament to their commitment to a wide range of platforms. The game will also launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, ensuring that players on every major platform can experience the game. This multi-platform release is a savvy business move, broadening the game’s market and giving it the best possible chance to succeed.

The visual overhaul is perhaps the most striking feature of the new collection. The original titles, released on the PSP, were limited by the hardware’s capabilities. With a complete remake in Unreal Engine 5, the game’s 3D environments, ships, and Bydo units are now rendered with stunning detail and modern graphical effects. The new visuals not only make the game more aesthetically pleasing but also make it easier for players to track units and plan their strategy on the battlefield. The game also promises online competitive play, a feature that was present in the original but is now being modernized for today’s online gaming standards. This will allow players to pit their strategic prowess against opponents from around the world, adding a significant layer of replayability to an already content-rich package.

A Long-Awaited Return to Form

The journey to this release date has been a long one for fans. The game was initially announced in 2022 with a tentative release date of 2023, which was then pushed back to Fall 2024 and then to sometime in 2025. The final confirmation of a March 2026 release date, along with the news of the Switch 2 version, has put an end to the long period of waiting and uncertainty. Granzella has offered its apologies for the delays, stating that the extra time was needed to ensure the game met its high standards. With a new trailer showcasing the revamped visuals and gameplay, the company is now confident that they can deliver on their promises. For fans of turn-based strategy, sci-fi, and the R-Type series, this is a must-watch title that promises to be a worthy revival of a cult classic. The countdown to March 12, 2026, has officially begun, and gamers are eagerly awaiting their chance to take to the stars once more and face the dreaded Bydo Empire.