Shantae’s Revived GBA Game ‘Risky Revolution’ Finally Scores Switch Release Window

In July 2023, we discovered that the developer WayForward was revisiting a previously canceled GBA installment in the Shantae franchise, Risky Revolution, aiming for a launch on both vintage hardware and contemporary consoles. Although we are still anticipating a firm release date, the developer has at last given us a release window, which is approaching swiftly.

In a recent gameplay trailer, WayForward announced that Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is set to debut on the Switch eShop in Summer 2025, indicating a release soon within the upcoming months.

For those who haven’t kept track of the game’s promotion up till now, Risky Revolution was initially in development for the GBA back in 2002, positioned between the original Shantae and Risky’s Revenge. It faced cancellation due to a lack of interest from publishers, which led to a halt in production; however, the revived project was launched on the GBA via Limited Run Games earlier this year (after a delay).

On modern systems, Risky Revolution features upgraded HD visuals — with an option to switch between classic and modern designs — as well as additional arenas for the new four-player Battle Mode, showcased in the trailer above.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the game’s key features along with several screenshots:

•Unearth the long-lost chapter of the Shantae story, entirely restored and released after two decades!
•Engage in combat and exploration utilizing your hair-whipping skill, magical items, and belly-dance transformations (like monkey, elephant, crab, and more)!
•Rotate and shift Front Yard and Back Yard playfields to create new paths and solve puzzles!
•Explore towns, traverse dungeons, purchase upgrades, discover collectibles, and interact with characters like Rottytops, Sky, and Bolo!
•For the very first time in a Shantae game, four players can join in Battle Mode!

The highly awaited LRG GBA release debuted last month, although the physical publisher faced criticism for utilizing recycled chips in game copies — a situation that displeased several buyers of the $60 edition.

In a conversation with our sister site Time Extension regarding the Shantae release, Limited Run’s Josh Fairhurst assured consumers that “The cartridges have been evaluated across numerous hardware types” and “Customers will not face any issues playing or enjoying their cartridges for years to come”. Nevertheless, the company mentioned that dissatisfied clients can submit a request to the support team for a replacement.

Let’s hope that the digital launch on Switch this summer can progress with a bit less controversy, shall we?

Will you be purchasing Risky Revolution on Switch in the upcoming months? Share your thoughts in the comments.