Gradius Origins blasts onto Nintendo’s consoles today, plus Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, House of the Dead 2: Remake, and more.
Shoot ’em up
Coming on the heels of an Indie Showcase, today’s Nintendo Download includes plenty of independent titles, but there are few bigger releases as well. Konami’s Gradius Origins might be the biggest of those, as the collection brings six classic arcade shooters (with multiple variations) back to life for the Switch and Switch 2.
As mentioned though, it’s not all that’s hitting. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 also arrives (for the original Switch), along with campfire sim Chillin by the Fire, and the revitalized classic role-player, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Rounding things out for the bigger launches is Forever Entertainment’s zombie-blasting sequel, House of the Dead 2: Remake.
Lots to like there, spread out across a few different genres. Want to see the rest? Scroll down.
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2:
GRADIUS ORIGINS –Venture into deep space and face off against relentless alien forces in the GRADIUS ORIGINScollection, bringing together 17 versions of six arcade classics: GRADIUS, SALAMANDER, LIFE FORCE, GRADIUS II, GRADIUS III and SALAMANDER 2. This collection also includes the long-awaited GRADIUS III AM Show version, and a brand-new entry: SALAMANDER III. Pilot your ship through dangerous enemy lines, upgrade your weapons and master the intense, fast-paced gameplay that is the hallmark of the GRADIUS series. New gameplay features include rewind, save anywhere, reduced hit detection, invincible mode and more. GRADIUS ORIGINSlaunches on Nintendo Switch today.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – Destroy demons with the power of forged bonds! Play as Tanjiro and relive the Entertainment District Arc, the Swordsmith Village Arc and the Hashira Training Arc from the TV anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Over 40 characters are available to choose from, including the nine Hashira – the highest-ranking swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps. New elements have been added, such as Dual Ultimates and Gear. Take on new challenges both online1 and offline with up to one other friend! Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Chillin’ by the Fire – In this campfire simulation game, players can build and maintain campfires in a variety of different relaxing locales including the beach, forest and snowy mountain tops. Combat differing weather and climate and grow your campfire to Level 10 to advance. Gather up to four friends or family members together around the fire, online or via GameShare2. In a world that’s always rushing, slow down and reclaim the simple joy of just sitting around and watching a campfire grow with Chillin’ by the Fire – available for the Nintendo Switch 2 system now!
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – The timeless non-linear RPG adventure makes its triumphant return as a full remake, featuring English voiceovers, original and rearranged compositions by series composer Kenji Ito and much more. Choose your main character from several protagonists, defend your empire in strategic battles and experience a story that responds to your choices. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is available for Nintendo Switch 2 now.
Demos:
Drag x Drive: Global Jam– Nintendo is hosting a Drag x Drive: Global Jam demo event on Aug. 9 and 10! Nintendo Switch 2 players with Nintendo Switch Online memberships can download the demo and shoot hoops with friends for free during the following times: Aug. 9 from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. PT, Aug. 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT and Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT. Practice your plays and tricks before the full Drag x Drivegame launches on Aug. 14 for Nintendo Switch 2! Want to try before you buy? Start a seven-day free trial3 of Nintendo Switch Online today!
Pre-orders:
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 – Every game is a challenge on your path to becoming an NFL legend. Bring authenticity to your gameplay with years of NFL game data including next-level coaching, QB authenticity and explosive gameplay. Pre-order the Standard Edition today on Nintendo eShop and receive the MUT Cover Athlete Elite Player Item, Franchise Coach Ability Points and Super Star Legendary XP Boost. EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition is also available for pre-order, giving you up to seven days of early access, exclusive solo challenges and all items from the standard edition pre-order! Dominate the league when EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 launches on Aug. 14 for Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Music:
Pilot Swings – Are you ready to take flight? Get ready to soar as the soundtracks for Pilotwings, Pilotwings 64 and Pilotwings Resortglide onto Nintendo Music4, the smart-device app for Nintendo soundtracks! Keep yourself composed with the jazzy sounds of “The Flight Club,” “Birdman” and many more jet-setting tunes. For more info, visit: https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/nintendo-music/.
Activities:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Summer Journey Sweepstakes –Get ready for your next summer outing! Enter for a chance to win a pack of exclusive themed goodies from Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Summer Journey Sweepstakes5! This sweepstakes ends on Sept. 3 at 11 p.m. PT. For more information, visit https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/f1dc43fa033da0a6.
Nintendo eShop sales on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2:
Save on Multiplayer Games During the Play Together Sale! – Gather friends and family and share good times with games for the Nintendo Switch system! From now until Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT, find great deals on select multiplayer6 games when you shop on Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop on your device. For more information and to view the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/play-together-sale/.
Also new this week on Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch:
For news and updates on all things Nintendo, you can also check out the free Nintendo Today! smart-device app. Whether it’s news about games, info about your favorite characters, or videos and comic strips — you’ll get personalized fun every day.
1 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms/
2 Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session. Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the GameChat session in which it was shared. Shared game will not be playable after the chat ends. Nintendo Switch 2 and GameChat required for each user engaging in GameShare via GameChat. Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. During the GameChat open-access period, GameChat can be used without a membership. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com.
3 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Free trial automatically converts to 1-month auto-renewing membership at the then-current price unless automatic renewal is turned off by the end of the free trial. Credit card/PayPal account required for 18+. Free trial cannot be redeemed for a Nintendo Switch Online – Expansion Pack membership nor by a Nintendo Account with an active Individual Membership or Family Membership. Persistent Internet, compatible smartphone and Nintendo Account age 13+ required to access some online features on the app, including voice chat. Data charges may apply. Online features, Save Data Cloud and Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app features available in compatible games. Not available in all countries. The Nintendo Account User Agreement, including the Purchase and Subscription terms, apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms/
4 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries. Internet and compatible smart-device required to use app. Data charges may apply. Terms apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms
5 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 13 years old or older. Sweepstakes begins 5:00 p.m. PT on 7/30/2025 and ends at 11:00 p.m. PT on 9/3/2025. To enter, you must (1) have a Nintendo Account (if you do not have a Nintendo Account you can register for one at https://my.nintendo.com/; (2) visit https://my.nintendo.com/; (2) visit https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/f1dc43fa033da0a6, (3) sign in to your Nintendo Account, and (4) redeem 10 Platinum Points per entry at the My Nintendo Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Summer Journey Sweepstakes page (https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/f1dc43fa033da0a6) as stated in Official Rules. There will be three (3) winners. Each winner will receive one (1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Packable Anorak jacket (sizes S – XL) (ARV $44.99 USD), one (1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Insulated Folding Market Tote (ARV $32.99 USD), one (1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Tumbler with Lid (Set of 2) ($59.98 USD) and one (1) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Glass Carafe (ARV $26.99 USD). Total ARV of all prizes: $494.85 USD. A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply (https://accounts.nintendo.com/term_point). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Details and restrictions apply. For Official Rules, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/events/rules/animal-crossing-new-horizons-summer-journey-sweepstakes/ . Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc., 4600 150th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052.
6 Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately.
Jason's been knee deep in videogames since he was but a lad. Cutting his teeth on the pixely glory that was the Atari 2600, he's been hack'n'slashing and shoot'em'uping ever since. Mainly an FPS and action guy, Jason enjoys the occasional well crafted title from every genre.
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