Gradius Origins Collector’s Edition from Limited Run Games

Gradius Origins is a compilation of seven classic arcade shoot ’em up titles from Konami’s Gradius and Salamander series, released by Limited Run Games for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Overview

Price: $179.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Pre-order Window: March 28, 2025, to May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Region-Free: Compatible with any console of the respective platform worldwide
Publisher: Limited Run Games
Release: Expected post-pre-order, with shipping timelines typical of Limited Run Games (often several months after pre-order closure)

Collector’s Edition Contents

The Collector’s Edition is packed with physical and digital collectibles, housed in a premium box:

Light-Up Shadow Box: Features iconic Gradius cover art and plays music when activated.

Seven Art Prints: Each represents one of the seven titles in the collection (Gradius, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander, Salamander 2, Life Force, Salamander III).

Development Document and Art Book: Exclusive book with behind-the-scenes development materials and artwork from the series.

6-Inch USB-Powered Light-Up Marquee: Includes interchangeable art panels showcasing illustrations from all seven titles.

4-Disc CD Soundtrack: Contains music from all titles in the collection, capturing the series’ iconic chiptune and arcade sound.

Complete Set of Alternate Cover Variants: Multiple box art options for the game case, catering to collectors.

Physical Game: Includes the Gradius Origins game disc/cartridge for the chosen platform.

Game Details

Titles Included: 18 versions of seven arcade games:
Gradius (1985)
Gradius II (1988)
Gradius III (1989, including the AM Show Version, a console first)
Salamander (1986)
Life Force (1986, a Salamander variant)
Salamander 2 (1996)
Salamander III (2025, a new title)

Gameplay:
Horizontal (and some vertical) scrolling shoot ’em up gameplay.

Pilot spaceships (e.g., Vic Viper) through enemy-filled stages with iconic bosses (e.g., Big Core, Moai heads).

Signature Gradius power-up meter: Collect capsules to unlock Speed Up, Missile, Laser, Option, Shield, etc.

Salamander titles emphasize faster pacing and co-op play.

New Features:
Save states, rewind, and Invincible Mode for accessibility.

Training Mode with adjustable restart points, loop counts, and power-up setups.

Customizable settings: Arcade DIP switches, screen filters (CRT, scanlines), and optional software bug toggles.

Gallery with music, instruction cards, development resources, and enemy profiles.

Additional Notes

No Purchase Limit: Unlike some Limited Run Games releases, there’s no cap on pre-orders.

Artwork Subject to Change: As the item is in manufacturing, final designs may vary slightly.

Collector Appeal: The edition targets retro gaming fans and Gradius enthusiasts, with high-quality physical items and a comprehensive game collection.

Availability: Pre-orders are exclusively through the Limited Run Games website during the specified window. No restocks are guaranteed after May 11, 2025.

Why It Stands Out

Combines all major Gradius and Salamander arcade titles, including a new game (Salamander III).

Enhanced with modern features while preserving authentic arcade gameplay.

Lavish physical extras make it a centerpiece for collectors, especially fans of Konami’s shmup legacy.