Konami’s Darwin’s Paradox! Set to Release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KONAMI) has announced that its new action-adventure platform game, Darwin’s Paradox!, will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game will be released across the globe, debuting on the latest generation of platforms. It is scheduled to arrive in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The Story of Darwin, the Octopus
KONAMI is collaborating with the French developer, ZDT Studio, on this original title. The game introduces the protagonist, Darwin, an octopus who finds himself abruptly taken from his natural habitat. Darwin is thrust into a chaotic world that has been infiltrated by the nefarious UFOOD INC. The game’s narrative centers on Darwin’s journey to uncover an evil plot for world domination being orchestrated by the corporation.
Vibrant World and Unique Challenges
Darwin’s Paradox! promises a deep and engaging story experience. Each stage is designed as a vibrant environment, packed with distinct challenges and intense encounters. Players will navigate through diverse locations, from a massive rubbish dump overrun by maniacal rats to the frightening mechanical depths of a seaside food production factory. The game is specifically designed to immerse players in an intense story. It is brought to life by a cast of colorful characters and features unique, thought-provoking gameplay mechanics.
Delayed to Ensure Next-Gen Launch
The release of Darwin’s Paradox! was originally scheduled for an earlier date. However, the launch was strategically delayed until 2026. This decision was made to ensure that Darwin’s chaotic adventure could be released on the new Nintendo Switch 2 console. The move confirms the game’s commitment to launching on the newest and most powerful gaming platforms. ZDT Studio is currently developing the game. The developer team consists of veterans from the video game, animation, and visual effects industries. Their mission is to create immersive experiences that blend animated cinema and video games seamlessly.
About Konami Group
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION was established in 1973, starting as an amusement machine manufacturer for arcades. Over the years, the company has grown to include different business units across various markets. Currently, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION includes the Digital Entertainment, Amusement, Gaming & Systems, and Sports Businesses. The company went public on the Osaka Securities Exchange in 1984, the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, and the London Stock Exchange in 1999. For more information, visit: www.konami.com/en.
About Konami Digital Entertainment
Konami Digital Entertainment, which is the core company of Konami Group, develops entertaining content for mobile, console and card games. The company is known for global franchises such as eFootball™, Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Castlevania, and Contra, as well as the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game series. www.konami.com/games/corporate/en/
About ZDT Studio
ZDT Studio is an independent video game studio based in Paris, founded by veterans from the video game, animation, and visual effects industries. Our mission: to create immersive experiences that embody the convergence of animated cinema and video games. Through original games that combine storytelling, innovative gameplay, and unique mechanics, the studio aims to offer a wide audience interactive experiences that feel like true animated films.
THIS IS our take:
The platform genre is crying out for a truly imaginative new mascot, and an octopus dragged into a conspiracy by a nefarious food company sounds like the perfect kind of absurdism to fill that void. Konami’s decision to delay the launch to specifically hit the Nintendo Switch 2 release window is a smart move. It signals that they believe the Switch 2’s power is essential for the full creative vision of ZDT Studio. We are ready to see Darwin use his eight tentacles to wrap up UFOOD INC.’s evil plans.
