Psyvariar 3 Tests Shmup Fans’ Skills on Console and PC Early Next Year
Red Art Games is excited to reveal that Psyvariar 3 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC (via Steam) in early 2026!
Developed by Banana Bytes, makers of the critically acclaimed Sophstar, and Red Art Studios, Psyvariar 3 is the latest iteration of SUCCESS’ legendary Shoot ‘em Up series that is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2025.
Psyvariar 3 is the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed vertical Shoot ’em Up series. The game builds on the franchise’s signature “buzz” mechanic while introducing new characters, refined controls, and a variety of game modes. Featuring seven unique pilots (including Cotton from the Cotton series), each with distinct abilities and scoring systems, Psyvariar 3 remains faithful to its arcade roots while delivering enhanced replay value and accessibility for today’s players.
In addition to its digital release, Psyvariar 3 will also get multiple physical editions on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch and PS5 in Europe. Full details regarding the physical editions’ content as well as pre-order information will be revealed later this year. PC players can wishlist Psyvariar 3 on Steam now!
About Psyvariar 3
[Psyvariar 3] takes place many years after the events of Psyvariar 2. After the fall of ETA, a faction of Psyvariars declared that Earth was too precious to be forsaken. They vowed to reclaim and colonize it once more, with GUIS rising from its ashes to resume its original mission.
Decades pass. The Earth colony thrives.
Then… a signal. Alien. Unknown.
The moment Gluon particles are detected, dread spreads like fire. The skies darken with a familiar terror-Earth is under siege once again. The time has come for a new generation of Psyvariars to rise… and save humanity.
Born in 2000 with the launch of the original Psyvariar: Medium Unit in Japanese Arcades, the Psvyariar series has since then made its mark on consoles such as PlayStation 2, Dreamcast, Xbox, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Psyvariar 3 is the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed vertical Shoot ’em Up series.
Designed with deep reverence for the franchise by lovers of the genre, Psyvariar 3 is the result of the collaboration between Banana Bytes (Sophstar), Red Art Games and Red Art Studios, with the blessing of IP holder SUCCESS. It builds on the franchise’s signature “buzz” mechanic while introducing new characters, refined controls, and a variety of game modes. With its seven unique pilots, each with distinct abilities and scoring systems, it also remains faithful to its Arcade roots while delivering enhanced replay value and accessibility for today’s players.
Features
Seven Playable Characters with unique shot types, buzz & bomb mechanics, and scoring systems.
Guest character: Cotton from the Cotton series is fully playable with her own ship and abilities
Refined Buzz System that rewards skillful bullet grazing with score boosts and shield chains
Signature Roll Mechanic updated for modern controllers all the while preserving the original Arcade “wiggle” input for extra advantage and fluid movement
Neutrino & Shield System that give access to shields, speed boosts, and enhanced weapons by buzzing and shooting
Strategic Bomb Variations that include short and long types with varying effects depending on the character in use
Multiple Game Modes: Arcade, Arrange, Mission (49 short challenges), Caravan, Endless, and Practice
Dynamic Difficulty Selection that unlocks harder routes and exclusive boss encounters based on performance
Seven Distinct Areas and Bosses with varied attack patterns depending on the difficulty
Arcade-Perfect Intensity that preserves the intense, high risk/high reward action the series is known for
Neo retro 3D aesthetics inspired by early Psyvariar games