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UFO 50: But Is It Like Galaga?
- UFO 50

There’s nothing like a dash of nostalgia to liven up your Nintendo Switch library, and UFO 50 does just that—with a chaotic twist. This retro-inspired, 50-game bundle dropped on the Switch eShop today, and spoiler alert, it’s NOT your average walk through pixelated memory lane. Think quirky storytelling, intentional difficulty spikes, and yes, games-within-games. Oh, and did we mention it’s cheap?

If you’ve never heard of UFO 50, here’s the rundown for you impatient types (we see you). Created by the same mastermind behind Spelunky, this compilation is essentially an imagined library from a “fictional 1980s game studio” called UFO Soft… and wow, they were ambitious. It packs platformers, roguelites, RPGs, and even sports games into one tight compilation. Some gems last for hours; others are bite-sized chaos. This is where ADHD gaming meets an indie developer’s fever dream.

UFO 50 Is Here To Remind Us of the Joy of NES-Style Gaming

Is UFO 50 Worth Your Time in 2025? Spoiler Alert—Yes

If you’re one of those skeptics who still isn’t convinced that UFO 50 is worth the hype, here’s why you’re going to clear inventory space on your Switch (and maybe add a physical copy to your shrine of gaming tchotchkes).

1. Variety Without Sacrifice

While some collections throw in cheap filler, UFO 50 somehow manages to give equal love to all its micro-games. The titles bring genuine twists on genres, from shoot-em-ups with mechanics even Galaga fans might envy, to roguelites that are actually challenging. Yes, actually.

2. Lore Nerds Rejoice

Oh, you thought this was just 50 random games shoved in a bundle? Wrong. UFO 50 has what can only be described as world-building easter eggs. Recurring characters, sequels, and ridiculous lore about UFO Soft make this feel more like a chaotic timeline of a neglected game studio.

3. You Can Actually Co-Op

Twenty-one of the bundled games support multiplayer, and while the devs didn’t reinvent the wheel here, there’s something insanely satisfying about screaming at a friend to pass invisible hurdles in pixel-perfect style.

Physical Editions Are Coming, Because Obsession Is Real

If the instant “Nintendo eShop download” route lacks drama for you, great news. Physical editions of UFO 50 are hitting shelves in 2026 thanks to Fangamer. You’ll have two options to flaunt your retro obsession:

  • Standard Edition ($35): Includes exclusive items like 12×9-inch UFO Soft posters, postcards of a fictional ’80s game disk, and even a code for the full freakin’ soundtrack.
  • Deluxe Edition ($59): This takes memorabilia to the next level with developer tips, design docs, maps, hand-pickin’ everything. Basically, if you don’t grab this, are you even a gamer?!

Why We’re OBSESSED with UFO 50 on Nintendo Switch

When it launched on PC in 2024 and scored a sweet 91 on Metacritic, critics already knew UFO 50 was groundbreaking. The Switch just takes it to the next level. Playing this collection handheld somehow feels like a rebellion against today’s bloated, microtransaction-riddled gaming scene.

Here’s another think-about-it bonus. This isn’t just a “lazy weekend kind of binge” game. With 50 unique entries tailored to multiple genres, UFO 50 is that rare title you’ll revisit when you feel nostalgic and want something new.

Where Can You Get It Today?

Straight-up, the easiest way to snag UFO 50 is on the Nintendo Switch eShop. But… if you value bragging rights, preorder one of those physical editions for 2026. You’ll thank us later when scalpers come for your Deluxe Edition treasure.

Okay, enough reading. Stop scrolling, start downloading, and prepare yourself for some NES-style chaos. You didn’t need those plans this weekend anyway.

Visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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