In a surprise announcement, WayForward tweeted (seen below) that Shantae 5 is in development. The next adventure starring the purple-haired genie will be coming to Nintendo Switch and other modern platforms later this year. That includes the recently announced Apple Arcade.
Today we're thrilled to announce Shantae 5! You're invited to join Shantae in a brand-new adventure later this year on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC… AND the newly announced Apple Arcade! Stay tuned for more details! Learn more about Apple Arcade at https://t.co/KwXqXtb2ft pic.twitter.com/SFc1iOswHT
— WayForward (@WayForward) March 25, 2019
As you can guess, this is the fifth title in the Shantae franchise that started on Game Boy Color in 2002. This was followed by Risky’s Revenge (2010), Pirate’s Curse (2014), and Half-Genie Hero (2016). It is one of the rare pure 2D platformer series that is still holding strong today. And now having the latest title help flesh out the Apple Arcade lineup, it’s guaranteed to make quite the splash.
No other details are available yet, but rest assured that Shantae 5 will 1.) feature the cute heroine, 2.) go through a name change, and 3.) retain its platformer roots. The only image we have boasts an underwater background which all but guarantees the return of pirate queen Risky Boots.
With the announcement that this will come “later this year”, it seems likely we will see Shantae 5 some time after June or July. October or November feels like a safe bet, but that is speculation at the moment. Once we hear of any more updates, you’ll be sure to see it here on Nintendo Enthusiast.
