Xbox Game Pass welcomes revamped Ninja Gaiden 2 Black in surprise release
Team Ninja’s classic action game returns with Unreal Engine 5 upgrades and additional content.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers received an unexpected treat during the Xbox Developer Direct with the immediate release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This enhanced version brings Team Ninja’s iconic action game to modern platforms with significant visual improvements powered by Unreal Engine 5.
The franchise’s connection with Xbox dates back to 2004 when the original Ninja Gaiden reboot launched exclusively on Microsoft‘s console. The sequel, Ninja Gaiden 2, followed suit in 2008 as an Xbox 360 exclusive before later expanding to other platforms through its Sigma 2 variant.
This latest iteration promises to deliver the definitive Ninja Gaiden 2 experience, featuring comprehensive upgrades and all previously released content. Players can explore the game with additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions. While the title is currently available for PC and Xbox Series X through Game Pass Ultimate, its potential PlayStation release remains unconfirmed.
Ninja Gaiden franchise expands with multiple new projects
The Developer Direct presentation also unveiled Ninja Gaiden 4, a collaborative effort between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. The new installment will launch as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title and will also be available on PS5, targeting a fall 2025 release window.
Adding to the franchise’s momentum, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is currently in development, offering a nostalgic callback to the series’ NES era. With three distinct Ninja Gaiden titles scheduled for 2025, the legendary action franchise appears poised for a significant comeback.