YUKE’S Co., Ltd. (hereafter, “YUKE’S”) is pleased to announce that the Nintendo Switch™ 2 action-shooter game Earth Defense Force 5 for Nintendo Switch 2, for which it handled the porting development work, was released today, October 8, 2026 (THURS), by D3PUBLISHER INC. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President & CEO: Tomoaki Imanishi). 

YUKE’S was responsible for the porting development work for Earth Defense Force 5 for Nintendo Switch 2, including Nintendo Switch™ 2 environment implementation, adjustments, and functionality checking. This release also contains new features developed specifically for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version, including Local Mission Mode, which allows up to four people to play cooperatively, newly added support for two-player simultaneous split-screen play, and support for gyroscope controls for when playing in handheld mode. Furthermore, game system improvements made for Earth Defense Force 6 have also been implemented into this release, resulting in quality-of-life and playability enhancements.
YUKE’S is also responsible for the porting development work for the game’s sequel, Earth Defense Force 6 for Nintendo Switch 2, planned for release on January 28, 2027.

About Earth Defense Force 5 for Nintendo Switch 2

This is the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version of the hit action-shooter game Earth Defense Force 5 which has over 2 million users worldwide, originally released for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and PC. In this game, the player assumes the role of a single EDF soldier standing up against hordes of giant enemies after an alien species suddenly invades the planet and battles against humanity’s Earth Defense Force, or “EDF.” The game contains over 100 missions and over 1000 weapons and armaments. Players can switch among four soldier classes, each with its own unique characteristics, to enjoy a wide variety of tactical approaches. Five difficulty levels are also available, allowing players to enjoy the game at the level suited to their skill and experience.

Notable Characteristics of the Nintendo Switch™ 2 Version

• Enhanced Playability with New Game Systems
  In addition to newly added subtitle and damage value display features, this version also contains improvements to button mapping and the dash command. Commands have been changed to match those used in the game’s sequel, Earth Defense Force 6 for Nintendo Switch 2, resulting in a more unified and user-friendly play experience.

• Game Progress Linked between Online and Offline Modes
  Previously, game progress was managed separately between online and offline modes, but in this version, progress is linked between the two modes.

Newly Added Features in the Nintendo Switch™ 2 Version

• Local Mission Mode for up to Four Simultaneous Players
  In addition to the previously available online co-op mode, this version contains a newly added Local Mission Mode which allows up to four friends and family members to play in person cooperatively.
  *For Online Mission Mode and Local Mission Mode, each participating player must have their own Nintendo Switch™ 2 console and game software.

• Two-Player Simultaneous Split-Screen Play
  Previously unavailable on Nintendo Switch versions of earlier releases in the series, this version newly adds two-player simultaneous split-screen play. This mode allows friends and family members to attempt the same mission together on a split screen using a single Nintendo Switch™ 2 console.

• Support for Gyroscope Controls in Handheld Mode
  In this version, support has been added for gyroscope controls for when playing the game in handheld mode, allowing for intuitive aiming achieved by tilting the console.

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Product Overview

• Title: Earth Defense Force 5 for Nintendo Switch 2
• Platform: Nintendo Switch™ 2
• Genre: 3D Action-Shooter
• Release Date: October 8, 2026 
• Supported Languages: English/Japanese (including voiceover in both languages)
• # of Players: 1-2 (1 to 4 online and locally)
• CERO: D (ages 17 and up)
• Developer: SANDLOT / Nintendo Switch™ 2 Port: YUKE’S Co., Ltd.
• Publisher: D3PUBLISHER INC.

Earth Defense Force for Nintendo Switch 2 Portal Site
https://www.d3p.co.jp/edf_switch2/edf5/en/

Earth Defense Force for Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Store Site
https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000120968

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With the corporate mission of “Making the World Smile, with Entertainment that Excites and Surprises,” YUKE’S is dedicated to creating high-value entertainment solutions that resonate with audiences globally. 

©2026 SANDLOT ©2026 D3PUBLISHER

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