
Fighting game fans were in for a surprise at EVO Japan 2025, as SEGA officially announced the next installment in the Virtua Fighter series: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. The reveal took place at Tokyo Big Sight, where SEGA hosted a dedicated booth featuring gameplay demonstrations, tournaments, and exclusive merchandise.
This announcement marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, making it the first proper Virtua Fighter game to arrive on a Nintendo platform in 32 years. The game will feature rollback netcode and crossplay support, ensuring a seamless online experience for players across different platforms.
The Legacy of Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter debuted in 1993, pioneering 3D fighting games with its realistic physics and deep combat mechanics. Developed by Yu Suzuki and his team at SEGA-AM2, the franchise set new standards for the genre, influencing titles like Tekken and Dead or Alive. Over the years, Virtua Fighter has maintained a dedicated fanbase, despite SEGA’s sporadic support for the series.
The last major entry, Virtua Fighter 5, was released in 2006, followed by updates such as Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown and the Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster in 2021. However, fans have long awaited a true revival, and SEGA has finally answered their calls.
What to Expect from Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
SEGA’s Seiji Aoki, the franchise’s director, expressed excitement about bringing Virtua Fighter back to the forefront of fighting games. He emphasized that Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is more than just a port—it will include new content, enhanced visuals, and refined mechanics.
Key features include:
- Rollback Netcode: Ensuring smooth online matches.
- Crossplay Support: Allowing players across different platforms to compete.
- Expanded Content: SEGA has hinted at additional modes and characters, with more details to be revealed in future updates.
Virtua Fighter’s Return to Nintendo
One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is Virtua Fighter’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2. Despite SEGA’s long history with Nintendo, Virtua Fighter has never had a proper presence on the platform. This move signals SEGA’s recognition of the growing fighting game community on Nintendo consoles, following the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Dragon Ball FighterZ.
The Future of Virtua Fighter
With Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., SEGA is reaffirming its commitment to the franchise. The game’s presence at EVO Japan 2025, alongside tournaments and community events, highlights SEGA’s dedication to revitalizing Virtua Fighter for both veteran players and newcomers.
As the fighting game community eagerly awaits more details, one thing is clear: Virtua Fighter is back, and it’s ready to reclaim its throne