WayForward Unveils the Next Shantae Game with a Redesigned Look and a 2027 Release Window

WayForward has officially announced the next entry in the Shantae franchise, scheduling the currently unnamed title for a release window in 2027. It is an exceptionally polite heads-up, giving players plenty of time to prepare for the half-genie's return.

The studio shared the news during a panel at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, pairing the announcement with updated artwork that showcases a redesigned look for the title character. For a series with a long history, a visual redesign suggests the studio is ready to try on a new outfit. It is a long-term reservation in a launch calendar that is already starting to fill up, joining other notable titles like the recently delayed Danganronpa 2x2 in the 2027 arrival lounge.

What we know so far

Details beyond the year and the look remain under lock and key. The title is currently unnamed, and the studio has not yet detailed what platforms the game will land on or what mechanical shifts might accompany the new art style. Planning three years out in the games industry is a bit like packing for a trip when you do not know the destination or the weather, but it gives the development team a clear, long-term runway to refine the new aesthetic.

The details

• Project status: Unnamed Shantae sequel announced
• Release window: 2027
• Announcement venue: Anime Expo (Los Angeles)
• Key change: Redesigned look for the title character

Why it matters

A three-year lead time on an announcement is a bold flag to plant in the sand, particularly for an established franchise. By revealing the visual redesign early, WayForward establishes a clear transition point for the series well ahead of launch. It gives the community time to adjust to the new look, turning what could have been a sudden shock into a slow, anticipated arrival.