The landmark science-adventure visual novel STEINS;GATE returns in a ground-up remake, RE:BOOT, and it is finally shipping. In the west it launches August 20, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch 2, and Switch versions following on October 29. Built on the 2009 original, RE:BOOT redraws every CG from line art and re-records every voice line — this is a full remake, not a resolution bump.
- ▶Sources: Gematsu — STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT launches in the west on August 20 · STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT official site · Steam store page
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT |
| Genre | Science Adventure / Visual Novel |
| Developer | MAGES. |
| Western wave 1 | August 20, 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC/Steam) |
| Western wave 2 | October 29, 2026 (PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch) |
| Platforms | Six systems total |
| Base price | $59.99 (10% Steam launch discount → $53.99) |
| SteelBook physical | $69.99 |
RE:BOOT adds new branches and endings, including a fresh "Gamma Worldline" route. (Still from MAGES.'s official trailer)
What Changed — A Remake, Not a Remaster
The heart of RE:BOOT is not a simple upscale. MAGES. frames the work in four pillars:
- ▶Every CG redrawn — standing art and event CGs rebuilt from the line-art stage up.
- ▶Every voice re-recorded — all dialogue voiced anew.
- ▶Every track remade — the entire soundtrack re-produced.
- ▶New worldlines and endings — additional branches, including the new "Gamma Worldline" route.
The original's narrative spine is preserved, but its audiovisual layer is replaced wholesale and its story surface widened.
Release Schedule and Platforms — Why the Dates Split
In the west, launch dates are staggered by platform. Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) go first on August 20, while the PlayStation and Nintendo families join roughly two months later on October 29.
| Platform | Western release |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | August 20, 2026 |
| PC (Steam) | August 20, 2026 |
| PlayStation 5 | October 29, 2026 |
| PlayStation 4 | October 29, 2026 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | October 29, 2026 |
| Nintendo Switch | October 29, 2026 |
The notable addition is native Nintendo Switch 2 support — a clear play to re-capture the fanbase on current hardware.
Pricing and Editions
The base edition is $59.99, discounted 10% to $53.99 on Steam as a launch promotion. The physical SteelBook edition is $69.99, and the Japanese download version runs ¥6,380. That is a steep entry point for newcomers to the genre, but consistent with a full-scale re-art-and-re-voice remake rather than a light remaster.
Why STEINS;GATE Matters
STEINS;GATE, first released by 5pb. and Nitroplus in 2009, is the flagship of the "Science Adventure" series. Its tightly wound narrative — built around time leaps and the concept of worldlines — helped push the visual novel format toward a mainstream audience. It spawned an acclaimed anime adaptation, sequels, and spin-offs, and built a global fandom that still quotes lines like "El Psy Kongroo." RE:BOOT refreshes that IP for current hardware, aiming at both a new generation and returning veterans at once.
Community and Market Reaction
Fan response since the announcement has been broadly positive, with the full re-recording and new worldlines cited most often as reasons to double-dip. Two concerns run alongside the enthusiasm:
- 1Split launch windows — PlayStation and Switch players wait two-plus months past the Xbox/PC release.
- 2Price sensitivity — $59.99 is a high bar for a visual novel and may deter first-timers.
The GamePeak Take
| Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Core | Full remake — every CG redrawn, every voice re-recorded, every track remade |
| New content | Fresh branches and endings, including the "Gamma Worldline" |
| First out | Xbox and PC (August 20) |
| Later | PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch (October 29) |
| Price | $59.99 ($53.99 first-week on Steam) |
| Significance | Switch 2 support courts new and returning fans simultaneously |
In a market flooded with remasters, RE:BOOT stands out as a rare wholesale audiovisual rebuild. We'll update once the Xbox/PC launch lands and real-world impressions arrive.