Limited Run Games has officially announced physical editions for Earth Defense Force: World Brothers and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 on Nintendo Switch, giving fans of the action-packed franchise a chance to own both titles in boxed form.
The upcoming releases will be available both as standalone editions and as part of a deluxe package that includes several collectible bonuses.
Physical Editions and Deluxe Content Detailed
The announcement confirms that both World Brothers titles will receive individual physical releases, but the highlight is the deluxe edition. This collector-focused version includes a CD soundtrack, a double-sided poster, and enamel pins, making it an attractive option for long-time fans of the series.
Pre-orders for these physical editions are set to open on June 26, 2026, continuing Limited Run Games’ trend of bringing niche and fan-favorite titles to physical formats.
This move is particularly notable as many modern releases remain digital-only, making physical editions increasingly valuable for collectors.
The World Brothers titles stand apart from the mainline Earth Defense Force series with their distinctive voxel-based visual style and lighter tone. Despite this visual shift, the games retain the franchise’s signature chaotic action.
In Earth Defense Force: World Brothers, players are tasked with defending a fragmented “square Earth” under siege from giant enemies. The scale of threats remains a defining feature, with players battling oversized ants, spiders, UFOs, robots, and more.
The game emphasizes team-building mechanics, allowing players to assemble squads from over 100 characters. With access to hundreds of weapons and accessories, players can customize their approach to each mission.
Expanding the Formula in World Brothers 2
The sequel, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2, builds on this foundation with a new storyline set in a parallel block-based world. Once again, the Earth has been shattered, and players must reunite scattered soldiers to fight back against invading forces.
The game introduces enhanced team mechanics, allowing players to switch between up to four characters during missions. Each character brings unique abilities, encouraging strategic gameplay.
In addition, World Brothers 2 features characters and weapons from across the entire EDF franchise, offering a nostalgic experience for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Co-Op Gameplay and Replay Value
Both titles support up to four-player online co-op, a core feature that has long defined the Earth Defense Force series. This cooperative gameplay adds replay value, allowing players to tackle missions together and experiment with different team compositions.
The inclusion of multiple difficulty levels, a wide range of enemies, and over 100 missions ensures that players have plenty of content to explore.
Downloadable content is also included, adding extra characters and equipment to expand the gameplay experience further.