Replaced, The 2.5D Cyberpunk Pixel-Art Platformer, Launching Spring 2026

After years of anticipation and multiple delays, Sad Cat Studios has announced that its highly anticipated cyberpunk platformer Replaced will officially launch in Spring 2026 on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Game director Yura Zhdanovich confirmed the release window in a new development update, saying the team can now state it “with confidence.”

Originally revealed in 2021, Replaced immediately stood out with its 2.5D retro-futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic and cinematic pixel-art style, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated Xbox titles. The game was initially slated for a 2022 release, but production faced significant delays following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which directly affected the Belarus-based development team.

As Sad Cat Studios explained at the time, the conflict forced them to prioritize the well-being of their staff, which understandably pushed back the game’s timeline. In a press release, Zhdanovich emphasized that their priority was always to “do what’s right for the project” and to deliver a truly special experience to fans, even if it meant waiting longer.

In the latest update, Zhdanovich walked players through the game’s journey, from its earliest prototypes to its near-final form. He confirmed that production is now close to completion and reassured fans that the wait will be worth it:

“We know that our community is incredibly excited to play Replaced, and it’s no secret that it’s taken longer than we initially thought… The good news is that we are now very close to finishing production, and Replaced will be coming to PC and Xbox Series X|S in Spring 2026.”

Before launch, Sad Cat Studios plans to release one final trailer later this year, which will include the specific release date.

While it has been a long five years since its reveal, the promise of Replaced remains as strong as ever. Its blend of pixel-art detail, cinematic presentation, and cyberpunk storytelling has kept fans invested despite the delays. Now, with a release window locked in, 2026 looks set to finally deliver the experience many have been waiting for.

Do you think Replaced will live up to the hype after such a long wait, or has the momentum faded too much?