He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction is crashing onto Switch in 2026. The game brings He-Man back in full pixel-art glory thanks to a new team-up between Limited Run Games, Mattel, and Bitmap Bureau.
Rather than aiming for realism, the developers are leaning into that classic arcade style with side-scrolling action, chunky visuals, and a full roster of playable icons. If you grew up shouting “I HAVE THE POWER,” your moment’s coming back.
He-Man arcade-style brawler hits Switch in 2026
Bitmap Bureau, known for Xeno Crisis, has taken the reins. This new beat-’em-up spans 12 retro-styled stages, each one inspired by locations from the classic toy line and animated series. You’ll fight through them as He-Man, Teela, Man-At-Arms, and more.
The game builds toward a final clash with Skeletor, but that won’t come easy. First, players will have to fight through his forces, including lesser-known villains from the lore.
Better yet, you can ride Battle Cat into battle.
Mattel's Mario Kart Hot Wheels line adds a special edition Pauline figure in a Badwagon kart pre-orders open before its September release.
He-Man joins Bitmap’s growing retro lineup
This marks Bitmap Bureau’s second run with an ‘80s icon. They’re also behind Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance, another arcade-style side-scroller in the works. Clearly, the studio has found its groove with pixel-era action.
That consistency gives fans hope that Dragon Pearl of Destruction will hit all the right notes.
What we know so far about the He-Man retro game
While full gameplay footage hasn’t dropped yet, here’s what’s confirmed:
- Title: Dragon Pearl of Destruction
- Release: 2026
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Style: Side-scrolling pixel brawler
- Modes: Physical and digital
- Playable characters: He-Man, Teela, Man-At-Arms
- Key feature: Rideable Battle Cat
- Stages: 12 inspired by classic locations
Get ready to shout it again
He-Man’s back with fists swinging and pixel fire blazing. This isn’t a reboot, it’s a celebration. If Limited Run and Bitmap stick the landing, Dragon Pearl of Destruction could become a new classic, built from the bones of the old.
The power’s not lost. It’s just respawning.
