System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Delayed on Consoles, Still Launching on PC Tomorrow

Image: System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster

Nightdive Studios has postponed the console release of System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, with the game now targeting a release in the first half of July 2025.

Originally scheduled for a simultaneous launch across PC and consoles on June 26, only the PC version will now hit that date. The remaster will be available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Humble Bundle Store, while console players will need to wait a little longer.

The delay was confirmed in an official statement posted by Nightdive Studios on social media. The team cited last-minute "issues" affecting the console versions across PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. According to the developers, the issue is primarily due to "delays with the certification (CERT) process required to publish on certain console platforms". Plus, they're also working to resolve "a handful of multiplayer-specific issues."

Developers assure that they’re actively working to resolve the problem and aim to release the console editions within the first two weeks of July. While no firm date has been set, Nightdive assured fans that updates will be shared once a launch window is finalized.

System Shock 2 first launched in 1999 and quickly became a cult classic. Designed by Ken Levine—who later created BioShock—the game earned praise for its innovative mix of horror, sci-fi, and RPG mechanics. With its compelling atmosphere and the unforgettable rogue AI SHODAN, the game has remained influential for over two decades.

Now, 25 years later, Nightdive Studios has crafted a remaster that enhances the original while maintaining its core identity. Initially announced as System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition back in 2019, the title was later renamed to align with the anniversary milestone.

The 25th Anniversary Remaster is built using Nightdive’s proprietary KEX Engine and introduces a number of modern features. These include:

• Enhanced Visuals with high-res assets, 4K support, 144 FPS, ambient occlusion, and improved animations

• Cross-Platform Co-op Multiplayer, redesigned for smoother online gameplay

• Controller Support for DualShock 4, DualSense, Xbox, and more

• Mod Support, including a built-in mod manager and compatibility with legacy mods

• Quality of Life Upgrades such as a quickbar system, better performance, and 50 unlockable achievements

In terms of gameplay, the remaster retains the original setting aboard the starship Von Braun, where players face off against cybernetic mutants, rogue machines, and the ever-terrifying SHODAN AI in a tense survival horror scenario.

The title will retail for $30 on Steam, though a 10% launch discount brings the price down to $27 for a limited time. However, existing owners of the original System Shock 2 won’t get the remaster for free—it must be purchased separately. That said, the classic version remains available for those who prefer the unaltered experience.