2026 is shaping up to be a big year for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. In addition to the Masters of the Universe live-action movie releasing this summer, it's now been confirmed that a new retro-inspired 2D brawler based on the classic ’80s cartoon will be launching for consoles and PC in just a few months.
Video game publisher Limited Run Games announced this week that He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction will launch digitally on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on April 28th.
First announced in August at Gamescom, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction is a sidescrolling 2D arcade brawler devleoped by Bitmap Bureau (Terminator 2D: NO FATE and Final Vendetta).
Serving as a love letter to the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon, players step into the roles of He-Man, Teela, and a roster of legendary heroes as they clash with Skeletor and Evil-Lyn across 12 action-packed stages in a desperate bid to save Eternia. Each character brings distinct moves, abilities, and upgradeable power-ups into battle, giving players the tools they need to disrupt Skeletor’s ancient ritual before it consumes the realm.
In addition to the action-packed gameplay, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe also showcases richly detailed pixel-art animation and authentic '80s-inspired visuals that help capture the look and feel of classic arcade and console adventures. It's truly a retro experience tailor-made for longtime Masters of the Universe fans.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction is a completely standalone project, separate from the upcoming Masters of the Universe live-action film that hits theaters this year.
“It’s a love letter to those who grew up with He-Man, combining nostalgic visuals with fast-paced, modern gameplay," said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Games at Mattel back in August. "Our goal is to honor the franchise’s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of players. The team at Limited Run Games shares that passion, and we hope the game connects with both lifelong fans and newcomers alike.”
“Dragon Pearl of Destruction is the Masters of the Universe arcade game I yearned for as a child,” added Josh Fairhurst, CEO and Executive Producer at Limited Run Games. “I am excited and honored to be playing a small part in making it a reality.”
Eternia is in peril! The nefarious Skeletor has uncovered the ancient Dragon Pearl of Destruction, a relic of unspeakable power. With the help of Evil-Lyn, he intends to perform a ritual that will plunge all of Eternia into eternal darkness. Only the Most Powerful Man in the Universe and his heroic allies stand in Skeletor’s way.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction will release digitally on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on April 28th. It's the perfect way to get hyped for the live-action film which hits theaters on June 5 this year.