Overview
- The project was unveiled during the Day of the Devs 2025 showcase as a new physical release titled Xcavator 2025.
- Preorders are available for $100 now via iam8bit, close on January 10, 2026, and shipping is planned for the second quarter of 2026.
- iam8bit is publishing the cartridge in partnership with the Video Game History Foundation, Mega Cat Studios, and Retrotainment Games.
- The game’s source code was recovered from the late Chris Oberth’s archives donated by his family, enabling a faithful reconstruction.
- The release includes a classic gray NES cartridge and a 14-page manual that documents the game’s history and Oberth’s legacy.