The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Bungie’s April 12, 2025 Marathon showcase paired a gameplay reveal with a cinematic short and announced September 23, 2025 as the game’s release date. That date did not hold: Bungie delayed the game in June 2025, and Marathon ultimately launched on March 5, 2026. It is now available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What Bungie revealed in April 2025
Bungie’s April 12 showcase presented Marathon gameplay alongside trailers, creator footage, and a cinematic short. The studio framed the short as an expansion of the game’s world and story. Bungie’s showcase recap announced September 23, 2025 as the planned launch date.
The short film’s director
The short was made in collaboration with writer and director Alberto Mielgo. Bungie noted his work on “The Witness” and “Jibaro” for Love, Death & Robots. The reveal was a cinematic introduction to Marathon’s setting, presented alongside gameplay rather than as a separate release-date announcement.
Why the September 2025 release date changed
On June 17, 2025, Bungie announced that it was delaying the September 23 release. The studio said it needed more time and outlined planned work on the survival challenge, loot and dynamic events, worldbuilding and narrative, the solo and duo experience, and proximity chat. The June development update superseded the date announced at the showcase.
#1 Best Overall
- CLASSIC GRAPHICS AND SOUNDS: Immerse yourself in nostalgia with classic graphics, music, and sounds that look just like the original Tetris arcade game!
- AUTHENTIC GAMEPLAY: Use the joystick and buttons to move and rotate the Tetriminos as they fall to complete lines and score points!
- FULL COLOR SCREEN: With a brighter, full color screen that makes it easy to see the blocks, you’ll be racking up points like a pro as you stack your Tetriminos!
- MARATHON MODE: Race to line up your Tetriminos in rows before they stack too high. Complete 10 lines to move to the next level. But watch out - the Tetriminos drop faster the longer you play!
- SHARE AND COLLECT: Arcade Classics are a must-have retro toy for collectors or for anyone looking to share this classic toy with the next generation!
When Marathon launched and where to play
Marathon launched on March 5, 2026. Bungie’s launch announcement lists Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save. Bungie’s launch FAQ gave the worldwide go-live time as 10 a.m. Pacific Time on March 5.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Bungie announced after launch
In a September 14, 2026 update, Bungie said the Nightfall Refresh would reset player progression and the in-game economy on October 6. The studio also moved content originally planned for September into Symbiosis, which it scheduled for December 8. Bungie said Symbiosis would add a permanent PvE experience alongside other content. These were plans as announced on September 14; later changes are not established here. Read Bungie’s Nightfall Refresh and Symbiosis update.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Four-player madness! - You can't spell Nippon Marathon without 'P', 'A', 'R', 'T' and *checks letters* 'I', we suppose… Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- See all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & more!
- Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, er… contest! Lobster-man J DARWIN, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth Nishibori, school uniform fan Zenbei "Xen Bae" and the completely normal Snuguru Maestro Epic pratfalls! - Swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! EARTHQUAKES!!!!!
- Tons of surprises! - You never know what will happen next in Nippon Marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun? Maybe a news anchor will jetpack in to interview you on the racetrack? Heck, anything is possible…
- Drop-in/drop-out play! - Random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play? Not a problem. Whatever the cause, hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
Rank #2
- Four-player madness! - you can't spell Nippon marathon without 'P', 'a', 'R', 'T' And *checks letters* 'I', we suppose... Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme Silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- see all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & More! Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, player... Contest! Lobster-man J Darwin, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth nishibori, school uniform fan zenbei "xen bae" And the completely normal snuguru Maestro
- epic pratfalls! - swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling Beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! Earthquakes!!!!!
- tons of surprises! - you never know what will happen next in Nippon marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun Maybe a news anchor will Jet Pack in to Interview you on the racetrack Heck, anything is possible...
- drop-in/drop-out play! - random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play Not a problem. Whatever the cause, Hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
