The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Goes Full Retro with New Steam Next Fest Demo!
February 21, 2025 - Big Nerd Alert!
Get ready to blast your way through all of gaming history! Or at least a part of history for now. Starting today, an action-packed nerdy demo of the upcoming "The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit " videogame (this is a mouthful, I think I am dizzy) is officially live on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest. Fans of James Rolfe, the Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN ) and retro platformers as a whole can now experience two action-packed levels ahead of the game’s full release later in the second quarter of 2025.
A First Look at the Nerd’s Newest Adventure
Developed by Programancer, known for Prison City and The Transylvania Adventure of Simon Quest, The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is heavily inspired by Mega Man and loaded with the Nerd’s signature humor. The Steam Next Fest demo lets players navigate the Graveyard and Soda Factory stages, each packed with hazards, classic AVGN enemies, and references that fans will instantly recognize.
What’s the Game About?
Set in a chaotic 8-bit universe, the Nerd must save all of gaming from a corrupted monstrosity that threatens to consume every console in existence. With a mix of old-school difficulty and modern polish, The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit offers fast-paced gameplay, hilarious dialogue, and plenty of rage-inducing challenges. Unlike other retro style or inspired games this new AVGN game will actually abide by all the system limitations of the NES as it will be released on an actual cartridge as well,
A Legacy of Nerd Games
Following the success of AVGN Adventures, AVGN II: ASSimilation, and AVGN I & II Deluxe, Retroware has partnered with Mega Cat Studios to bring a brand-new AVGN experience to life. Mega Cat Studios, known for Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit, specializes in retro-inspired games, while Retroware has developed modern classics like Prison City and Iron Meat. Together, they’re delivering a nostalgic, action-packed journey that fans won’t want to miss.
Watch the Trailer!
To celebrate the demo’s release, Retroware has unveiled a brand-new trailer featuring never-before-seen gameplay footage. Watch as a pixelated James Rolfe takes on endoskeletons, Frankenstein’s monsters, and even Death itself—before facing off against some of the Nerd’s greatest rivals.
[Watch the AVGN Steam Next Fest Demo Trailer Here]
Coming Soon to PC, Consoles, and NES
The full version of The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit will launch on PC, NES, and all major consoles in Q2 2025. While Programancer is developing the PC and console versions, the NES version is being crafted by Pittsburgh-based Mega Cat Studios.
Wishlist the game now on Steam, and keep an eye out for upcoming physical editions, which will be available exclusively through Limited Run Games.
Will you be jumping into the demo? what are you looking for or hoping will be in the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
If you love the demo and don't want to miss the release, then do not forget to wishlist it on steam right now.
Physical versions of The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit will be available to pre-order exclusively from Limited Run Games, with different editions to be announced soon.
