Konami Marks Castlevania’s 40th Anniversary with Free Mobile Release and Deep Discounts

Key points

• The original Castlevania (1986) is free to download on App Store and Google Play until October 24, 2026.
• Castlevania: Belmont's Curse releases on October 15, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
• The Anniversary Collection is discounted by 80% on both PlayStation Store and Steam, with other titles receiving up to 70% off.
• A 40th Anniversary Orchestral Concert is planned for spring 2027 in London, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
• The Castlevania: Black & Red soundtrack is now available on major streaming platforms.

Background

The Castlevania series, which debuted in 1986, has evolved through various genres including side-scrolling platformers and Metroidvanias. Previous archive coverage highlights the broader gaming landscape in 2026, including shifts in cloud gaming strategies and free game promotions on platforms like PS Plus and Amazon Luna. The current anniversary celebration continues Konami's strategy of leveraging legacy titles to maintain franchise visibility, a trend noted in recent years through crossovers and mobile adaptations.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer emphasizes the free mobile release and the upcoming Belmont's Curse demo, highlighting the 60FPS performance on most platforms except Switch. Konami's official announcement details the specific discount percentages and dates for the sales, confirming the orchestral concert locations. Bloody Disgusting provides a retrospective analysis, noting how the series has maintained relevance through crossovers and genre shifts, while praising the enduring quality of its music and gameplay mechanics. All sources agree on the release date of Belmont's Curse and the free availability of the original game, but differ in their focus on the historical significance versus the immediate promotional offers.

Why it matters

The 40th anniversary celebration underscores the enduring popularity of the Castlevania franchise, which has influenced numerous other games through its gameplay and aesthetic. The free mobile release and deep discounts aim to attract new players while rewarding long-time fans. The upcoming Belmont's Curse, developed by Evil Empire, signals a return to the series' roots with a focus on traditional action-adventure gameplay, potentially revitalizing interest in the franchise after a period of crossovers and experimental titles.

What to watch

The Castlevania: Belmont's Curse demo will be available from October 1, 2026, with progress carrying over to the full release on October 15. The 40th Anniversary Orchestral Concert is scheduled for spring 2027 in London, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. The free mobile release of the original Castlevania will end on October 24, 2026, and the discounted sales will conclude by early October across various platforms.