Five years ago, the stunning sequel Bayonetta 2 made its debut in Japan.

In celebration of this milestone, PlatinumGames artist Mari Shimazaki has released some new art featuring both Bayonetta and Jeanne – along with a ‘Happy 5th Anniversary’ note in one corner. You can check it out below

Bayonetta character designer Mari Shimazaki drew this picture of Bayonetta and Jeanne to commemorate the launch of Bayonetta 2. Originally in black and white, now in color to celebrate the game’s fifth anniversary! #Bayonetta2 #Bayonetta pic.twitter.com/lpssa1X2nK

— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) September 20, 2019

Bayonetta 2 originally launched on the now-defunct Wii U console on 20 September 2014, as an exclusive title. In its story, a critical error forces the Umbran Witch Bayonetta to explore Hell and retrieve the soul of her best friend. Featuring the same seamless combat system, it quickly became a cult classic in the Nintendo community – although its exclusivity would not all that sail smoothly.

There was quite a commotion when the game was originally revealed as exclusive to Wii U. Despite its developers clarifying that the game would not have existed at all without Nintendo’s backing, many fans of the first game were still furious that they would have no choice but to purchase a Wii U to experience the sequel.

Nevertheless, the game powered through these criticisms and eventually getting port to the Switch – where it remains a Nintendo-held exclusive title. In fact, many Nintendo fans attribute this close partnership between PlatinumGames and Nintendo to be one of the catalysts behind Bayonetta’s eventual addition to the Super Smash Bros. series roster!

Of course, both companies reaffirmed this strong relationship at the Game Awards 2017. There, they announced that Bayonetta 3 would also be exclusive to the Switch! While PlatinumGames has been silent about the game for years now, we’ll all be eagerly awaiting the game’s official reveal in the future.

What about you? Did you play Bayonetta 2 on Wii U or Switch? Let us hear your experiences in the comments section!