Nintendo’s October Indie World presentation delivered a compact but varied selection of independent games for Switch and Switch 2. The line-up ranges from cosy life simulations and retro-styled RPGs to co-operative horror, chaotic multiplayer and action-heavy adventures. Here are the key announcements for Australian players following the latest arcade and gaming news.
Witchbrook
Witchbrook opened the showcase with a magical town-building social simulation. It launches on Switch and Switch 2 on January 28.
Winds of Viridia
Winds of Viridia is an action-survival game set across a “vast, seamless” world. Players will battle monsters while attempting to endure the dangers of the wilderness. A demo is scheduled for later today, with the complete game due early next year.
City of None
This new puzzle-platformer comes from one of the co-creators of Celeste. City of None is planned for both Switch and Switch 2 next year.
Sword of the Sea
Described as Journey-esque, Sword of the Sea received a short look at its striking desert environments. The game is scheduled to release tomorrow, October 29.
Tenjutsu
Deepnight Games, led by the lead designer of Dead Cells, is bringing Tenjutsu to Switch 2 next year. This roguelike brawler combines classic anime-inspired aesthetics with close-quarters action.
Threads of Time
Threads of Time takes a more strategic, role-playing approach. Its presentation evokes the SNES-era Final Fantasy games, and the title is coming to Switch and Switch 2 next summer.
Dumpster Gang
Up to four players can take control of raccoons in Dumpster Gang, a chaotic co-operative game about surviving life as a “trash panda” while avoiding animal control. It arrives on Switch 2 in March.
Super Battle Golf
Super Battle Golf turns golf into an eight-player action contest. Rather than relying only on clubs, competitors can use equipment such as a rocket launcher and a motorcycle. It launches on Switch 2 on March 25.
R.E.P.O.
In co-operative horror game R.E.P.O., players extract valuable items from procedurally generated haunted houses. The Switch 2 version is planned for next year.
Haunted Paws
Haunted Paws supports two-player co-op, casting friends as adorable puppies on a mission to rescue someone from a haunted mansion. Progress involves solving puzzles, playing mini-games and hiding from supernatural enemies. A demo is available on the eShop today.
Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino
Set in a fantastical version of Japan, Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino is an adventure game heading to Switch 2 next spring.
Slime Rancher 2
Slime Rancher 2 brings its puzzle-shooter format to Switch 2 in January, offering a brighter change of pace after the showcase’s haunted-house adventures.
Spirit Crossing
The creators of Cozy Grove are developing Spirit Crossing, an MMO life simulation focused on collaboration. Players and friends can work together to build houses and develop a community. It launches as a console exclusive on Switch and Switch 2 on November 16.
My Arms Are Longer Now
Toot Games presented My Arms Are Longer Now, a comedic puzzle game built around an endlessly extendable arm. Its deliberately gross concept is paired with playful humour, and the game is due on Switch and Switch 2 on March 11.
Petal Runner
Petal Runner is a Game Boy-inspired retro RPG exploring themes of “life and loss”. It comes to Switch 2 on March 8, with a demo available today. Its pixel-focused presentation may appeal to players who enjoy compact bartop arcade experiences and classic handheld-style games.
Raccoin: Chaos Max Edition
The new edition of the “coin pusher roguelike” Raccoin: Chaos Max Edition is coming to Switch 2 on November 10. It supports mouse controls, and a demo can be played today.
Montage announcements
The showcase ended with a rapid montage confirming several additional indie releases:
- Tanuki: Pon’s Summer — launching November 10
- Finding Polka — launching next spring
- Floor Plan: Slap Out of It! — launching next spring
- Lost and Found Co. — launching early 2027
- Bao Bao’s Cozy Cleaning Services — available today
- Everything Is Crab — launching January 26
- HYPERyuki: Snowboard Syndicate — coming early 2027
With platformers, RPGs, social simulations and multiplayer experiments all represented, the showcase offered plenty of variety for Switch owners. If you are weighing up a dedicated gaming setup at home, the arcade machine buying guide can help explain the main cabinet formats.
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