While fans didn’t get all the news they hoped for during the Nintendo Indie Showcase, plenty of exciting new games are making their way to the handheld console. Given the relative lack of big games directly from Nintendo, this showcase has given us more to look forward to on the Switch for 2024.
Since so many new indie games coming to the Switch were announced, we’re here with a recap to help you keep track. And cat lovers, you’re in luck, because two cat-themed games are coming at us this year.
Table of contents
- Where to Watch the April 2024 Indie World Showcase
- Little Kitty, Big City
- Yars Rising
- Refind Self: The Personality Test Game
- Sticky Business
- Antonblast
- Valley Peaks
- Lorelei and The Laser Eyes
- Europa
- TMNT Splintered Fate
- Cat Quest III
- stitch.
- BZZZT
- SCHiM
- Animal Well
- Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
- Another Crab’s Treasure
- Steamworld Heist II
Where to Watch the April 2024 Indie World Showcase
Below is the full stream for the Indie World Showcase for April 2024 as streamed on the Nintendo of America YouTube account.
Little Kitty, Big City
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Developer: Double Dagger Studio
I’ve been following this indie game on the site formerly known as Twitter for a while, so color me thrilled to see it’ll be coming to my preferred console for all things cozy.
Little Kitty, Big City lets you play as an adorable cat exploring the big city. You’re on a quest to get home and help fellow animals along the way, and you can also mess with humans and cause some trouble. Oh, and let’s not forget the little hats you can wear.
Yars Rising
Release Date: 2024 (Exact Date TBA)
Developer: Wayforward
This is a futuristic sci-fi action/adventure platformer where you play as Yar, who uncovers a conspiracy that leads her to try and overthrow a corrupt corporate empire.
You’ll crawl, climb, and even fly your way through colorful, high-tech levels to defeat bad guys and take down the big bad.
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game
Release Date: Summer 2024 (Exact Date TBA)
Developer: Lizardry
This pixel art game puts you in the role of an android, moving through the world to discover who you are. As you travel and interact, you’ll figure out who you were built to be and unlock your personality type.
There are 23 different personalities, from Adventurer to Butler, Artisan to Judge. There’s also a result-sharing option that might let this game become the new Myers Briggs.
Refind Self will be a console exclusive on Switch, and I have to admit, my addiction to personality tests means I’ll almost definitely be playing this one.
Sticky Business
Release Date: April 17, 2024
Developer: Spellgarden Games
This indie game is inspired by sticker creators on social media, and it puts you in the role of running your own sticker business. You’ll create stickers, print, and ship to customers in this cozy sim with adorable pixel art.
Customers will make special requests, and you’ll get to know them as you fulfill their orders, giving the game a bit of a storytelling element as well. There’s already an optional paid DLC add-on that lets you design functional planner stickers and help even more customers.
Antonblast
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Developer: Summitsphere
If you like breaking things, Antonblast might be the game for you. You’ll use a giant hammer to smash your way through platform levels, then turn right around and try to escape them in reverse.
This has a bright, cartoony vibe that makes each level exciting and eye-catching as you smash all the things. There’s a free demo available now in the Nintendo eShop so you can check it out and decide if it belongs on your fall 2024 wishlist.
Valley Peaks
Release Date: 2024 (Exact Date TBA)
Developers: Tub Club
This game gives major A Short Hike vibes but in 3D. You’re a technician assigned to set up radio towers atop mountains. Naturally, that means you’ve got to scale them first.
You’ll navigate your way around various traps and obstacles while climbing, and can even take on side quests and minigames. Oh and did we mention everyone is a frog? Because yeah, you’re all frogs.
Lorelei and The Laser Eyes
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Developer: Simogo
This eerie puzzle game finds you exploring a mansion and solving mysteries. Navigate mazes and puzzles in this black-and-white world with some truly spooky violet laser eyes.
The trailer for Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is about as mysterious as the game itself, with no voiceover explainer, just music, and vibes. Color us intrigued.
Europa
Release Date: 2024 (Exact Date TBA)
Developer: Novadust Entertainment
If you’re looking for some watercolor, Breath of the Wild vibes for your next cozy indie gaming adventure, Europa is going to hit the spot. The developer’s goal was to put players in a state of flow, and it looks like they nailed it.
You play as a character exploring the world of Europa, working to help restore and rebuild. You can fly, glide, and explore the beautiful world, and even hang out underwater. The demo is available now, so you can give it a go.
TMNT Splintered Fate
Release Date: July 2024
Developer: Super Evil Megacorp
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans are getting more content with this latest game coming to Nintendo Switch.
This is a rogue-like adventure game where you can take on dungeon runs as any of the turtles. Each character has different signature weapons and abilities, which level up as you clear levels. There’s also online co-op where you can group up with a team of up to 4 friends.
Cat Quest III
Release Date: August 8, 2024
Developer: The Gentle Bros
I promised you there’d be more cats, and here they are! Play as a cat pirate exploring the Purribean in this adventure game, where you’ll sail the seas, explore islands, and defeat Pi-Rats.
Cat Quest III also features an in-person co-op mode so you can pair up with your purrfect mate to explore the world. Like many of the indie games featured today, you can grab a demo of this one right now to check it out.
stitch.
Release Date: April 17, 2024
Developer: Lykke Studios
Stitch is a cozy game that turns cross-stitch into puzzles with levels called Hoops. Players must decide where to stitch to solve the puzzle and create a beautiful embroidered design.
The puzzles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with daily puzzles to add challenge. New weekly, themed puzzle releases are also a factor, letting players learn trivia about current events and holidays.
BZZZT
Release Date: Summer 2024
Developer: Cinemax
Another brightly-colored and futuristic platformer, BZZZT puts the player in the role of a tiny robot. You’ll zoom through the levels and use lasers to take out enemies.
SCHiM
Release Date: July 18, 2024
Developer: Extra Nice
This game has a storybook illustration style where shadows play a key role. You’ll play as a little frog-like creature hopping your way through the world, traveling via the shadows cast by everything from people to construction sites and more.
Animal Well
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Developer: Big Mode
Animal Well is a pixel platformer and puzzle game where you bop your way through underwater levels as a cute little blob. The color scheme is dark and purple, giving a real nighttime adventure feel.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Release Date: May 23, 2024
Developer: Happy Broccoli Games
This game gives Detective Pikachu but makes him a duck. You work your way through the story and fill your notebook with clues until you crack the case.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Developer: Aggro Crab
A highly anticipated indie release coming to Switch very soon, Another Crab’s Treasure lets you explore the ocean floor as a hermit crab. Collect various items to serve as your shell and battle the big bads.
Steamworld Heist II
Release Date: August 8, 2024
Developer: Thunderful
Return to the Steamworld franchise as a sea exploring bots trying to figure out why the water has gone bad. You can run around the world map and drive a submarine, with plenty of combat and explosions in both settings.
There’s an RPG element to this one, as each bot on your crew can level up and gain new skills and abilities.
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