The gaming world is buzzing with whispers of a new console on the horizon – the Nintendo Switch 2. While Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed its existence, evidence continues to mount, with whispers emanating from developers themselves. The latest hint comes from Playtonic Games, the studio behind the upcoming remaster of the beloved 3D platformer, Yooka-Laylee.
Playtonic dropped a trailer for the game, aptly named Yooka-Replaylee, revealing its launch platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. But it was the space between the PS5 and PC listings that got gamers talking. A vague Nintendo logo appeared, adding fuel to the fire of speculation. Playtonic further fueled the rumors by reiterating the platforms on their X (formerly Twitter) account, with a special focus on Nintendo. In a press release, the studio also noted that the game would be coming to “Nintendo platforms.” The tantalizing phrase, “Experience the definitive version of Yooka and Laylee’s very first adventure on a platform of your choice when the game launches on… wait, too soon for that,” further added to the intrigue.
Yooka-Replaylee, the “enhanced definitive” version of the 2017 game, is a spiritual successor to Rare’s iconic Banjo-Kazooie. Playtonic, composed of former Rare employees, has packed the remaster with new features, including new characters, a new currency, upgraded visuals, and improvements to familiar challenges. The game also boasts a quest tracker, a new world map, and a rearranged soundtrack. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation that promises to capture the hearts of long-time fans and newcomers alike.
While Nintendo has yet to officially unveil the Switch 2, other developers have joined Playtonic in teasing releases for the platform. Pathea Games, the developer behind My Time at Evershine, became the first to confirm the game would be coming to “next-gen Nintendo” consoles. The developer added that backers would receive a Switch 1 code if the Switch 2 wasn’t out at the time of release. They also noted the game’s launch platforms, which included PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and “future Nintendo platforms yet to be announced.”
The phrase “Nintendo platforms” seems to be the adopted term for games being developed for the Switch 2. With an anticipated console announcement drawing nearer, we can expect more developers to follow suit and reveal their own Switch 2 releases. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the excitement for the future of gaming grows stronger, with Yooka-Replaylee likely to be one of the many titles gracing the screen of the next-generation console.