Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree Demo Hits Nintendo Switch eShop Ahead of September Launch

Bandai Namco has officially released a demo for the highly anticipated roguelite action RPG, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop and additional platforms.

This move gives Nintendo Switch users and fans worldwide an early opportunity to experience a new chapter in Bandai Namco’s RPG lineup ahead of the title’s full launch scheduled for September 19, 2025. Developed by Brownies, the team led by former Brownie Brown (now Nintendo’s 1-UP Studio) founders with a portfolio including acclaimed works like the Mana series and Mother 3, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree aims to blend classic RPG elements with modern roguelite mechanics.

The game additionally boasts a soundtrack from renowned composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, known for his memorable contributions to Final Fantasy and other beloved JRPGs. The playable demo provides a substantial preview, inviting players to experience the game's prologue.

It features the first stages of the journey, allowing users to take on the role of four out of the eight Guardians—Rekka, Shigin, Origami, and Nishikito—as they set out to defend Shinju Village from the sinister forces of Magatsu and his minions, the Magaori.

In addition to engaging in combat, demo players can explore the game's central hub, Shinju Village.

Here, they will interact with a diverse cast of memorable NPCs, enhance their abilities at the Blacksmith, hone combat techniques at the Dojo, and unravel the immersive lore underpinning Towa’s world. In tandem with the demo’s release, Bandai Namco unveiled a new Guardian-focused trailer that highlights an emotional moment from the main storyline.

The trailer centers on Bampuku and Mutsumi, sibling Shiba Inu characters who are devoted to protecting Shinju Village and reviving the Sacred Tree, embodying the game’s themes of courage and sacrifice.

According to the publisher’s official synopsis, these Guardians are willing to go to extreme lengths for their village—emphasizing the stakes at play throughout this mystical adventure. Following the title’s reveal earlier in June 2025, Bandai Namco also provided a comprehensive gameplay overview that details key mechanics, backstory, and roguelite systems.

Players are encouraged to pre-order for exclusive in-game content, with a bonus 'guardians’ vestments' costume set offered to those who reserve the game early.

A deluxe edition will also be available, including the base game, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto. Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree launches on the Nintendo Switch on September 19, 2025.

With its demo now live on the eShop, RPG fans and Nintendo Switch players can sample Bandai Namco and Brownies’ collaborative vision—melding rich storytelling, strategic gameplay, and vibrant art inspired by legendary RPG traditions. For more up-to-date news and in-depth coverage on Nintendo Switch releases and Bandai Namco’s latest projects, stay tuned to our Nintendo gaming news section.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Bandai Namco Switch Switch eShop Namco Nintendo Switch eShop Guardians Bandai Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree developer Brownies Hitoshi Sakimoto Shinju Village Magatsu