Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth: Bandai Namco Unveils Bold New Direction for Pac-Man on Nintendo Switch

Bandai Namco is ushering in a new era for one of gaming's most iconic mascots with the upcoming launch of Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth on July 18, 2024.

Announced at The Game Awards 2024, Shadow Labyrinth marks a significant evolution for Pac-Man, who celebrates his 45th anniversary this year.

The game is set to release on Nintendo Switch, with a version planned for Switch 2, and brings a fresh side-scrolling action-adventure twist to the storied Pac-Man franchise. Shadow Labyrinth sees Pac-Man inhabit a side-kick persona named "PUCK." Players will journey alongside the main character, Swordsman no.

8, through a captivating and mysterious alien world.

The game departs from the traditional maze-chase formula, instead offering a rich, narrative-driven experience full of secrets and uncharted landscapes.

A glimpse of this dark, atmospheric new world can be found in a special Pac-Man episode of Amazon’s Secret Level TV show, offering fans a sneak peek into the game’s design. The talent behind Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth is as impressive as its innovative gameplay.

Celebrated Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada serves as executive producer, joined by renowned directors and designers with credits spanning legendary franchises like Samurai Shodown, King of Fighters, and Kirby & the Amazing Mirror.

This powerhouse development team aims to deliver an experience worthy of the Pac-Man legacy, leveraging decades of industry expertise. Upon its unveiling in December 2024, Bandai Namco detailed a wide array of pre-order options for eager fans.

Both digital and physical editions are available for purchase: the standard and deluxe digital versions can be found on the Nintendo eShop, with the deluxe offering a digital art book.

Physical editions are available in Standard, Secret, and Collector's variants.

The Secret Edition features exclusive items, such as a custom enamel pin set, an iridescent sticker sheet, a themed booklet case, a double-sided map/poster with key art, and a UV-reactive print revealed by a special blacklight keychain—enabling exploration with PUCK’s unique perspective. The Collector’s Edition builds on this with all previous bonuses and adds an exclusive art journal containing concept art and blank graph paper for custom mapping, presented in a custom collector’s box and accompanied by a shadow box featuring UV-reactive art.

As a special pre-order incentive, all physical copies of Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth will include the original PAC-MAN™ Arcade Sound FX. A new trailer, released alongside the launch of pre-orders, showcases Pac-Man’s bold transformation.

According to Bandai Namco’s official summary, players will "search the remnants of an ancient intergalactic conflict, mastering new powers and abilities to survive and thrive as they traverse the alien environment." Fluid combat systems encourage players to develop their own playstyles and "turn the tables on enemies, evolving from prey to apex predator." Bandai Namco’s innovative reimagining of Pac-Man is poised to offer fans old and new a fresh take that honors the character's enduring legacy.

With an all-star development team, rich new gameplay, and enticing collector’s editions, Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth stands out as one of 2024’s most anticipated Nintendo Switch releases.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch Namco Shadow Bandai Pac-Man