Bendy and the Ink Machine Switch Review: Unique Visuals Meet Uneven Gameplay on Nintendo’s Hybrid Console

Bendy and the Ink Machine made its mark as an indie horror sensation, distinguished by its vintage cartoon aesthetic and unnerving atmosphere.

Developed by Joey Drew Studios and published on Nintendo Switch through Rooster Teeth Games, the title blends first-person exploration and psychological horror, making it a notable release for both fans of the genre and Nintendo’s broad player base.

Since its original episodic debut, Bendy and the Ink Machine has extended its reach across platforms, giving Switch players access to the complete game in one package via the Nintendo eShop. Set amidst the ruined halls of the fictional Joey Drew Studios, Bendy and the Ink Machine puts players in the shoes of Henry, a retired animator, who is beckoned back to his old workplace.

Upon arrival, he discovers an abandoned studio overrun by chaos, mysterious ink writings, barricaded doors, and a feeling of growing dread.

The unsettling environment is punctuated by the game’s unique visual style—a sepia-toned, rubber hose animation reminiscent of early 20th-century cartoons—which stands as its biggest draw. In our review, several strengths and weaknesses become apparent throughout the experience on the Nintendo Switch.

While the distinctive art direction injects a memorable identity and excellently supports the game’s horror elements, initial gameplay impressions can feel underwhelming.

Early chapters struggle to capitalize on the promising setup, as pacing issues and simplistic mechanics occasionally disrupt immersion. Notably, the Nintendo Switch version collects all the originally episodic chapters into a single package, sparing players from waiting between episodes—a welcome change that supports a seamless two-hour playthrough for most gamers.

While episodic structures may not appeal to everyone, Switch owners can appreciate the ability to tackle Bendy and the Ink Machine in a linear fashion from start to finish. Gameplay in Bendy and the Ink Machine revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and evading monstrous foes.

The sense of vulnerability engendered by the deliberately simple mechanics helps to reinforce the eerie setting, but recurring fetch quests can detract from the overall momentum.

While fetch quests are a common staple, their repetition and the requirement to scour the same environments may test the patience of some players. Combat emerges as one of the game’s notable shortcomings.

Although its inclusion follows trends set by other genre entries, the combat encounters feel imprecise and often frustrating.

The clunky nature of these segments undermines otherwise tense sequences, especially during larger encounters, diminishing the overall impact of the horror-oriented narrative. Despite these drawbacks, Bendy and the Ink Machine is lauded for its creative monster designs and ability to generate sustained suspense through anticipation rather than overused jump scares.

The titular Bendy and his inky minions leave a lasting impact, making enemy encounters genuinely unnerving despite the artful, cartoon-like presentation. On the technical side, the Nintendo Switch port delivers the game’s signature visuals effectively, although performance can waver at times with less-than-optimal frame rates.

Nonetheless, these issues are surmountable and shouldn’t overshadow the refreshing originality of the visual style—an area where the developers rightly deserve recognition. Ultimately, Bendy and the Ink Machine on Nintendo Switch offers an original take on horror, elevated by standout art direction and an engaging premise.

However, straightforward puzzles, repetitive fetch quests, and unsatisfying combat leave room for improvement.

Fans of atmospheric adventures and unique visuals will find much to appreciate, but those seeking refined gameplay mechanics may find the experience lacking.

Bendy and the Ink Machine is available now on the Nintendo eShop, making it an accessible option for fans of horror and indie innovation alike.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Bendy and the Ink Machine Rooster Teeth Games Nintendo eShop Joey Drew Studios