Well Dweller Announced for Nintendo Switch: New Metroidvania from Crypt Custodian Creator Kyle Thompson

Top Hat Studios used the latest Nintendo Indie World showcase to officially announce Well Dweller, an enchanting new metroidvania game slated for release on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

Developed by Kyle Thompson—acclaimed for his work on Crypt Custodian and Islets—the game continues his legacy of creating visually captivating and mechanically innovative indie titles. In Well Dweller, players will control Glimmer, a tiny bird embarking on a perilous journey through a desolate underground kingdom.

Armed only with a trusty matchstick, Glimmer faces a morbid fairy tale landscape filled with challenging platforming sequences, intricate puzzles, and formidable boss battles.

The game’s reveal trailer showcased a mix of charming characters and grotesque foes, signaling Thompson’s trademark blend of whimsy and darkness. According to official game details provided by Top Hat Studios, Well Dweller tasks players with navigating the depths of a mysterious well in a lush forest, where they must overcome dangerous adversaries and solve environmental puzzles to save Glimmer’s siblings from the tyranny of a wicked queen.

Players can collect trinkets to upgrade their abilities and uncover the secrets hidden within the corrupted kingdom, all while unraveling the fate of a land left in decay. Kyle Thompson's track record with acclaimed indie projects such as Islets and Crypt Custodian has established him as a standout creative force in the indie game space.

Both previous titles earned praise for their imaginative world-building and tight gameplay mechanics, raising expectations for Well Dweller’s upcoming debut.

While a specific release date has yet to be confirmed, the 2026 launch window places Well Dweller firmly on the horizon of the Nintendo Switch’s ongoing indie lineup, with plans to launch via the eShop. Fans of metroidvania adventures and distinctive visual art styles will find much to anticipate in Well Dweller.

As the game’s development progresses, Top Hat Studios and Kyle Thompson will likely share further updates and insights.

The industry will be watching closely as Well Dweller shapes up to become another standout title in the Nintendo Switch’s celebrated roster of indie games.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Metroidvania Indie World Nintendo Indie World Top Hat Studios Kyle Thompson Well Dweller Crypt Custodian Islets