Hollow Knight: Silksong Demo Playable at ACMI Ahead of 2025 Release on Nintendo Switch

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the much-anticipated sequel from acclaimed Australian studio Team Cherry, continues to capture the attention of Metroidvania fans worldwide.

First announced in February 2019, Silksong has become one of the most awaited indie game releases for the Nintendo Switch and the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2.

As speculation and excitement have grown over the years, recent developments have offered a tangible update on the game's progress — and a rare opportunity for hands-on play. According to a report from IGN, Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available as a playable demo at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne.

The title is set to be a featured highlight of ACMI's 'Game Worlds' exhibition, which will run from September 18, 2025.

This event will not only allow attendees to experience the much-discussed sequel firsthand but will also provide in-depth displays on Silksong's distinctive design aesthetic and artistic direction. While a hands-on demo at a cultural institution like ACMI may seem unusual for a game not yet released, the move suggests that Team Cherry is steadily advancing towards the game's previously-announced 2025 launch window.

Such public showcases are ordinarily reserved for industry events; however, including Silksong in a museum exhibition is a testament to both its cultural impact and the developer's confidence in its progress. A representative overview of the exhibition confirms, "Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with Hollow Knight: Silksong, delving into both its gameplay and the creative inspiration driving its development." The inclusion of a playable Silksong build at ACMI is regarded as a clear indication that the title is tracking for release next year. Hollow Knight: Silksong was reconfirmed for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2024.

This announcement ensures that players on current and next-generation Nintendo hardware will be able to experience the sequel at launch.

Team Cherry's original Hollow Knight, released on the Nintendo Switch eShop in June 2018, has sold millions of copies worldwide and is celebrated for its richly detailed world and challenging gameplay. With Silksong's hands-on debut at ACMI and its reaffirmed 2025 release date, anticipation among the Hollow Knight community continues to build.

Players can look forward to exploring the game's intricate environments and refined mechanics on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 when it officially arrives.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Hollow Knight: Silksong Switch 2 Australia Switch Team Cherry