PAX Aus 2024 Highlights: Top Indie Nintendo Switch Hopefuls Revealed

PAX Aus 2024 is a major event in the Australian gaming calendar, and this year’s showcase underscored the surge of creativity and passion from indie developers.

While industry giants like SEGA and Ubisoft brought their latest projects to the show floor, it was the indie titles destined—hopefully—for the Nintendo Switch that truly captured attention.

These indie teams, often composed of just a handful of developers or even solo creators, demonstrated the ingenuity making them a force within the Nintendo eShop ecosystem. Held from October 11-13, 2024, PAX Aus provided an essential platform for Australian indie game developers to engage directly with players, gather feedback, and share progress on upcoming releases.

Although firm Nintendo Switch release dates remain unannounced for most, developer enthusiasm for Nintendo hardware was evident, with several studios confirming their intent to bring their titles to the popular hybrid console. Below, we highlight several standout indie games from PAX Aus 2024, each with unique gameplay elements and strong prospects for a Nintendo Switch debut: **Rat Trap by Squash & Stretch** This Metroidvania, developed by the Victoria-based Squash & Stretch, follows a blue rat’s escape from a laboratory, navigating perilous droid and laser-guarded chambers.

With dynamic mech suits and inventive puzzle mechanics, Rat Trap draws inspiration from classics like Metroid and Yars Rising.

According to developer Beau, their team is preparing for a 2025 Steam launch and is eager to explore a Nintendo Switch version in the future. **Hues of the Void by Grimm Bros** Grimm Bros, comprising Jess and Adam, introduced Hues of the Void, a strategic puzzle game in which players match colors to repel invading knights using a mage’s summoned monsters.

Built on the Brotato platform, it integrates fast-paced color matching with strategy.

The developers indicated they are keen to bring Hues of the Void to Nintendo Switch down the line. **Box Knight by WeMat Studios** South Australia’s WeMAT Studios presented Box Knight, an action RPG combining influences from titles such as Hades and humor reminiscent of The Office.

Set in a surreal office environment, players wield cardboard swords to liberate monster-turned co-workers.

The WeMAT team, concurrently involved in animation and digital projects, shared that Box Knight is their passion project, currently preparing for a closed beta on Steam, with Nintendo Switch aspirations in mind. **Aussie Bogan Hero by Snag Swag Studio** Developer Snag Swag Studio delivered a story as remarkable as its game.

Aussie Bogan Hero, a side-scrolling Metroidvania, was conceived during COVID-19 lockdowns by a solo Sydney-based developer.

The game, featuring authentic Australian humor and cultural touchstones, is set for a Steam release, with Switch port intentions discussed for the future. **Daemon Masquerade by Callum Page** Inspired by Death Note and Ace Attorney, Daemon Masquerade is a point-and-click mystery adventure by solo developer Callum Page.

Players use a conspiracy board mechanic and enjoy anime-inspired visuals.

Speaking at PAX Aus 2024, Callum highlighted the game’s unique deduction elements ahead of its imminent Steam release, affirming his interest in bringing the title to Nintendo Switch. **Dungeons and Dining Tables by Catalyst Games** Catalyst Games introduced Dungeons and Dining Tables, a cozy action-adventure where players, as axolotls, explore procedurally generated dungeons to earn magical furniture.

Evoking whimsical fantasy, the team revealed their journey in refining the protagonist and expressed plans for Steam, while leaving the door open for a Nintendo Switch version. **Dark Umbra by Crypt Rat Studios** Tasmania’s Crypt Rat Studios showcased Dark Umbra, an action roguelike lauded for its atmospheric music and side-scrolling combat.

Currently slated for Steam, the developers acknowledged the appeal of the Nintendo Switch and their desire to reach its audience in the future. **Hello World by UltraPlayers** Melbourne-based UltraPlayers, known for projects like Gumballs & Dungeons and Super Snail, previewed Hello World—a roguelike featuring ancient creatures and randomized maps.

The team eagerly engaged PAX attendees and will launch initially on mobile, with interest in expanding to Nintendo Switch in the future. PAX Aus 2024 shone a spotlight on the thriving Australian indie scene, with developers not only debuting diverse experiences but also looking ahead to bringing their work to platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

For now, players can support these titles by wishlisting them on Steam and following their progress as they aim for a wider release via the Nintendo eShop.

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