PAX Aus 2025: Indie Nintendo Switch Games Shine on the Showroom Floor

PAX Aus 2025: Indie Nintendo Switch Games Shine on the Showroom Floor Each year, PAX Aus serves as an epicenter for Australia’s vibrant gaming community, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to Melbourne for three days of interactive entertainment, cosplay, and workshops.

The 2025 edition of the event surpassed expectations, with more than 85,000 visitors immersing themselves in all things gaming.

For Nintendo Switch fans and indie game enthusiasts, this year’s exhibition floor offered a treasure trove of groundbreaking titles and passionate developers, underscoring the growing significance of indie creators in shaping the future of gaming. Indie Innovation at the Forefront The indie developer section at PAX Aus continues to expand, with developers from across Australia showcasing a diverse array of games destined for platforms such as Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

Among the notable titles on display was 'Chessplus,' a modern twist on the traditional game of chess.

Presented by developer Josh, the Chessplus digital adaptation brings a new layer of strategy by allowing players to merge chess pieces, such as combining a pawn and a knight into a unique hybrid called a 'knawn.' The developer’s agile approach was evident when overnight updates addressed player feedback during the event.

In a statement, the Chessplus team described their slogan as, “It’s not chess, it’s better!” Chessplus, featuring a deckbuilding roguelike mode, is set to launch in early access on Steam soon, with a Nintendo Switch version under consideration. Royal Reign’s 'Castle Cab' attracted attention with its fast-paced medieval-themed mayhem.

Players control a horse-drawn cart, causing chaos and completing missions while evading guards and showing off customizable steeds.

The game supports up to four players in local multiplayer and is scheduled for a 2026 release on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Platforming Fans Rejoice 'Elasticritters' by Yooreekaa Games challenged players with its adorable yet tough platforming action, blending racing and capture-the-flag modes in a vibrant 3D world.

Set for a Q4 2025 release on Steam, the developers are optimistic about a future Nintendo Switch edition.

Meanwhile, 'Silk Soar' from Stout Heart Games offered a physics-based adventure, tasking players with launching a caterpillar upwards through a tree, reminiscent of classic 2D golf dynamics.

Available now as a demo on Steam, the team aspires to bring Silk Soar to the Nintendo Switch, seeing its intuitive controls as a natural fit for the platform. Unique Concepts and Roguelike Excellence Victoria-based Toot Games turned heads with 'My Arms are Longer Now,' a tongue-in-cheek title where players control an elongated, chaotic arm within whimsical environments—paired with humorous voice acting and customizable options.

Fans can wishlist this title on Steam, with strong encouragement for a future Switch adaptation. 'Fox and Shadow' by Paper Cactus Games combines dual-deckbuilding roguelike mechanics with anime-inspired visuals.

Players scavenge for resources and battle enemies with customizable card combinations.

The game, currently in development with a demo on Steam, has garnered positive reception and could eventually reach the Switch. Mobile Innovators and Multiplayer Mayhem UltraPlayers, seasoned developers known for award-winning titles like 'Gumballs & Dungeons,' returned to PAX Aus with 'Hello World.' Enhanced over the past year, Hello World immerses players in a roguelike adventure filled with ancient creatures, mutations, and player feedback-driven refinement.

The game is slated for full release on mobile, with the team expressing interest in bringing it to Nintendo Switch. Finally, 'Cow Chess' from lablab blended multiplayer artillery chaos with a playful aesthetic, evoking comparisons to Smash Bros.

and Worms.

Despite its name, the focus lies on frenzied action rather than traditional chess.

The demo is available now on Steam, and the development team is enthusiastic about future Nintendo Switch possibilities. Celebrating Indie Success and Nintendo Switch Potential PAX Aus 2025 affirmed the talent and creativity thriving in Australia’s gaming scene, especially among developers targeting the Nintendo Switch.

With demos, direct developer interaction, and a showcase of innovative mechanics, this year’s event was a haven for Switch fans eager for the next wave of indie releases.

As many of these titles gear up for launch—on Steam, Nintendo eShop, and hopefully Nintendo Direct highlights—the future looks bright for Australia’s indie game community.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Australia Switch PAX indie games developer PAX Aus PAX Aus 2025 Chessplus Castle Cab Elasticritters Silk Soar My Arms are Longer Now Fox and Shadow Hello World Cow Chess Steam Royal Reign Yooreekaa Games Stout Heart Games Toot Games Paper Cactus Games UltraPlayers lablab