Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch: Free Demo Now Available

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Set for Nintendo Switch Release on May 28, 2025, with Free eShop Demo Now Live In an exciting announcement for fans of inventive indie games, publisher PM Studios and developer Pocket Trap have officially revealed that Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo will be coming to the Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2025.

To celebrate the upcoming release, a free playable demo of the game is now available for download directly from the Nintendo eShop, giving eager players an early opportunity to explore its unique mechanics before launch. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo introduces itself as the "world's first yoyovania," combining elements of classic Metroidvania design with an original yo-yo-based combat and traversal system.

The game boasts an impressive scope, featuring over 1,000 handcrafted screens to navigate, more than 40 equippable badges that bestow various buffs and new abilities, and 20 passive powers aimed at deepening exploration.

The core gameplay invites players to experiment with different badge combinations, allowing for a tailored approach to both exploration and combat scenarios. Players assume the role of Pippit, a self-proclaimed yo-yo master and member of the illustrious Pipistrello family, a clan long entrusted with the care and protection of a mysterious energy source.

The adventure kicks off during Pippit's annual visit, which takes a dramatic turn when his aunt—the family matriarch—is abducted by a rival group determined to steal the Pipistrellos’ closely guarded power.

Armed with a versatile yo-yo that serves as both a companion and weapon, Pippit embarks on a mission to rescue his aunt and thwart the ambitions of a shadowy corporate crime syndicate. Throughout the adventure, players will master a range of yo-yo tricks, discover hidden secrets within the vibrant city, and use badges to enhance or adapt the yo-yo’s abilities.

The game’s visuals draw inspiration from the Game Boy Advance era, combining nostalgic pixel art with modern fluidity.

Its top-down, Zelda-inspired aesthetic, paired with the innovative yo-yo gameplay, sets Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo apart in the crowded indie Metroidvania landscape. Pocket Trap, best known for their work on Dodgeball Academia, delivers a fresh and stylistically distinct experience with Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo.

The studio cites the use of badges and unique mechanics as key innovations, encouraging experimentation and discovery—qualities that define the best entries in the genre. With the free demo now available on the Nintendo eShop, fans can dive in and sample Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo ahead of its full Nintendo Switch debut on May 28, 2025.

As anticipation builds, this new IP stands poised to capture the attention of players seeking a blend of nostalgic visuals, inventive gameplay, and high replay value.

Stay tuned for further updates as Pocket Trap and PM Studios prepare for the game’s launch this spring.

Nintendo eShop Switch Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo PM Studios Pocket Trap GBA Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop