Tomba! Special Edition Faces Hard-Locking Issues on Nintendo Switch: Limited Run Games Responds

Limited Run Games’ highly anticipated port of the cult-classic platformer Tomba! (known as Tombi! in Europe) launched on the Nintendo Switch on August 1, 2024, bringing the celebrated 1997 PlayStation title to a new generation of gamers.

However, the release has been marred by user reports of technical issues, including major hard-locks making the game unplayable for some players on Nintendo’s portable console. Tomba! Special Edition’s debut on Switch was met with excitement, especially as Limited Run Games, renowned for reissuing and preserving classic games, handled the port.

Some eager players, however, have experienced a severe problem: the game crashes and hard-locks certain Nintendo Switch systems, forcing a complete reset by holding down the power button.

Alarmingly, these lock-ups can happen within the first minute of gameplay, although some users occasionally manage to play for longer stretches without crashing. Despite these significant technical issues, not every player has encountered problems.

According to multiple confirmed accounts, one reviewer suffered repeated crashes almost instantly, making Tomba! virtually unplayable.

In contrast, another member of the review team experienced smooth, problem-free sessions with the same version (1.0.0) of the game, highlighting inconsistent performance across different hardware units.

These discrepancies have complicated the review process for media outlets awaiting a more stable build to deliver a fair assessment. In a clear statement, Limited Run Games has acknowledged the existence of bugs affecting the Switch version and confirmed that a patch is currently in development.

The company has yet to provide an official release date for the fix but urges affected players to remain patient while the update is being prepared.

As the publisher continues to take pre-orders for a Special Edition physical release shipping later this year, customers are advised to stay informed of forthcoming updates. Until the patch is rolled out and stability issues are addressed, players are cautioned that attempting to play Tomba! Special Edition on Nintendo Switch may result in hardware crashes.

On the other hand, some users have reported a perfectly functional experience, underscoring the inconsistent nature of the bug. Tomba! remains a beloved title in the platformer genre, and its Nintendo Switch release marks a notable event for retro and new fans alike.

While Limited Run Games’ ongoing commitment to resolving the technical setbacks is encouraging, prospective buyers should consider waiting for a post-patch version to guarantee a stable and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Continue following updates from Limited Run Games and check the Switch eShop or Nintendo Direct announcements for the latest news on the Tomba! Special Edition patch and review availability.