Shadow Labyrinth Switch 2 Upgrade: Bandai Namco Unveils 4K/60fps Pac-Man Metroidvania

Bandai Namco's legendary Pac-Man franchise is set to take a bold new turn with the upcoming release of Shadow Labyrinth for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Revealed in a striking new pre-order trailer, Bandai Namco confirmed that Shadow Labyrinth will run at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second when docked on Switch 2, bringing an unprecedented level of graphical fidelity and performance to one of gaming's most beloved icons. Shadow Labyrinth is scheduled to launch globally on July 18, 2025, introducing players to a radically reimagined Pac-Man adventure.

Unlike previous entries in the series, Shadow Labyrinth embraces the metroidvania genre, incorporating atmospheric exploration, nonlinear progression, and a host of dark, mysterious creatures populating its ominous world.

This direction marks a significant departure from the classic arcade gameplay that defined Pac-Man for more than four decades, underscoring Bandai Namco’s willingness to innovate with its storied intellectual property. In a notable move for series fans and Nintendo players alike, Bandai Namco has assured that anyone who purchases Shadow Labyrinth on the current Nintendo Switch system will be eligible for a free upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.

This commitment ensures that existing players can seamlessly transition to Nintendo's next-generation hardware while enjoying upgraded visuals and performance at no extra cost.

The practice sets an important precedent for cross-generation releases on Nintendo consoles and highlights Bandai Namco’s player-first approach. The premise of Shadow Labyrinth places players in the role of Swordsman No.

8, a powerful figure awakened on a war-torn alien world by a mysterious floating orb named PUCK.

Acting as the instrument of PUCK's will, players will unravel ancient secrets, consume enemies to grow in power, and evolve from prey to the apex predator as they uncover their true destiny within the sprawling labyrinth.

This dark, moody narrative leverages the series’ iconic mechanics while introducing fresh gameplay elements that align with the metroidvania tradition—fusing puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration with signature Pac-Man charm. Bandai Namco has built its reputation on revitalizing classic game franchises while embracing new hardware capabilities.

The announcement of 4K/60fps performance for Shadow Labyrinth on Switch 2 speaks both to the impressive power of Nintendo’s next console and Bandai Namco’s commitment to technical excellence.

Given the resurgence of interest in metroidvania games and Pac-Man’s enduring popularity, Shadow Labyrinth stands poised as one of the most anticipated third-party titles for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Shadow Labyrinth launches July 18, 2025, on Nintendo Switch, with full support and enhancements available for Nintendo Switch 2.

Players can pre-order now on the Nintendo eShop.

Stay tuned to Nintendo Direct and official Bandai Namco channels for further updates, trailers, and in-depth gameplay reveals as the release date approaches.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch 2 Switch Namco Metroidvania Shadow Bandai Pac-Man Shadow Labyrinth