Yooka-Replaylee Remaster Trailer Highlights Shovel Knight Cameo and Likely Switch 2 Release

Playtonic Games has generated significant buzz within the platforming community with its recent announcement and trailer for Yooka-Replaylee, an ambitious remaster of the studio’s charming 3D platformer, Yooka-Laylee.

The remaster brings not only a graphical overhaul but also reintroduces Shovel Knight, a beloved character from Yacht Club Games, as a notable non-playable character with an entirely new questline. Yooka-Replaylee aims to enhance the original experience with upgraded visuals, refined controls, and expanded content.

The remastered edition is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, and, according to strong hints from Playtonic, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

While the developer has not formally confirmed the title for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, the official announcement teases, “Yooka-Replaylee will be playable on PS5, Xbox Series consoles and… Nintendo? (Ooh mysterious.

We’ll have more on that as soon as poss!).” This playful phrasing has fueled widespread anticipation for a Switch 2 release, coinciding with industry expectations for Nintendo’s upcoming console. The newly revealed trailer shines a spotlight on Shovel Knight, who receives his own updated appearance within the Yooka-Replaylee universe.

Players can expect an expanded quest line that sees them scaling a tower and interacting with Shovel Knight-themed collectibles, many of which will transform into interactive enemies, offering new challenges for series fans and newcomers alike.

This collaboration reflects Playtonic’s ongoing commitment to celebrating platforming heritage, as both franchises have earned acclaim for revitalizing classic gameplay formulas. The original Yooka-Laylee launched in 2017 and garnered attention for its nostalgic ties to Banjo-Kazooie, created by former Rare developers.

While reception was mixed, mainly due to comparisons with classic 3D platformers, its sequel, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, released in 2019, received widespread praise for its polished, Donkey Kong Country-inspired 2D gameplay. Playtonic’s track record of supporting multiple platforms—including releases on the Nintendo eShop—has positioned the studio as a key player in contemporary platforming.

The anticipation for Yooka-Replaylee is heightened by the hint of a Nintendo Switch 2 launch, especially as fans eagerly await news on Nintendo’s next hardware iteration.

As remasters and crossovers continue to draw industry interest, Yooka-Replaylee stands out as a promising title that honors retro sensibilities while innovating for a modern audience. Yooka-Replaylee is slated for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, with more announcements expected soon regarding Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility.

Stay tuned for further coverage as Playtonic Games reveals additional features, release dates, and platform-specific details.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Playtonic Playtonic Games Shovel Knight Yooka-Replaylee