Stray Nintendo Switch Review: BlueTwelve Studio's Feline Adventure Shines on the eShop

Stray Nintendo Switch Review: BlueTwelve Studio's Feline Adventure Shines on the eShop Stray, developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, captured attention with its reveal during the PlayStation 5 "Future of Gaming" showcase in 2020.

Boasting atmospheric neon-lit streets, robotic citizens, and an instantly iconic backpack-wearing cat protagonist, Stray quickly established itself as a standout in the third-person adventure genre.

Now, following a successful multi-platform run, Stray has made its way to the Nintendo Switch via the eShop, bringing its celebrated blend of detailed worldbuilding and creative gameplay to a new portable audience. BlueTwelve Studio’s greatest achievement in Stray lies in authentic feline movement and immersive environmental storytelling.

Players control a stray cat separated from its family, journeying through the mysterious and visually arresting Dead City.

The early stages see the protagonist navigating urban obstacles—pouncing on barrels, scratching surfaces, and carefully leaping across precarious pipes—while a series of neon signs and forgotten television screens subtly guide the way. Guided by an unknown presence, the cat must survive not just environmental hazards, but also the sinister threat posed by the Zurks—small, dangerous creatures reminiscent of Headcrabs from Half-Life.

The tension these encounters generate adds another layer of depth to the game’s world, driving curiosity about the events that led to this dystopian future. A crucial partnership forms early in Stray, as the cat befriends B-12, a small drone with a corrupted memory.

Recently freed from a long period of electronic confinement, B-12 supports the player by translating signs and conversations with the city’s robotic citizens, storing important items such as keys and postcards, and offering context to the world through gradual memory recovery.

This dynamic between the agile cat and the helpful drone brings both practical and narrative depth to the gameplay, allowing for creative puzzle-solving and story progression.

For instance, players must decipher codes scrawled on whiteboards, use B-12 to hack doors, and carry objects across complex terrain—showcasing the game’s well-integrated mechanics. Stray offers a blend of challenging chase and stealth sequences.

Players evade relentless Zurk pursuers and navigate areas patrolled by security drones, with mechanics that reward both quick reflexes and strategic timing.

Additionally, the game encourages exploration, hiding collectible items that gradually restore B-12’s memory and further enrich the backstory.

Collecting stray sheet music for Morusque, a musician robot in The Slums, adds an optional, charming touch for completionists. Adapting Stray for the Nintendo Switch required compromises due to the hardware’s limitations compared to the PlayStation 5.

Texture detail is dialed back, and players may occasionally encounter minor visual glitches or frame rate drops during graphically intense moments.

Nevertheless, these technical concessions do little to detract from the game’s emotional resonance and imaginative spirit.

The enduring charm of exploring the world as a cat, forging a bond with B-12, and unraveling the mystery of Dead City remains fully intact on Switch. Stray on Nintendo Switch exemplifies the creative strength of indie game studios and the enduring appeal of unique, character-driven adventures.

Whether playfully leaping across rooftops or curling up for a digital catnap, Stray’s originality and heartfelt storytelling make it a memorable addition to the Switch library. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch.

Review copy provided by Annapurna Interactive. Score: 8/10

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch Stray