Ruffy and the Riverside Confirmed for June 2025 Launch on Nintendo Switch

Ruffy and the Riverside, the anticipated hand-drawn 3D platformer from German indie studio Zockrates Laboratories, is officially slated for release on the Nintendo Switch on June 26, 2025.

The announcement arrives after the developer unveiled the project last year, generating interest among fans of creative platformers and unique visual styles.

Developer Zockrates Laboratories made the release date official this week, confirming that Ruffy and the Riverside will launch on the Nintendo Switch at the end of June via the Nintendo eShop.

While the team originally aimed for a Q1 2025 release, they have now adjusted their timeline to deliver a polished experience this summer.

The news was shared across official Nintendo channels and further corroborated by industry coverage, ensuring fans have ample time to prepare for this whimsical adventure. The phrasing in Zockrates Laboratories’ announcement refers to a release on “Nintendo Switch(es),” a choice of wording that has caught the attention of industry watchers.

With the anticipated Switch 2 expected to launch by the end of 2025, this carefully crafted statement may suggest possible compatibility or an eventual appearance on Nintendo’s upcoming hardware platform, though the developer has not provided an explicit confirmation at this stage. Similar strategies have been employed in recent months by other developers, including the team behind Yooka-Replaylee, who declared support for “Nintendo Platforms,” as well as upcoming titles like the new Demon Slayer sequel, due for the “Nintendo Switch family of systems.” This approach reflects the evolving Nintendo hardware landscape and developers’ plans for cross-generation availability. At the heart of Ruffy and the Riverside is its innovative SWAP power, which empowers players to manipulate the environment in inventive ways.

Using the SWAP mechanic, players can copy and paste in-game textures, transforming ice into lava, waterfalls into vines, and more.

This mechanic not only shapes exploration but adds depth to combat and puzzle-solving, promising a truly dynamic open-world experience.

Players will also navigate the vibrant world of Riverside, riding hay bales, discovering secrets, fighting enemies, and unleashing their imagination within a visually striking hand-drawn world. With the June 26, 2025, release date now secured, Ruffy and the Riverside stands out as one of the most promising indie releases on Nintendo Switch this summer.

Zockrates Laboratories continues to expand its reputation as a creative force in indie development, joining a growing list of European studios delivering innovative titles for the Nintendo ecosystem.

Be sure to follow official Nintendo Direct updates and check the eShop for pre-order information as the launch window approaches.

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