VIDEOVERSE Launches on Nintendo Switch: A Nostalgic Journey through Early Internet Culture

Kinmoku’s story-driven title, VIDEOVERSE, made a remarkable impression when it first debuted, capturing the imagination of players who grew up during the golden era of internet forums and iconic platforms like Nintendo’s Miiverse.

Now, following its initial PC release, VIDEOVERSE has expanded to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, made possible by publisher Ratalaika Games.

As of its multi-platform launch, the game is available digitally via the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store. VIDEOVERSE is set within a fictional social network known as Videoverse, accessible through a retro-styled game console dubbed the Kinmoku Shark.

The title stands out for its meticulously crafted narrative and decision-driven gameplay, inviting players to forge connections with quirky, memorable characters in an environment that echoes the camaraderie and drama of early online communities.

Those nostalgic for classic chat applications—think MSN Messenger—will find themselves right at home in VIDEOVERSE’s pixel-perfect recreation of internet adolescence. On bringing VIDEOVERSE to consoles, Kinmoku remarked that capturing the feel of early internet interaction and the visual hallmarks of the era was a clear design goal.

The developer’s use of authentic character designs, subtle animations, and a soundtrack rich with familiar online notification sounds delivers an evocative experience.

As noted by players, these touches make VIDEOVERSE a standout among games that channel the spirit of retro digital communication. Having experienced VIDEOVERSE both on Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, the transition to handheld play is overall smooth and inviting.

The game supports touch controls on Nintendo Switch, which offers an intuitive experience, especially when played in handheld mode.

However, those using traditional button controls—particularly with peripherals like the Switch 2 Pro Controller—may encounter less responsive input and occasional cursor visibility issues.

Additionally, some users have reported that text clarity suffers slightly when playing via backward compatibility on newer Switch hardware.

For optimal enjoyment, handheld play with touch controls is recommended. Despite these minor control quirks, VIDEOVERSE remains compelling on any platform.

Its eight to ten-hour narrative can easily be enjoyed over a weekend or holiday break, with the story continuing to resonate strongly on repeat playthroughs, even years after its initial release.

Critics have praised the game not only for tapping into a sense of nostalgia but also for serving as a window into digital friendships and internet culture, allowing younger players to glimpse a bygone era. Since its launch, VIDEOVERSE has garnered acclaim for its ability to encapsulate the feeling of the early 2000s internet, evoking personal memories and inviting reflection on how online interaction has evolved.

The title stands as a testament to Kinmoku’s creative vision and Ratalaika Games’ commitment to bringing indie gems to a broader audience.

Whether you’re reliving your digital youth or discovering it for the first time, VIDEOVERSE on Nintendo Switch is a must-play for fans of heartfelt, narrative-driven adventures.