Finnish independent game developer Tensori has announced the impending release of POOLS, its highly regarded walking simulator, for the Nintendo Switch.
Set to launch on February 26, POOLS gained prominence after its initial 2024 debut on Steam, amassing nearly 3,000 user reviews that propelled it into the coveted “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Valve’s digital storefront.
POOLS stands out for its unconventional and minimalist design.
The game’s visual identity is stark yet captivating, with clean lines, sparse textures, and an unsettlingly pristine environment reminiscent of empty public swimming complexes from the 1970s.
The Switch port, according to Tensori, features native footage optimized for the hardware, ensuring that the unsettling aesthetic and immersive experience remain fully intact for handheld and docked players alike. In a departure from more traditional walking simulators, POOLS deliberately eschews many elements common in narrative-driven games.
As detailed by the developer, there is no user-interface, no dialogue, no background music, no conventional storyline, and no characters to interact with.
Exploration is completely untethered, with no notes to collect, no hand-holding tutorials, and, notably, no monsters or jump scares lurking around the corner.
Instead, the game leverages ambient and diegetic audio to build a palpable tension within its white-tiled, maze-like environments, offering a markedly solitary and introspective experience. Fans looking for content parity on Nintendo Switch will be pleased to learn that this version incorporates the entire original game along with the "Chapter 0" free expansion.
As players progress, they will notice the world subtly shifting, with rooms evolving in appearance and feel—each chapter introducing its own distinctive sense of mystery and intrigue.
POOLS draws inspiration from popular internet phenomena such as liminal spaces, found footage, and the eerie aesthetics of "Backrooms Pools" or "Poolrooms," capitalizing on a growing fascination with unsettling and ambiguous virtual locales. A demo for POOLS will be available on the Switch eShop starting on launch day, offering players a chance to sample its unique atmosphere before committing to the full experience.
The title is set to retail for $9.79 / £8.50 / €9.75, in line with existing PC pricing.
Critical response across platforms has been favorable, with notable gaming outlet Push Square awarding the PSVR2 version of POOLS an impressive 8/10.
Their review commended the game's brief yet memorable impact, highlighting its capacity to construct a singular, tension-filled ambiance that resonates with fans of unconventional, atmospheric experiences.
With its Switch release imminent, POOLS is poised to introduce a wider audience to Tensori’s distinctive vision—one that eschews conventional mechanics in favor of raw atmosphere and psychological depth.
As the Nintendo Switch continues to host diverse indie titles, POOLS represents a welcome addition for players seeking a minimalist journey through haunting, liminal spaces.
Set to launch on February 26, POOLS gained prominence after its initial 2024 debut on Steam, amassing nearly 3,000 user reviews that propelled it into the coveted “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Valve’s digital storefront.
POOLS stands out for its unconventional and minimalist design.
The game’s visual identity is stark yet captivating, with clean lines, sparse textures, and an unsettlingly pristine environment reminiscent of empty public swimming complexes from the 1970s.
The Switch port, according to Tensori, features native footage optimized for the hardware, ensuring that the unsettling aesthetic and immersive experience remain fully intact for handheld and docked players alike. In a departure from more traditional walking simulators, POOLS deliberately eschews many elements common in narrative-driven games.
As detailed by the developer, there is no user-interface, no dialogue, no background music, no conventional storyline, and no characters to interact with.
Exploration is completely untethered, with no notes to collect, no hand-holding tutorials, and, notably, no monsters or jump scares lurking around the corner.
Instead, the game leverages ambient and diegetic audio to build a palpable tension within its white-tiled, maze-like environments, offering a markedly solitary and introspective experience. Fans looking for content parity on Nintendo Switch will be pleased to learn that this version incorporates the entire original game along with the "Chapter 0" free expansion.
As players progress, they will notice the world subtly shifting, with rooms evolving in appearance and feel—each chapter introducing its own distinctive sense of mystery and intrigue.
POOLS draws inspiration from popular internet phenomena such as liminal spaces, found footage, and the eerie aesthetics of "Backrooms Pools" or "Poolrooms," capitalizing on a growing fascination with unsettling and ambiguous virtual locales. A demo for POOLS will be available on the Switch eShop starting on launch day, offering players a chance to sample its unique atmosphere before committing to the full experience.
The title is set to retail for $9.79 / £8.50 / €9.75, in line with existing PC pricing.
Critical response across platforms has been favorable, with notable gaming outlet Push Square awarding the PSVR2 version of POOLS an impressive 8/10.
Their review commended the game's brief yet memorable impact, highlighting its capacity to construct a singular, tension-filled ambiance that resonates with fans of unconventional, atmospheric experiences.
With its Switch release imminent, POOLS is poised to introduce a wider audience to Tensori’s distinctive vision—one that eschews conventional mechanics in favor of raw atmosphere and psychological depth.
As the Nintendo Switch continues to host diverse indie titles, POOLS represents a welcome addition for players seeking a minimalist journey through haunting, liminal spaces.
