Suro Senen
Kyoto, Japan – The vibrant city of Kyoto once again played host to BitSummit, Japan’s premier independent game convention, drawing developers and enthusiasts from across the globe. This year’s iteration, held in a more comfortable May climate, showcased an infectious enthusiasm for game development, from university graduates to seasoned industry veterans. For seasoned convention-goers like myself, having navigated the bustling aisles of PAX, the grand spectacle of E3, and the impressive displays of Tokyo Game Show, BitSummit stands apart. Its unique atmosphere, a blend of unbridled passion and innovative spirit, consistently delivers an experience unlike any other.
This year’s event was particularly noteworthy, not just for its palpable energy, but for the sheer volume of promising titles poised to grace Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 1 and the highly anticipated Switch 2. While last year’s BitSummit saw a surge of interest fueled by the then-recent launch of the Switch 2, this year’s convention presented an almost overwhelming array of potential console releases. The challenge of narrowing down the most exciting prospects to a mere ten proved insurmountable; consequently, this report expands to highlight twelve exceptional games that have confirmed or are actively pursuing a Nintendo platform release.
Crucially, each developer interviewed for this article has affirmed their commitment to bringing their creations to a Nintendo console, with many specifically targeting the Switch 2. While Nintendo remains characteristically tight-lipped regarding the specifics of Switch 2 development kits, the eagerness of these indie studios to embrace the platform is a strong indicator of its future appeal.
BitSummit 2026: A Deep Dive into the Eventual Switch 1 and 2 Lineup
The following is a curated selection of games that captivated attendees at BitSummit 2026, offering a tantalizing preview of what Nintendo gamers can anticipate in the coming years.
Penguin Colony: Lovecraftian Horror Meets Adorable Avian Protagonists
Platform: Switch 2
Developer: Origame Digital
Release Window: October
Tali Faulkner, director of Penguin Colony, initially presented his game’s title with the expectation of an Animal Crossing-esque experience. The reality, however, proved to be a delightfully twisted departure from such assumptions. Penguin Colony masterfully blends Lovecraftian cosmic horror with the charming perspective of penguins. Developed by Origame Digital, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Umurangi Generation, this game tasks players with controlling a diverse cast of penguins, each possessing unique traversal abilities based on their size.
The narrative unfolds within a stark, John Carpenter-esque Antarctic landscape, where players gradually unravel the grim fate of a Nazi expedition. My own playthrough was a surreal journey across vast icy expanses. As I transitioned between a hulking adult penguin and a nimble baby penguin capable of squeezing through narrow crevices, I stumbled upon the remnants of the expedition. The atmosphere grew increasingly unsettling as I encountered the remnants of the Nazi crew, some driven to madness, whispering of unimaginable horrors. The visual horror escalated with disturbing scenes of self-mutilation and even a gruesome explosion of one individual’s head upon close proximity.
While preserving the game’s narrative surprises is paramount, fans of narrative-driven RPGs like Disco Elysium may find a familiar comfort in the game’s narrator. Penguin Colony is slated for a October release on the Switch 2, with a demo expected to land this summer, offering players a chance to experience its unique blend of terror and charm firsthand.
Pro Jank Footy: A Roguelite Twist on Australian Rules Football
Platform: Switch 1 & 2
Developer: Powerbomb Games
Release Window: 2026
As a proud Canadian, my understanding of Australian football was limited. However, Pro Jank Footy from Powerbomb Games has thoroughly educated me on the chaotic beauty of this sporting tradition, infused with a healthy dose of roguelite absurdity. This arcade-style Australian Rules Football game transforms the sport into a hilariously hectic party game, accessible to players of all skill levels, regardless of their geographic origin.
The core gameplay is deceptively simple: pass the ball between teammates and kick for goals. Where Pro Jank Footy truly shines is in its "jank" – a series of match-manipulating cards awarded to the player who concedes a goal. These cards introduce a level of unpredictable mayhem, ranging from score reversals to the literal insertion of a car onto the field to run down opponents.
During my gameplay sessions, I witnessed cards that transformed all players into footballs, introduced additional goals across the field, and even spawned a disruptive DVD Video logo that obstructed the screen in a hilariously nostalgic fashion. The sheer absurdity on display guarantees a memorable and laughter-filled experience, making it a perfect fit for both the current and next-generation Nintendo consoles, with a projected release in 2026.
Monowave: A Colorful Platformer of Emotional Dexterity
Platform: Switch 1
Developer: Studio BBB Inc.
Release Window: 2026
From the South Korean studio BBB Inc. emerges Monowave, a vibrant and charming platformer. Players embody Mono, a character who can fluidly shift between different emotional states, each granting unique abilities essential for navigating the game’s intricately designed levels.
An enraged Mono can perform powerful wall jumps, while a joyful Mono exhibits enhanced speed and leaping prowess. A melancholic Mono transforms into a gelatinous blob, allowing passage through tight spaces, and an anxious Mono finds solace in overcoming obstacles that would otherwise pose a threat.
These emotional mechanics extend to the game’s diverse cast of creatures. A furious red crocodile will aggressively pursue Mono, while a sorrowful crocodile transforms into a helpful springboard, aiding in reaching greater heights. Mono’s ability to imbue these creatures with his own emotions is crucial for overcoming environmental puzzles and uncovering hidden collectibles. Monowave is anticipated to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 1 in 2026.
FEAR FA 98: A Grotesque Fusion of Arcade Soccer and Psychological Horror
Platform: Switch 1 & 2
Developer: Jacob Jazz
Release Window: Early Access Later This Year, Console Release Post-Early Access
By far the most surreal experience at BitSummit this year, FEAR FA 98 from developer Jacob Jazz masterfully fuses the arcade-soccer thrills of classic FIFA with the unsettling dread of Silent Hill 2, all seasoned with a generous helping of grotesque absurdity. The game operates as a dual experience: an old-school FIFA-esque soccer simulation with an abundance of power-ups and gore, seamlessly integrated with a single-player campaign inspired by psychological horror.
Players have the option to bypass the campaign entirely, but progress within the versus mode unlocks essential items for story advancement. My own time with FEAR FA 98 was characterized by valiant, albeit often unsuccessful, attempts to score goals as a team of seductive, murderous nurses. The gameplay quickly devolved into delightful madness as power-ups triggered Final Fantasy-esque summons, unleashing massive energy beams to secure goals.
The game is poised to enter Early Access later this year, with a full release on Nintendo consoles to follow. The prospect of online play in such a unique and unhinged environment is particularly exciting.
Vikings on Trampolines: A Chaotic Brawler for Friendships and Sanity
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: D-Studio
Release Window: TBC
Following the visual splendor of Owlboy, D-Pad Studios has delivered a dramatically different, yet equally captivating, experience with Vikings on Trampolines. While Owlboy was a meticulously crafted action-platformer, Vikings on Trampolines plunges players into a chaotic brawler, featuring both a cooperative adventure mode and a notoriously friendship-testing versus mode.
In the cooperative adventure, up to four players embody Vikings tasked with defending against the balloon-wielding forces of Balloonie. The core mechanic revolves around perpetual bouncing on trampolines, as falling to the ground results in the loss of a precious heart. The visual design is stunning, with gorgeously rendered forests and mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop to the frantic action.
The versus mode, however, is where the true mayhem unfolds. Trampolines are launched via speeding minecarts, and colossal whales threaten to devour the very platforms players stand upon. The game’s intuitive control scheme, utilizing only the left analog stick, makes it accessible to a wide range of players, fostering an environment where strategic alliances can quickly dissolve into hilarious betrayal. Power-ups abound, granting abilities like devastating hammer attacks that send opponents flying, reminiscent of the over-the-top action found in Super Smash Bros. While no official release date has been confirmed, Vikings on Trampolines is highly anticipated for a future Nintendo Switch release.
Starpath: Navigating the Cosmos and Existential Dread
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Jonathan Smårs
Release Window: TBC
Starpath offers a compelling blend of starship construction, interstellar exploration, and a palpable sense of existential dread. Developed by Jonathan Smårs, the lead engineer and designer behind the acclaimed Valheim, this game challenges players to build and maintain their spacecraft while venturing through a vast, often solitary, universe.
The initial moments of the demo, with my character awakening alone in the void, evoked a profound sense of isolation. However, the discovery of scattered floppy discs provided a welcome distraction. Inserting these discs into a makeshift computer allowed for the exploration of retro-style mini-games, including a simple racing title and a surprisingly addictive Minesweeper clone. This was interrupted by a stark reminder of my predicament: a ship leak notification.
Donning a spacesuit and venturing outside the starship, I experienced the exhilaration and terror of zero gravity, narrowly making it back to address the leak and learn about the game’s robust build mode, which allows for extensive ship customization. The demo concluded as I ventured towards nearby planets to ascertain if I was truly alone in the universe, a question I eagerly await answering on the Switch 2, which Smårs has confirmed as an eventual target platform.
Starless Umbra: A Nostalgic Homage to Classic Action RPGs
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Alcuria Games
Release Window: TBC
For fans of classic JRPGs, Starless Umbra from Alcuria Games is a beacon of hope. The game channels the spirit of Secret of Mana with its vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay. My brief encounter with the game involved guiding two companions, Amalia and Illari, through an early-game quest, hunting diminutive rabbits and venomous snakes in idyllic, Super NES-esque landscapes.
While the demo offered the option for a second player, the AI-controlled companion proved more than capable, making for a smooth and enjoyable solo experience. Starless Umbra eschews turn-based combat for fast-paced, action-RPG encounters, mirroring the gameplay of its inspirations. A nearby sizzle reel provided a glimpse into the game’s broader scope, showcasing dramatic story moments, diverse playable characters, and varied environments. Alcuria Games is committed to bringing Starless Umbra to Nintendo Switch consoles, though it remains in its relatively early stages of development.
Lunars: A Zodiac-Themed Party Game with a Fresh Twist
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Anubis Arts
Release Window: Post-Early Access on Steam
Lunars, developed by brothers Hanny and Waleed Agawani of Anubis Arts, reimagines the party game genre with a charming zodiac animal theme, drawing inspiration from Mario Party and the whimsical visual style of LittleBigPlanet. The game features familiar elements like boards, dice rolls, and minigames, but its characters, crafted from felt and offering extensive customization, lend it a unique aesthetic.
Lunars distinguishes itself from its predecessors by streamlining the often frustrating aspects of traditional party games while retaining their inherent fun. The innovative "Blitz" mode, where all players roll their dice simultaneously, dramatically accelerates gameplay without sacrificing strategic depth, allowing for real-time item usage to disrupt opponents.
The game boasts over 30 diverse minigames, ranging from musical note collection races to challenging bubble-jumping puzzles and a surprisingly engaging King of the Hill mode featuring a miniature tank. While my own attempts at victory were thwarted by remarkably competent AI opponents, the prospect of inflicting similar defeats upon real-life "frienemies" on a Nintendo console is a highly anticipated one.
WTF – Waifu Tactical Force: High-Octane FPS Meets Anime Aesthetics
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Extremely Normal
Release Window: Early Access Next Year, Console Release Post-Early Access
Dubbed "Waifu Titanfall," WTF – Waifu Tactical Force by Extremely Normal delivers on its promise of high-octane, first-person shooter action infused with anime aesthetics. While mechs were absent in the build I experienced, the core gameplay elements of speed, wall-running, and incredibly tight gunplay—including a Titanfall 2-esque Smart Pistol—were all present and accounted for.
Players assume the role of a customizable "Waifu" character, wielding brightly colored weapons with charmingly cute reticles, all set within vibrant arenas adorned with cherry blossoms. My matches against WTF’s Executive Producer, Raya Winterhalter, proved to be surprisingly competitive. Beyond the core shooting mechanics, Waifus are equipped with unique abilities, such as non-damaging grenades that launch opponents into the air and a sparkly, bubble-like shield reminiscent of Halo 3. Despite its whimsical presentation, WTF – Waifu Tactical Force offers a surprisingly "sweaty" competitive experience, rivaling established FPS titles. While it ran smoothly on the Steam Deck, a Switch 2 release is a strong possibility following its Early Access launch next year.
Midnight Horde: Verticality and Parkour in a Roguelite Apocalypse
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Carry Castle
Release Window: 2026 (Steam First)
Midnight Horde stands out in the crowded roguelite genre with its slick pixel art, dynamic use of verticality, and parkour-inspired movement system. This 2D action game demands players stay on their toes as they evade relentless hordes of skeletons.
The demo offered a choice between the Wanderer and the Gunslinger. The Wanderer, starting with the Silver Blades skill, automatically unleashes a wide-arcing slash every few seconds. As I progressed, I unlocked powerful weapons, including a rifle for targeted damage and a shotgun capable of decimating enemies in a wide frontal arc.
With auto-attacking weapons, the player’s primary focus is on agile evasion and treasure chest collection for crucial upgrades. The game also features a build mode, allowing players to customize runs with various buildings that provide beneficial boons, dynamically altering the landscape and the gameplay experience. Midnight Horde is slated for a 2026 release on Steam, with a Nintendo Switch release to follow.
Sleepover: A Haunting Visual Novel of Solitude and Memory
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: KittyWampus
Release Window: Early Development, Eventual Switch Release
Last year, we highlighted KittyWampus’s impressive 3D platformer, Bashful Adoration. This year, the New Zealand-based developer showcased a new, more intimate project with a drastically different tone: Sleepover. This visual novel places players in the role of Yuna, the last surviving human on Earth, grappling with the search for meaning in an empty world.
The brief demo presented Yuna wandering through her desolate home, lost in poignant memories of her brother and a complex relationship with her mother. These recollections gradually warp into unsettling and even creepy sequences, amplified by a distinctive, sketchy art style and jarring animated interludes. The demo concludes with the arrival of a mysterious girl at Yuna’s door—a tangible presence, not a figment of her fractured psyche—leaving players with a multitude of unanswered questions. Sleepover is still in its early stages of development, with eventual plans for a Nintendo Switch release.
Petal Runner: Visually Striking, Nintendo-Coded Charm
Platform: Consoles TBC
Developer: Nano Park Studios
Release Window: TBC
Concluding our spotlight is Petal Runner from Nano Park Studios. While a full hands-on preview is forthcoming, this game demands mention for its sheer visual appeal and its distinctly "Nintendo-coded" charm. Despite initial appearances suggesting a Pokémon clone, Petal Runner offers a far more profound and engaging experience. Its vibrant world and engaging mechanics are a testament to the innovative spirit of independent developers, and it is a title that Nintendo fans will undoubtedly want to keep a close eye on.
The Future of Indie Gaming on Nintendo Platforms
BitSummit 2026 has unequivocally demonstrated the robust health and boundless creativity of the independent game development scene. The sheer volume of high-quality titles poised for Nintendo consoles, particularly the Switch 2, signals an incredibly exciting future for players. From the mind-bending horror of Penguin Colony to the chaotic fun of Pro Jank Footy and the narrative depth of Sleepover, there is a palpable sense of innovation and passion driving these projects. The continued partnership between Nintendo and these indie studios promises a rich and diverse gaming landscape for years to come, offering experiences that cater to every taste and preference.
While this list represents a curated selection of the most compelling titles, many other exceptional games were showcased at BitSummit 2026. What are your thoughts on the featured games? Which titles are you most eagerly anticipating? Share your opinions in the comments below and participate in our poll.
Siti Muinah
Lina Irawan
