Farewell, SwitchArcade Readers! This is the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up from me. After several years, circumstances necessitate a change of course. Let's enjoy one last roundup!
Reviews & Mini-Views
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)
Following the success of Fitness Boxing and its Fist of the North Star spin-off, Imagineer's collaboration with Hatsune Miku is a surprisingly effective fitness game. It utilizes boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts and mini-games. This version features a dedicated mode for Miku's songs in addition to the standard tracks. Note: Joy-Con only; Pro Controller and third-party accessories are not supported.
The game includes difficulty settings, free training, warm-ups, workout tracking, and customizable reminders. Unlockable cosmetics add a rewarding element. While the music is excellent, the main instructor's voice is somewhat jarring and may require volume adjustment.
Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a solid fitness title, particularly appealing to Miku fans. It's best used as a supplement to other exercise routines rather than as a standalone fitness program. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Magical Delicacy ($24.99)
Magical Delicacy blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While the exploration is well-executed, inventory management and UI could benefit from improvement. The game's charming pixel art, music, and extensive customization options (including UI scaling and text options) are strong points.
The Switch version runs smoothly, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. The game's strengths are best experienced in handheld mode.
Despite its promising premise, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. Future updates could significantly enhance the experience. -Mikhail Madnani
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
A polished sequel to the original, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 offers a refined platforming experience. Ratalaika's enhanced emulation wrapper includes impressive extras: box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats. The inclusion of only the Super NES version is a minor drawback.
This release is highly recommended for fans of the series and 16-bit platformers. The improved emulation wrapper sets a high standard for future re-releases.
SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5
Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)
A prequel to the original Metro Quester, this title expands on the turn-based dungeon-crawling gameplay with a new setting (Osaka), dungeon, character types, weapons, skills, and enemies. The canoe mechanic adds a new layer to exploration.
The core mechanics remain similar to the first game, rewarding careful planning and cautious play. This is a great expansion for existing fans and a strong entry point for newcomers.
SwitchArcade Score: 4/5
Select New Releases
NBA 2K25 ($59.99)
The latest installment of the NBA 2K series boasts improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM updates. Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.
Shogun Showdown ($14.99)
A Darkest Dungeon-style RPG with a Japanese setting.
Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)
(See review above)
Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)
A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games.
Sales
(North American eShop, US Prices)
Check out the sales lists for deals on Cosmic Fantasy Collection, Tinykin, and more.
(Sales lists omitted for brevity, but images remain)
This marks not only the end of the SwitchArcade Round-Up but also my departure from TouchArcade after eleven and a half years. I express my deepest gratitude to all readers for their support. Thank you for reading.