Mina the Hollower launch trailer confirms Oct 31, 2025 release date for Nintendo Switch 2; free demo now available on the eShop.
Introduction
Yacht Club Games, best known for their indie hit Shovel Knight, has just released the highly anticipated launch trailer for their newest title: Mina the Hollower. The trailer not only showcases new gameplay footage but also confirms the official release date: October 31, 2025. The game will be available on the original Nintendo Switch, the new Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, featuring advanced performance support and a free demo already live.
This article covers everything you need to know about Mina the Hollower, including its story, visual style, gameplay mechanics, platform support, and what sets the Switch 2 version apart.
Launch Trailer Reveals Gothic Tone and Fast-Paced Gameplay
In the newly released trailer, we see Mina—the mouse inventor heroine—exploring eerie, gothic environments on her quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious Tenebrous Isle. The retro pixel-art visuals evoke the Game Boy Color era, enhanced by modern technical polish.
Key gameplay features shown include:
- The hollowing mechanic, allowing Mina to burrow underground quickly to dodge enemies and traverse terrain.
- A versatile arsenal, including the Nightstar whip and magical relics.
- Tight, fast-paced combat, with classic vibes and modern smoothness.
Release Date Confirmed: October 31, 2025
Mina the Hollower will launch globally on Halloween 2025—a perfect fit for its dark, gothic horror aesthetic. The release date was announced during Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase, sparking excitement across the gaming community.
The October launch enhances the game’s atmospheric themes, while the simultaneous multi-platform release highlights Yacht Club Games’ commitment to accessibility and reach.
Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility and Performance Enhancements
One of the most exciting announcements is that Mina the Hollower will have a dedicated version for the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid console. The Switch 2 version will feature:
- Improved resolution
- Faster load times
- Support for 120 frames per second (fps)—a groundbreaking milestone for a 2D retro-style game
This higher frame rate brings ultra-responsive gameplay, especially during boss fights and precision challenges. It’s a clear sign that Nintendo’s upcoming console is not only focused on AAA titles but also on elevating top-tier indie games.
Free Demo Available on Nintendo eShop
Can’t wait until October? Great news: a free demo of Mina the Hollower is already available on the Nintendo eShop for both Switch and Switch 2. Players can dive into the game’s opening segments, testing combat, exploration, and narrative elements.
Even better: progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game at launch. This gives players a head start on their adventure and a taste of the full experience to come.
Art Style and Soundtrack: A Retro Comeback with Modern Flair
Visually, Mina the Hollower is a heartfelt tribute to classics like The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Castlevania. With a limited color palette, detailed sprites, and fluid animations, the game strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
The soundtrack is another highlight: composed by Shovel Knight composer Jake Kaufman, with guest contributions from the legendary Yuzo Koshiro, it blends eerie and heroic tones to create a deeply immersive audio experience.
Story: Mystery and Monsters on Tenebrous Isle
The story follows Mina as she returns to Tenebrous Isle after her Spark Generators—powerful energy sources—mysteriously stop functioning. There, she finds the island overrun by monstrous creatures and learns that a former ally, the treacherous bat Thorne, is at the center of the disaster.
It’s up to Mina to uncover the island’s dark secrets, restore its power, and confront her inner fears in a tale packed with mystery, action, and emotional depth.
Conclusion: Mina the Hollower Poised to Be a Top Indie Release of 2025
With its refined gameplay, captivating art direction, and rich atmosphere, Mina the Hollower is shaping up to be one of the standout indie titles of 2025. The support for Nintendo Switch 2, the free demo, and the strategic Halloween release date only strengthen its potential.
Get ready to dig through dark tunnels, face lurking horrors, and dive into one of the most compelling game worlds of the year.
