Bakeru & Peglin Shine in Nintendo Sale

Welcome to another edition of SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 2nd, 2024. While it may be a holiday in the U.S., here in Japan, it's business as usual—which means I've got reviews galore for you today. I'm covering Bakeru, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain, while Mikhail takes another deep dive into Peglin, a game he knows inside out. Plus, we've got some news updates and Nintendo's Blockbuster Sale deals. Let's jump right in!

News

Guilty Gear Strive Hits Nintendo Switch January 2025

Arc System Works has officially confirmed Guilty Gear Strive for Nintendo Switch, launching January 23rd with 28 fighters and rollback netcode—though crossplay won't be included. Still, offline play and Switch-exclusive battles should keep fans busy. Already a fan on Steam Deck and PS5, I'll definitely be giving this version a spin. Check the official site for details.

Reviews & Mini-Views

Bakeru ($39.99)

Bakeru shares some DNA with Goemon/Mystical Ninja—thanks to former devs—but stands firmly on its own as a whimsical 3D platformer. Developed by Good-Feel (Princess Peach: Showtime!, Yoshi’s Crafted World), it follows tanuki hero Bakeru and pint-sized ally Issun as they combat supernatural threats across Japan. Expect charming collectibles, lighthearted storytelling, and inventive boss fights—though Switch performance dips hold it back.

The boss battles? Pure joy. Good-Feel nails spectacle and satisfaction here, even if uneven framerates persist. Quirky level themes—from battling possessed lanterns to chatting with sentient poop—keep the adventure fresh despite occasional rough edges. A flawed gem, but one that’s hard not to love.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ($19.99)

Ever wondered what Jango Fett was up to before his Attack of the Clones exit? This 2002 cult classic fills in the blanks—complete with jetpack stunts, bounty tracking, and all the jank of its era. Aspyr’s remaster smoothes over some rough edges (better controls, visual upgrades), but archaic design—like brutal checkpointing—remains. Nostalgia goggles strongly recommended.

PlayStation 2-era clunkiness oozes from every pore, from finicky targeting to confusing level layouts. Still, unlocking Boba Fett’s armor and blasting through corny dialogue has its charms—just don’t expect modern polish.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain ($19.99)

A love letter to Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, this indie charmer puts you in Mika’s tattered broomstick as she ferries packages across a pastel-hued archipelago. While Switch struggles with pop-in and framerate dips, the core loop—zipping between islands, upgrading gear, and soaking in the hygge vibes—delivers cozy satisfaction.

Cute NPCs and scenic flights carry the experience, though repetition sets in before the credits roll. Best suited for players craving chill vibes over challenge.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Peglin ($19.99)

This “pachinko-meets-roguelike” hybrid finally hits 1.0, blending pinball physics with deckbuilding thrills. Strategically ricocheting orbs to crush enemies never gets old, though Switch’s imprecise aiming (stick or touch) and long loads test patience. Still, addictive enough to warrant sessions between better-performing platforms.

Developer-added achievement tracking softens the blow of no system-wide support, while rumble and touchscreen options show thoughtful adaptation.

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Nintendo’s Blockbuster Sale floods the eShop with discounts—here are the highlights (full list incoming separately). Dive in before these vanish!

Select New Sales

Sonic Mania ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge ($16.24 from $24.99 until 9/10)
Cult of the Lamb ($14.99 from $29.99 until 9/10)
Persona 5 Royal ($29.99 from $59.99 until 9/10)
Spyro Reignited Trilogy ($15.99 from $39.99 until 9/10)

The Talos Principle ($4.49 from $29.99 until 9/10)
Castlevania Advance Collection ($11.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Crypt of the NecroDancer ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/10)
Solar Ash ($15.99 from $39.99 until 9/10)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 3rd

Balatro ($13.49 from $14.99 until 9/3)
Blade of Darkness ($2.75 from $14.99 until 9/3)

That’s a wrap! More reviews, releases, and deals await tomorrow. With Japan’s typhoon gone, I’ll gladly trade rain for sunshine—hope your Monday shines just as bright. Until next time!