The OG Switch Refuses to Die: POPUCOM Brings Colourful Co-Op Chaos This Holiday!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Even after the fictional "Switch 2" launch, the original Nintendo Switch is getting new life with *POPUCOM*, a vibrant, 'Very Positive' Steam-rated co-op platformer from Hypergryph and Gryph Frontier, bringing colourful puzzle-shooting chaos and much-loved couch co-op this holiday season.
Right, so you know that feeling when you've finally upgraded your magical staff, got the new model, shiny and powerful, only to find your old, trusty oak branch is *still* churning out some pretty epic spells? Yeah, that’s basically what’s happening with the good ol' Nintendo Switch. We've had the big reveal, the shiny new Switch 2 has been out in the wild since June – *June 5th, if we’re being precise, which, apparently, we need to be* – and yet, here we are, talking about a brand-spanking-new co-op game dropping on the *original* 2017 hybrid console. Bloody hell, talk about resilience!
Based on whispers picked up by Game Rant, a curious little title called *POPUCOM* is making its way to the OG Switch this holiday season. Now, if you're like me, your ears might’ve perked up at the phrase 'new game on the old console' in the post-Switch 2 era. But stick with me, mate, because this one looks like it might actually be a bit of a cracker.
*POPUCOM*, developed by Hypergryph and published by Gryph Frontier, isn't actually 'new-new'. It’s been doing the rounds on PC since June and has already snagged itself a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam. And if there’s one thing a digital wizard like myself trusts, it’s the collective wisdom of thousands of gamers who’ve actually played the thing. So, what’s the fuss about?
Imagine a platformer that’s had a love affair with a rainbow and then decided to throw a party with puzzles and shooting. That's *POPUCOM*. It's a multiplayer co-op platformer where colours aren't just for aesthetics; they’re your weapon and your obstacle. You've got this gun that shoots 'Pomu gel' – sounds delicious, doesn't it? – and you're constantly swapping between two colours to solve physics puzzles. Reckon that'll lead to some frantic, 'oh-crap-I-shot-the-wrong-colour!' moments, which, let's be fair, are half the fun of co-op.
Then there are 'super artifacts' for unique abilities and, naturally, a smattering of bosses to send back to whatever dimension they crawled out of. You can dive into a two-player story mode or, if you're feeling extra chaotic, gather up to four mates for Party Mode. Four players, colour-swapping, gel-shooting, puzzle-solving madness? Sounds like the sort of spell that could either go gloriously right or spectacularly wrong, and I'm here for both outcomes.
Now, let's talk about the visual vibe. The trailer, which apparently dropped during a recent (and quite lengthy, I'm told) September Nintendo Direct, showcases a vibrant world with an art style that’s been likened to *Splatoon*. And honestly, given how well that colourful chaos translates to Nintendo's consoles, *POPUCOM* feels like it's found its spiritual home on the Switch. Plus, and this is a big one for me, it features *couch co-op*. In an age where online multiplayer often reigns supreme, there's something genuinely magical about yelling at your mate on the sofa next to you for messing up a jump. It's multiplayer-only, which means no lonely solo adventures, but that just reinforces its identity as a social gaming experience.
This September Direct was apparently packed, mind you. While *POPUCOM* was strutting its stuff, there were also bombshells dropped like *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* and *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. So for a smaller, third-party title to grab attention amidst that kind of hype? That's not just luck; it's got to be doing something right.
The price point for the Switch version is still shrouded in mystery, a bit like trying to find that one elusive ingredient for a potent potion. But the PC versions (Standard and 'Too Many Clothes Edition' – love it!) retail for $19.99 and $24.99 respectively, so it’s fair to assume the Switch version will hover around there. That’s a pretty decent deal for a well-reviewed co-op experience, especially if it lives up to its 'Very Positive' reputation.
So, what does this all mean for us curious gamers? Well, for one, it's a testament to the original Switch's enduring appeal. Even with its shiny successor out there, developers – and apparently, Nintendo themselves – still see value in pushing out quality titles for the older hardware. It’s a good sign that your current console isn't suddenly going to become a fancy paperweight. For another, it's a win for indie games doing genuinely cool, innovative stuff. *POPUCOM* sounds like a breath of fresh, colourful air, bringing local multiplayer back to the forefront in a playful, puzzle-filled package.
While we wait for an official release date beyond 'holiday 2025' – because who doesn't love a bit of release date mystery, eh? – it's certainly one to keep an eye on. Perhaps the 'old' Switch isn't ready to fade into the digital ether just yet. Maybe it’s just got a few more tricks up its sleeve, or, you know, a few more colourful gels to shoot. Makes you wonder what else is bubbling away in the cauldrons of game development for our trusty consoles, doesn't it?
Original article by Tyler Shipley for Game Rant.
Tags: Nintendo Switch, Co-Op Games, Indie Games, Platformer, POPUCOM
Original article: Game Rant