The August 2025 Nintendo Indie World Showcase provided a quick glimpse at numerous new indie titles coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. While many fans had hoped for a Silksong release date, the 15-minute presentation nevertheless had a number of interesting news and a few surprises. This expo expanded on Nintendo's previous attempts to populate the upcoming Switch 2 library, which followed the July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner expo.
Nintendo has been gradually introducing more indie titles to its platforms, and this event followed that trend. It offered a variety of genres, including action adventures, cozy puzzlers, and even horror. Many of these titles are expected to release this year, with some available already, giving players much to look forward to.
Key Announcements and Major Highlights of the Showcase
The showcase wasted no time getting into action, beginning with a highly anticipated title and quickly progressing through a broad lineup. Several games stood out due to their innovative concepts or fast availability.
Mina the Hollower: A New Adventure by Shovel Knight Creators
Mina the Hollower, created by Yacht Club Games, the makers of the popular Shovel Knight, kicked off the performance. This action-adventure game has a lovely, whip-wielding protagonist and a dark, pixel-art environment. The game combines a traditional feel with modern design. A demo for Mina the Hollower is now available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, ahead of its October 31, 2025 release date. This early access allows users to enter the terrifying realm straight away.
Content warning: Viral horror comes to Switch.
Content Warning, the co-op horror phenomenon, will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. This game requires users to record terrifying footage in a monster-infested "Old World" in order to get viral. Its release on Nintendo systems allows buddies to team up for wild, frightening adventures on the fly. The game's emphasis on shared experiences makes it an ideal fit for Nintendo's platforms.
Is This Seat Taken?: Cozy Puzzle Fun Available Now
Is This Seat Taken? is ideal for players who want a more casual experience. provides a nice puzzle game. Players place little, formed figures in a variety of locations, like cinemas and crowded buses, based on their preferences. This game, developed by Poti Poti Studio and Wholesome Games Presents, was released today as a timed console exclusive for Nintendo Switch. It's the ideal pick-up-and-play title for quick sessions.
Deep Dive: Featured Indie Games and What Makes Them Unique
Aside from the obvious headliners, the Indie World Showcase featured a number of titles that demand a deeper look, each adding something unique to the Nintendo environment.
Kyle Thompson, the developer of Crypt Custodian, created Well Dweller, which has a Metroidvania-style world and a little avian hero equipped with a matchstick. Set in a colorful yet horrific fairy tale atmosphere, this game aims to combine exploration, combat, and puzzle solving. It is expected to be released for Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Neverway, co-created by the pixel artist of Celeste, is a terrifying life simulation RPG. Players restart on a farm, only to become the immortal herald of a deceased deity. Fast-paced fighting is combined with farming, fishing, and friendship building in a post-apocalyptic environment. Neverway is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Herdling, from Panic and Okomotive, delivers a big alpine trip featuring loving critters known as Calicorns. As players ascend a mountain, they must rely on their companions, trust, and resilience. Herdling will be released for the Nintendo Switch on August 21, 2025, with pre-orders starting today.
Little Kitty, Big City got a free "Picture Purrfect" update, which included new areas, characters, hats, and a cat customizer. This upgrade broadens the open-world playground for feline mischief. It is accessible this year.
Ball x Pit, a survival roguelike from Kenny Sun & Friends and Devolver Digital, promises chaos and brick-breaking action. Players will use ricocheting balls to destroy swarms of adversaries while also building their homesteads. It will be released on Nintendo Switch on October 15, 2025, with a Switch 2 version following in the fall.
Ultimate Sheep Raccoon, the sequel to Ultimate Chicken Horse, is a party game for up to eight players. It allows friends to create crazy bike racing courses with comical barnyard animals. This title will be available on Switch and Switch 2 during the holiday season of 2025.
Glaciered, an underwater action game from Studio Snowblind and PLAYISM, is set 65 million years in the future. Players take control of a Tuai, descended from birds and dinosaurs, as they explore a mystery aquatic world. It will be released as a timed console exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 this winter.
The Silksong Saga Continues: Is There Still No Release Date?
As with every Indie World presentation, one key question remained: will Team Cherry eventually give a release date for Hollow Knight Silksong? Unfortunately for enthusiastic supporters, the answer was no. Silksong was omitted from the August 2025 display, prolonging its extended wait for a confirmed release. Even if other fascinating games were broadcast, its absence sparked significant discussion among the community.
Despite the extended wait, the diversity of other titles showcased indicates that the indie game landscape on Nintendo systems is thriving. Although Silksong was a widely anticipated title, its absence did not detract from the overall quality of the showcase.
Nintendo Switch 2's Position in the Indie World
The August 2025 Indie World Showcase demonstrated that the Nintendo Switch 2 is rapidly becoming a prominent platform for indie developers. Many previously announced titles, such as Mina the Hollower, Content Warning, Ultimate Sheep Raccoon, Ball x Pit, and Glaciered, have been confirmed for both the original Switch and the new system, as well as timed exclusives for Switch 2.
Nintendo made a wise decision to use a dual-platform release strategy. It ensures that the increasing Switch 2 install base gets new titles to enjoy, while simultaneously supporting the millions of original Switch users. The Switch 2's more capable hardware also allows for more visually intense or complicated independent titles, such as Glaciered, which is a console exclusive for the new system. This decision demonstrates Nintendo's dedication to developing a robust indie catalog for its new hardware.
Community Reactions: What's Next for Indie Fans
The gaming community's instant reaction was a mix of joy about the fresh announcements and a typical sigh over Silksong. Social media was buzzing with comments about favorite surprises and future predictions.
@IndieGamerFanatic expressed enthusiasm:
The remark emphasizes the positive response to the variety of games. @SwitchProPlayer quickly identified some notable titles:
The availability of demonstrations was a common point of praise, allowing gamers to get right in. The release of a popular horror game also spurred interest:
@CoOpGamingGuru's tweet demonstrates the potential of bringing viral PC hits to consoles. Overall, the showcase was viewed as a strong start into Nintendo's independent support:
@NintendoNewsDaily nailed the overall sentiment, noting both the variety of news and the continuous Silksong anticipation. Many games' graphic styles also appealed to fans.
@PixelArtEnthusiast's comment highlights the artistic quality of several of the included games.
Demos You Can Play Now
One of the most appealing aspects of any Indie World Showcase is the quick availability of some games or demos. For the August 2025 event, numerous titles provided instant access:
These quick releases allow players to plunge into new experiences without delay, which is a wonderful treat following the excitement of the showcase.
The Complete List: Every Indie Game Announced (A-Z)
Here's a comprehensive list of every indie game announced or featured in the August 2025 Nintendo Indie World Showcase:
The August 2025 Nintendo Indie World Showcase may not have had the long-awaited Silksong announcement, but it did include a robust roster of indie games for both existing and new Nintendo platforms. The emphasis on varied genres, immediate demonstrations, and obvious support for the Nintendo Switch 2 indicate a promising future for indie games on Nintendo.
Fans may look forward to a variety of experiences, including action, puzzles, horror, and cozy life simulations. The ongoing expansion of the indie scene on Nintendo's platforms means that players will always have something new and exciting to enjoy.