This Switch 2 Game Was Announced Before Its Developers Even Had A Dev Kit

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Announced not long after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, ‘Mouse Work’ is a forthcoming game for the hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2, developed by Shovel Knight Dig creators, Nitrome. This party game leverages the unique feature of Joy-Con 2 controllers, which can double as mice. However, there’s one hurdle: Nitrome hasn’t received a development kit for the Nintendo Switch 2 yet.

1. Game studios require development kits to introduce their games on platforms such as Switch 2. It appears that Nintendo has been rather cautious in distributing Switch 2 dev kits before its June launch, making it difficult for independent developers like Nitrome. Games released early on a new platform are frequently linked with the system throughout its lifetime, providing significant advantages for indie games.

In a recent conversation, studio founder Matthew Annal shared his perspective: “If you introduce something fresh or nearly ready for release, and leverage some of its key features, you’ll find a significant group of people eager to give it a go.

In truth, whether or not something happens with a game like Mouse Work isn’t solely up to Nitrome, as they don’t have access to a development kit from Nintendo until they receive it. Incidents such as this highlight the significant influence that Nintendo has over the release of the Switch 2 and its collection of games, offering a glimpse into how much power the company wields in shaping these events.

Based on Annal’s account, the spark for Nitrome to create a game for the Switch 2 occurred after they noticed the console’s announcement in January that hinted at potential mouse support. Originally, Annal planned to adapt a classic Nitrome Flash game called Pest Control, which was reminiscent of Mario Paint, to the Switch 2. However, Annal found the design of Pest Control too outdated and decided it would be more rewarding creatively to develop a new game specifically for the Switch 2 from scratch. This is how Mouse Work came into existence.

Mousework’s mini-games, controlled by a mouse, vary from shutting down pop-up advertisements to directing climbers up a mountain. Annal mentioned Pico Park and Part-Time UFO as significant influences. Mousework is developed using the Unity game engine, and Nitrome is currently utilizing a development setting that lets them operate multiple mice on one computer screen. As seen in the X video, they’re temporarily attaching Joy-Cons to these mice to test the game’s feel.

If you’re wondering about creating a game for the Switch 2 without having the developer kit, here’s an idea: Let’s call it the “Frankenstein Joy-Con 2!” We eagerly await the day when we can get our hands on the official dev kit, NintendoEurope, NintendoAmerica, and NintendoUK. If you could grant us one now, that would be simply amazing! #switch2 #mousework

Retweets are appreciated!

— Nitrome Ltd – Mouse Work – soon for Switch 2! (@Nitrome) April 10, 2025

Among the few confirmed games for the Switch 2, this one stands out as it’s primarily designed for mouse control and multi-controller use in mouse mode during gameplay. Remarkably, the developers at Nitrome hadn’t reached out to Nintendo for a development kit prior to announcing it, which is surprising given its tailor-made feel for the Switch 2.

Though Nitrome has developed and published games such as Shovel Knight Dig and Bomb Chicken on the Nintendo Switch, they didn’t anticipate receiving a development kit for a potential Switch 2 by merely making a casual pitch for their game Mouse Work.

Initially, we believed that contacting them wouldn’t yield any response since they likely didn’t have a project for us. However, we considered, ‘Why don’t we prepare a video and share it after the next Nintendo Direct? After all, there could be unique aspects about the mouse that differ from our assumptions.’ Our thinking was, creating something to present would increase the likelihood of receiving a development kit from Nintendo.

Annal thought it possible that Nintendo might introduce a game centered around mice for their launch, but was thankful when none were present in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Interestingly, three months into development without any interaction with Nintendo, Nitrome announced Mouse Work on April 7th and later requested a dev kit from them.

The trailer for Mouse Work failed to mention that Nitrome hadn’t received a Switch 2 development kit at the time, leading it to attract attention as if it were a new game for the hypothetical Switch 2. Regrettably, Nintendo has yet to promise a dev kit to Nitrome. Nitrome is awaiting confirmation from Nintendo of America, but requires approval from Nintendo of Europe in order to make Mouse Work available on the Switch 2.

In simpler terms, Annal shared that our team has previously worked with Nintendo Switch, which means we have connections within Nintendo. However, when we reached out to them, we found that most contacts were unresponsive. It seems like no one is eager to get in touch abruptly. It could be that they’re extremely busy or there might be a rule forbidding them from engaging with those who request dev kits.

Annal did manage to hear back from a few individuals, but they were based in the US and their advice was to contact the European side since we are in Europe, which wasn’t particularly helpful.

Currently, Mouse Work resides in an ongoing development phase by Nitrome. They are continually expanding the game with fresh minigames, colorblind-accommodating features, and additional content. To ensure that Mouse Work becomes available on Switch 2 during its highly anticipated launch window, Nintendo needs to reconnect with Nitrome.

After Nitrome receives the development kit, Annal anticipates minimal interruption to the development process. He is optimistic that Nitrome will be able to present a version of Mouse Work for submission just a couple of weeks following the receipt of the dev kit. Annal suggests that Mouse Work may potentially debut as early as July, but he also acknowledges that the actual launch date hinges on when they receive the development kits.

The charm of Mouse Work lies largely in its perfect fit for the hypothetical Switch 2, making it surprising to hear that Nitrome doesn’t have a development kit for it yet. It’s only a matter of time before the gates for Switch 2 developer kits are fully open, allowing the Switch 2 eShop to flourish with indie games similar to how the current Switch eShop thrives today. It’s important to recall that during the initial phase of Nintendo Switch, the eShop was quite restrictive, leading some exceptional indie titles such as Snake Pass and Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together! to truly shine.

As the release of Nintendo Switch 2 nears, Nintendo continues its restrictive approach towards indie games, only approving a select few such as Deltarune. The decision to make a game available on Switch 2 lies primarily with Nintendo, even if the game appears to be an ideal fit for the platform, like Mouse Work.

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2025-04-15 00:10