Shovel Knight Is Coming To Nintendo Switch With Gender Swapping And Co-Op Modes

So...

Wii U owners are getting shart once again? How great.

Also, the face on Shield Knight just doesn't work.

At least they're being upfront about all of this unlike another kickstarted game coming out this spring...

Huh... Yacht Club are kinda being a little crappy with this, eh?

This is beautiful

@Kyranosaurus
how? if you already have the game, you still get bonus content FOR FREE.

hold up.
stop right there.

you had me at gender swapping ❤♡

Nice keep em coming, fill up the hype train choo choo

I own Shovel Knight both on Wii U and 3DS. I hope that we won't have to pay an additional time if we want it on Switch as well. It's a fantastic game, but I don't imagine Shovel Knight on Switch being different enough to warrant a third purchase.

Oooo gender swapping, what I've always wanted......Please tell us soon you are working on a entirely new game. At the very least Shovel Knight 2.

Talking about milking a franchise to death. They're becoming Capcom JR.

That's awesome! Even though the new content is coming to Wii U, I might double dip and get the physical version (if there is one) on Switch.

I think it's fair since everyone who already owns the game gets all these updates for free. It'll only suck, a little, after the price increases or if you need to buy different version after the fact. If you've been sitting on the fence, go on and get it already.

Gender Swapping ??
Much like Sailor Stars from Sailor Moon Stars (Three young 'boys' who transform into girls when become Sailor Stars).

@CharlieSmile And people who don't have to chip in the extra money? Completely unnecessary. Money's being held where it doesn't need to be. Of course you'll only see the benefits if you already own the game. It's already made easy for you.

I'm literally just playing Shovel Knight now. I've enjoyed it, but once I've done the main campaign I'll be taking a break from it. Nice to know there'll be new content when I come back to it. I have the physical Wii U version, I can still get these updates right? I don't even think I have the Plague update, though I haven't properly checked or taken any action to get it if it's needed.

As the update should be free to all of us that backed the game along with the future DLC.

I wish I hadn't bothered buying the 3DS version.

Love this game. Sucks that I'll have to keep my Wii U plugged in to play, but not really there fault. Don't want to pay a second time on Switch and lose all of my save file. Gender swapping seems like an odd thing to add but I guess some one thought it would be fun or something. Looking forward to the new campaigns most.

I'm not really sure what gender swapping would actually do in this game. The characters are already pixel art, so are they going to just shuffle a couple pixels around in the in-game sprites and call it good?

@Kyranosaurus
so just buy the game now, then?
it's been out for over TWO YEARS.

it's been on sale MULTIPLE times.

@CharlieSmile Nah I'm okay. It was never a priority but just pointing out that a price hike for less content is still dumb.

Now I'm SUPER curious if Nintendo will allow any form of importing purchases from Virtual Wii and Wii U to Switch. They've been absolute crap with the Nintendo Network being of any use before.

I love they keep adding updates. It's weird they'll offer it as separate titles now or whatever they're doing for new purchasers.

@Damo They're releasing the only thing the Wii U version had going for it, multiplayer for free on anything else.

Now what do we have? Minor DLC? So what?

QUOTE OF ALL TIME

"This idiotic 'everything has to be free' mentality seriously needs to die." - @Tsurii

@DiscoGentleman Yeah I understand that but how long has it been since the game has been released? Keeping this promise is going to make them run out of money and I won't be surprised if we see their next game on Kickstarter all over again.

Of course I'm sure they make other income but will it be enough or can some of the group start on a new game while all these updates keep going on.

Well SK amiibo...onto the shelf you go. Also rolling my eyes at the gender swap option but whatever.

@CharlieSmile @Tsurii If it came out free, I'd expect it to stay free. If it didn't then it wouldn't be a problem.

whew lads when's that white knight dlc coming, eh?

@Kyranosaurus What?

Even after all of this, you can still buy the base game with every campaign, the next one being still free to have with an update.

You'll just have the option to buy only one campaign if you don't like the other ones, at a cheaper price.

@Tsurii "The full package". Funny you should say that because the full package is technically the same price as the base game, oops.

@Damo Son, the co-op was locked behind the amiibo, that's how they're getting screwed over.

Are there people here REALLY whining about the fact that Shovel Knight is being upgraded? Or is there something they're seeing that isn't actually there at all? Get a freakin' grip.

So basically you can play as a shovel-wielding Brienne of Tarth now.

@Mopati It's a raised price is my point. They said so themselves that they're raising the price so you "better buy this one quick".

My whole point is that Yacht Club are trying to rush people to buy the game at a cheaper price (sounds great but not everyone can even afford to splash a few quid) or else you can only buy it at a higher price despite the original coming with that stuff for free. Some people aren't that well off. Some people wanna wait til their next allowance for example.

Everyone who's saying "just buy it now then lol" is only proving the point of those complaining. And honestly I'm not interested enough to fall for a business tripwire so soon. I'm just pointing out it isn't as "friendly" or "great" as people make it out to be.

@Damo Yes but here's the thing: You have to pay for Amiibo (bear in mind most are actually not easy to get a hold of at a reasonable price).

Now you're probably telling me "yeah but you get an amiibo too", no it means you HAD to get an amiibo. Not exactly great to hear when other system owners straight up get the muiltiplayer with no extra money spent or work to do so. THAT'S what people are upset about.

@GravyThief Spectre Knight campaign will unlock once you finish the main game. It will be available from the menu.

This was a long time coming, this guys has been working on new content for the game since forever and releasing everything for free. I think is fair they charge for the new campaigns. Even if this pricing will be confusing to some (specially some readers here that apparently doesn't know how to read) I have the game on 3DS. Don't think I'll buy it again on Switch but who knows. It is a fantastic game and anyone that had played the second campaign knows it is practically a new game. So looking forward to the new content.

By the way, gender swap mode isn't really an important feature. Is there just for fun and apparently as a resource for clickbait-y titles.

@Kyranosaurus "(sounds great but not everyone can even afford to splash a few quid) ...

Some people aren't that well off....

Some people wanna wait til their next allowance for example."

Shovel Knight is $20 brand new. if at that price its an issue and seriously worth complaining about, sorry no offense, you need to find a cheaper hobby champ.

@redd214 Sorry dad but I didn't mention a complaint about the original price. You also don't have the right telling me what I can and can't enjoy.

If you're seriously feeling so ATTACKED by my slight criticism then perhaps you need to chill out a little bit?

@Kyranosaurus "(sounds great but not everyone can even afford to splash a few quid)"

That's a personal problem. Yacht Club isn't responsible for considering your finances.

@Kyranosaurus not feeling attacked at all man, just being straight with you thats all. Hopefully you can get together enough for the game soon, its well worth the price

Really glad to hear it's coming to the Switch, i haven't gotten round to buying it yet so i'll get that version at some point

@redd214 I'm sure it is.

@Whopper744 Not that I'm against it just seems odd considering you never see what Shovel Knight looks like. Will his sprite change or will be a text difference. If only text seems like a waste of a feature. Maybe I'm just overthinking this.

@CharlieSmile Yeah I mean sure. It's still a crappy business practice and that's what I'm criticising. Saying "it doesn't matter because it doesn't affect me personally" is an exact counter-argument to why none of what you've said actually holds a valid point to say why it's not a poopy practice.

If the Wii U launched and it's price was increased overtime then I have no right to laugh at someone because they can no longer afford the cheaper option of the Wii U. Wut.

Edit: I mean I could laugh at them but that wouldn't be nice now. And trying to justify it to them by saying, "Well Nintendo don't have to consider your personal finance" is just as pointless to say.

cool

@Spoony_Tech I wouldn't worry about them running out of money doing this. The game did very well and continues to do consistent numbers each month. They're very forthcoming about such info. Plus, they've released the game in other regions since the initial release. For example, I think Japan just got the game last July or so. Also from them, they worked on the second campaign on its own without working on anything else. They've been working on the remaining campaigns and features simultaneously so there likely won't be as long a wait and they'll be done with all the promises sooner.

I think the main question is, for those of us who own or want to own the Shovel Knight amiibo...what functionality will it serve now? They need to create some new use out of it; that's what makes it amiibo and not just a plastic statue.

@Spoony_Tech you do realize these are all stretch goals funded in the kick starter right?

@Damo Timed exclusivity requiring something I have to pay before getting it for free for vs. Permanent exclusivity of something plus a free version of what the other guy got.

Man, I wonder which is better.

@Kyranosaurus you can still get the shovel knight amiibo for 12 online. Sounds reasonable to me.

@Damo
Yeah, but the co-op on wiiU was that version's selling point. Microsoft still has battletoads, and the sony version had something too? WiiU version now has nothing exclusive. Hopefully the switch version gets link or something. link's awakening version! He had a shovel! Could be put on the wiiU and 3ds versions too.

Also, the sk amiibo is also used in gunvolt 2, so it's got uses besides early access co-op.

@khaosklub diggers diary and some of the special suits are exclusive.

I have physical copies of this game on 3ds and Wii U, do they get the free update, or is it just for the downloaded versions?

@khaosklub WiiU version now has nothing exclusive
But it does. A hint: it rhymes with lame lad rapport.

@2CUTE4YOU yup they get the update 😊

@faint Yeah, I just looked it up. This article is just confusingly worded.

@Panopticon yacht club says custom knight mode will remain exclusive to the amiibo

@Dakt
I'll second that, pretty average game.

@MarcelRguez
Off tv support? Sony's got that

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy coustom knight mode is staying exclusive to the amiibo via yacht clubs twitter.

@khaosklub see my post below.

@faint
In regards to?

@khaosklub Gamepad support, actually, not just off-TV. Can that version use the Vita as status screen/inventory management?

@faint Yes I do but this is take way too long for a game that doesn't seem that technical. I mean it's been in the works from day one for like what 4 years now? I realize the main game is out but these updates are taking forever.

@Spoony_Tech
I mean, it's an indie dev, updating like 6 different versions of the game on like 4 wildly different environments.

@MarcelRguez
Does the 3ds have that feature?

@khaosklub Yes. Does it have co-op and battle mode?

@CharlieSmile Next time we will be crying about the Switch costing more than a hot dog and a coke.

Good grief!!

Talking about the El cheap-o!

@Spoony_Tech These updates are almost a new game on themselves.

They don't want to rush it and they don't want it to come too late. So take one.

I could live with a nominal fee to get it on Switch (owning it on Wii U digitally atm).

@MarcelRguez
So wiiU just get's the advantage of having a combination of exclusives. Which isn't bad, but would be nice it still had a meaningful exclusive.

Awesome, I won't have to double dip for the Wii U version and I'll still have an excuse to pick up the amiibo.

Edit: never mind, it seems like it makes more sense to get the Wii U version and amiibo before the price jumps up anyway

@khaosklub As far as I'm concerned, that "just" is unwarranted. The combination of those two features makes it the definitive version of the game. Subjective, I know, and that will surely change once the Switch version arrives, but as it stands, I'd say these are far more meaningful additions than having Kratos or the Battletoads in there.

@MarcelRguez
Does battlemode use the inventory?

Because if not, unless co-op is important, then the 3ds version is superior to the wiiU in terms of single player experience.

And if essentially, you're weighing gamepad inventory vs extra content. It's pretty debatable, especially depending on whether you are a fan of those other two serieses.

@khaosklub I'm weighing an entire gameplay mode and QOL improvements vs a secret boss and an armor/just a secret boss battle. As I said, your mileage may vary, but, in my opinion, it's not even a contest.

Gimme that gender swap.

@MarcelRguez
What gameplay mode?

@khaosklub Co-op mode, obviously. By the time the update comes to other platforms and the Wii U loses the exclusivity of that mode, the Wii U is ancient history and the Switch will most surely be out already. Which mean, the Switch version, due to its status as the only portable and stationary version of the game, becomes the new "best version" of the game. That's not taking into account the fact that it most probably will also inherit some of the QOL improvements that come with the touch-sensitive display that of course the Switch will have.

What I try to say is that I find the complains about the Wii U not having anything "exclusive" (which it has, see #68) a tad bit silly, especially considering that nobody will care about the Wii U by the time it loses its exclusive content, much less about its particular version of Shovel Knight.

Gender swapping for everybody! 😃👍

I'm one of the few who hasn't gotten this game yet. Recently I've been trying to decide whether to get it for WiiU or PS4. I even messaged Yachtclub Games on their Facebook page, asking if there would be a Switch port, but to no answer. Guess I know why now, so I'll be excited to play this game for the first time on the Switch.

Wow, the lack of reading compression from commenters who somehow don't understand the information presented in the article or the source of Yacht Club's announcement genuinely surprised me.

As for me, I think the price increase is completely justified. YCG has done an amazing job with Shovel Knight, and they are actually delivering on the stretch goals, despite the fact that they really did not raise enough money for such a project just from Kickstarter backers, where they grossly underestimated the cost of development. I'm glad that co-op is coming to other platforms. It was beyond stupid to lock that behind amiibo. The exclusive customization options and new weapons should've been enough. My only complaint is that it took a year to happen, or that it happened in the first place. Looking forward to all the future content though.

Nice to see an update one week after completing this game on 3DS, including all feats for both campaigns! I'm so glad the co-op mode won't be locked behind an amiibo anymore, and this is coming from someone who has the amiibo.
It's also great that people who own the game on XBONE/PS4 can now enjoy co-op mode. I wonder if that means the Battletoads and Kratos can be fought in co-op mode, too.

I'm kind of bummed because I just bought the Shovel Knight amiibo when I didn't have to. I was also planning on buying the game for PS Vita and Xbox One but now I may not if the price is going to increase.

Ive 100%'d Shovel Knight on 3DS and I still find myself coming back to it. I'll probably get it on Switch as well! The gender swapping sounds neat but I wonder how they'll gender swap Shovel Knight. Like clearly she has a more feminine figure in the official art, but how will it translate to pixels?

Regardless, it's a fantastic idea. I love the idea of gender swapping heroes so that everyone has someone or something to look up to. Kudos to Yacht Club for that!

@Spoony_Tech Keep in mind that they're a small indie developer, making three completely new campaigns with different stories, altered level design, different music, and new mechanics. They're doing this on a total of 7 different platforms (3DS, Wii U, Steam, Xbox One, PS4, PSVita, and the Amazon TV thing) in 3 regions and in 5 or 6 different languages. For a big dev firm, that's a good amount of work. For a small indie developer, it's a metric ton. They're doing all this COMPLETELY free, because that was the promise they made in their kickstarter. They could be charging for these updates, as they are well worth the money, but they are sticking to their guns and not charging for them. Yacht Club is taking a while to make this stuff, partially because they are a small firm, but you have to ask yourself- is it even a bad thing that they're spacing it out? Nearly 3 years after Shovel Knight's release, and we're STILL talking about it, and we're STILL hyped for it. That greatly extends the shelf life of a game, in an age where most AAA multiplat games die out in less than a year. Hell, Call of Duty is so bad at staying relevant, they make a new one every year just to keep people vaguely interested. Yacht Club does the same thing, except the content is a hell of a lot better and a hell of a lot more free.

I'm excited for body swap mode just to see the interactions between female Shovel Knight and, say, the Bardstress, guy Mona, and the Troupple Queen. I really hope they go that in-depth with it.

@RainbowGazelle Nah, the 3D is awesome

I'm really baffled... the reaction of some of you is just... Wow. These guys are probably some of the best developers out there and the amount of support that they have given to this game is admirable.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the Specter and King Knight's campaigns, I'm sure they will be amazing! I just hope that people appreciate the hard work Yatch Club is doing when it finally comes out.

So basically the Switch version will ve more expensive and will require the extra campaign ms to be bought?

This wouldn't bother me if ihadnt bought the Wii U version before hand and got the "same" add ons for less

I don't own the game yet so I'm not that bothered but I'd be pissed if I'd have gotten through my back log and bought this along with the amiibo as planned. I don't like the tacky plastic junk but I want features they unlock occasionally. It would have nearly doubled the price of the game overall which for something later given as a free update would be ,imo, a little unfair. Another example of scamiibo!!

@Billsama ah cool, thanks. All this additional stuff can get a bit confusing!

I've been waiting to get it so I think it'll be the time when I have my Switch!!!

Oh good, I was totally unable to pretend to be a medieval knight bouncing on bubbles with a shovel until I got the ability to make him a woman.

I was getting worried total immersion would be out of my reach forever.

Ok this is great, just wondering, if you just buy a physical copy for the 3DS instead of download, will the DLC automatically download and patch?

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy Sounds like you're complaining just for the sake of complaining. At the end of the day it's not even a big deal.

I'd get if it got a physical print. Maybe it will get a retail release for Switch?

Hey @Damo, sorry for being so nitpicky, but in the sentence "your copy is automatically upgraded to the new version for gratis" the expression "for gratis" should only be "gratis".
In fact, the single word itself means (very roughly) "for/as a favor", as it is the plural ablative case of "gratia".
It occurs a lot in colloquial Italian too to hear people say "a gratis" with the preposition "a" instead of simply "gratis", which is the correct form.
I really don't mean to be a grammar nazi (as I said a lot of people gets it wrong), I just thought It'd be useful and/or interesting for you to know this

P.S.: -11 hours!!!!!!

Gender swapping doesn't work very well with those characters... IMO. Kinda takes away from their designs, idk... I liked them better as set characters.

Gender swapping is something I hoped for. I'm suprised even 3DS owners will get the update, but... no co-op? Because the article said apart from 3DS and Vita. Why are handhelds being excluded?