Hit The Switch: Fitness Boxing, Indies, and Farewell

Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This marks the conclusion of several years of bringing you this weekly column. While a special edition with delayed reviews will follow next week, this is my last regular contribution. Today's edition is packed with content, including dual reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, new release summaries, and the usual sales updates. Let's enjoy one last ride!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)

Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series (including the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star), their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was an intriguing choice. Having played it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, I'm impressed.

For newcomers, Fitness Boxing utilizes boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku's inclusion adds a dedicated mode featuring her music, alongside the game's standard tracks. Note: this is a Joy-Con-only title; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories aren't supported.

The game includes difficulty options, free training, warm-ups, progress tracking, reminders, and a system-wide alarm. Unlockable cosmetics add further incentive. While I can't comment on DLC, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star—except for one minor flaw.

The audio is excellent, but the main instructor's voice feels jarring and oddly directed; I lowered its volume.

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a solid fitness game, successfully integrating Miku for her fanbase. However, it's best used as a supplement to other fitness routines rather than a standalone program. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Magical Delicacy ($24.99)

Magical Delicacy from sKaule and Whitethorn Games blends Metroidvania exploration with cooking and crafting. While it excels in certain areas, some flaws detract from the overall experience.

As witch Flora, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-implemented, though backtracking can be frustrating. The inventory management and UI require some adjustment.

Visually stunning with charming pixel art and music, Magical Delicacy boasts excellent customization options, including UI scaling and text settings. Early access or post-launch updates could significantly improve the game.

The Switch version performs well, aside from occasional frame pacing issues. The rumble feature is well-executed. Its portability makes it ideal for Switch or Steam Deck.

Despite its potential, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. Nevertheless, it's a strong game well-suited to the Switch platform, and improvements would solidify its status as a must-have. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 is a polished sequel to the original. While not a massive success, its quality shouldn't be underestimated. The presentation has been significantly upgraded from Ratalaika's typical emulation wrapper.

This release includes features like box and manual scans, achievements, sprite sheets, a jukebox, and cheats. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.

Fans of the original will appreciate this enhanced experience, and those previously hesitant might find it more appealing. Ratalaika's improved emulation is commendable, and a similar update to the first game would be welcome. A solid release for retro platformer enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

Metro Quester | Osaka acts more as an expansion than a full sequel to the original. It features a new prequel story set in Osaka, introducing a new dungeon, character types, weapons, skills, and enemies. The canoe mechanic adds a unique element to exploration.

The core mechanics remain similar to the original: turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and strategic progression. Careful planning is crucial.

Fans of Metro Quester will find ample enjoyment here, while newcomers can jump straight into this enhanced experience. It expands upon the original's systems in engaging ways, rewarding patience and strategic gameplay.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

NBA 2K25 ($59.99)

NBA 2K25 arrives with gameplay improvements, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM updates. Requires 53.3 GB of storage space.

Shogun Showdown ($14.99)

A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting.

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

(See review above)

Sunsoft is Back! Retro Game Selection ($9.99)

A collection of three previously unlocalized Famicom games. (See previous review for details)

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Noteworthy sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price). See the full lists below for more details.

(Sales lists with images omitted for brevity. The original images should be retained in the final output.)

(Note: The original sales lists should be included here, maintaining the original formatting and images.)

This concludes my contributions to SwitchArcade Round-Up and my time at TouchArcade. I express my deepest gratitude to all readers for your support. I'll continue writing at Post Game Content and Patreon, and am available for freelance opportunities. Thank you for reading.