Farewell, dear readers, and welcome to the final regular SwitchArcade Round-Up for TouchArcade. This concludes my years of contributing these articles, though a special edition with embargoed reviews will follow next week. While I'd hoped to continue covering the Switch's lifespan, circumstances have led me to a different path. This week’s roundup is substantial, featuring reviews from Mikhail and Shaun, summaries of new releases, and the usual sales lists. Let’s enjoy one last ride!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU ($49.99)

Following Imagineer's successful Fitness Boxing series, culminating in the surprisingly enjoyable Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star, their collaboration with Hatsune Miku was a smart move. I've been playing it alongside Ring Fit Adventure, and Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is impressive in many respects.

For newcomers, the Fitness Boxing games blend boxing and rhythm game mechanics for daily workouts, mini-games, and more. Hatsune Miku’s inclusion adds a unique element, with a dedicated mode featuring her songs alongside the standard tracks. Note: This game utilizes Joy-Cons only; Pro Controllers and third-party accessories aren't supported.

As with previous entries, difficulty options, a free training mode, warm-ups, workout tracking, and system-wide reminders are included. Unlockable cosmetics add incentive. While I can’t comment on DLC yet, the base game surpasses Fist of the North Star, except for one minor drawback: the main instructor's voice is somewhat jarring and I found myself lowering its volume.

Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU successfully integrates Miku into the Fitness Boxing formula, appealing to her fanbase. While a solid fitness game, it’s best used to supplement other routines rather than being your sole exercise program. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Magical Delicacy ($24.99)

Magical Delicacy, from sKaule and Whitethorn Games, initially didn’t grab my attention until a friend highlighted its Xbox Game Pass release. Playing it on Switch, it feels like a promising blend of Metroidvania and cooking game elements, but not fully realized. While I appreciate its strengths, the flaws are noticeable.

As Flora, a young witch, you cook and craft for various characters. The exploration is surprisingly well-executed, despite some frustrating backtracking. However, ingredient management and UI interaction could be improved.

Magical Delicacy boasts stunning pixel art, lovely music, and excellent settings, including adjustable UI scale and text size, particularly beneficial for handheld mode. Early access or post-launch updates would have been beneficial.

The Switch version runs smoothly, save for occasional frame pacing issues. The haptic feedback is a nice touch. Having played the Xbox Series X version, I prefer the portable experience, making the Switch (or Steam Deck) versions ideal.

Despite its potential, Magical Delicacy feels slightly unfinished due to inventory and backtracking issues. It's still a good game, well-suited for Switch, but quality-of-life improvements would elevate it to a must-have. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Aero The Acro-Bat 2 ($5.99)

Many attempted to replicate the mascot platformer success of Sonic the Hedgehog, but few saw sequels. Aero The Acro-Bat is an exception. While not a massive hit, Aero The Acro-Bat 2 isn't inherently bad. Its quality likely wasn't the reason for the lack of further sequels; Sunsoft's financial situation at the time likely played a larger role.

Is it a bad game? No. It's as good as, or perhaps slightly better than, the original. The polish improves the experience, but some of the original's charm is lost. Still, a decent platforming experience.

Surprisingly, this release isn't Ratalaika's typical emulation wrapper; it's a more tailored presentation. Box and manual scans, achievements, a sprite sheet gallery, a jukebox, and cheats are included. The only drawback is the exclusion of the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive version.

Fans of the first game will appreciate this sequel. Even those who found the original lacking might enjoy this refined version. Ratalaika's improved emulation is commendable. A great release for Aero fans and retro platformer enthusiasts.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Metro Quester | Osaka ($19.99)

I enjoyed the original Metro Quester. It has a steep learning curve, but the turn-based dungeon crawling is immensely rewarding. Metro Quester | Osaka feels more like an expansion than a sequel, but that's perfectly fine.

This prequel is set in Osaka, featuring a new dungeon, character types, and enemies. The wetter environment necessitates canoe travel. New weapons, skills, and challenges await. A great addition for those who've completed the original.

The core mechanics remain similar to the original. Turn-based combat, top-down exploration, and careful planning are crucial for success. New players might prefer starting here.

Metro Quester | Osaka offers a satisfying continuation of the original's gameplay. While an expansion, it's a welcome addition that expands upon the existing systems. Patience is key, but the rewards are worth the effort.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Select New Releases

NBA 2K25 ($59.99)

NBA 2K25 is here! The game features improved gameplay, a new "Neighborhood" feature, and MyTEAM enhancements. The game requires 53.3 GB of storage space.

Shogun Showdown ($14.99)

A Darkest Dungeon-style game with a Japanese setting. While familiar, it's a solid entry in the genre.

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. Includes a side-scrolling platformer, an adventure game, and an action-RPG. (See previous review for details).

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Notable sales include Cosmic Fantasy Collection (40% off) and Tinykin (at its lowest price yet). Check the full lists for more details.

Select New Sales & Sales Ending This Weekend: (Images and lists omitted for brevity, but retain original format and content)

This marks not only the end of the SwitchArcade Round-Up but also the conclusion of my eleven and a half years at TouchArcade. I'll continue writing on my blog (Post Game Content) and Patreon, but this chapter is closing. Thank you to all TouchArcade readers for your support over the years. I wish you all the best.