Are you ready to dive back into a gothic pixel-art adventure that blends Zelda-like mechanics with the soul of Castlevania? Well, buckle up—Mina the Hollower is officially burrowing its way onto the Nintendo Switch in October 2025, and it promises to be a retro-flavored gem you won’t want to miss. Developed by Yacht Club Games, the minds behind the legendary Shovel Knight, Mina is not just another nostalgia trip—it’s a finely crafted love letter to the Game Boy Color era with modern polish.
In this deep-dive, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Mina the Hollower, including its story, gameplay mechanics, artistic influences, platform release, and why we think it could be the next indie darling to dominate Switch sales charts.
🎮 What Is Mina the Hollower?
Mina the Hollower is an upcoming action-adventure game developed and published by Yacht Club Games. Taking inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Castlevania, and Bloodborne, it features top-down combat, whip-based mechanics, and intricate dungeon-crawling—all wrapped in 8-bit, Game Boy Color-style visuals.
But make no mistake, this isn’t a simple retro clone. It packs in modern fluidity, a unique burrowing system, and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack that elevates it well beyond its influences.
🗓️ Release Date Confirmed: October 2025
After months of anticipation, Yacht Club Games officially announced that Mina the Hollower will be released on Nintendo Switch in October 2025. While a specific date within the month hasn’t been locked in yet, fans are already marking their calendars and pre-orders are expected to open soon.
🎮 Platforms and Availability
At launch, Mina the Hollower will be available on the following platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
Switch owners are especially excited, given the game’s portable nature and old-school design, which pairs perfectly with the hybrid console.
🌌 Story and Setting
Set in a dark, gothic world reminiscent of Bloodborne’s Yharnam, Mina the Hollower follows the story of Mina, a whip-wielding inventor and adventurer. She’s summoned back to her homeland of Tenebrous Isle after the island’s energy source mysteriously shuts down.
As you guide Mina through decaying towns, haunted mansions, and eerie dungeons, you’ll uncover a twisted mystery involving corrupted beasts, ancient secrets, and a sinister power that threatens the fabric of reality.
🕹️ Key Gameplay Features
1. Fast-Paced Combat
- Mina uses a lightning-fast whip as her primary weapon.
- Secondary weapons include throwing knives, bombs, and magical relics.
- Combat is snappy and rewarding, emphasizing precision and timing.
2. Unique Burrowing Mechanic
- Mina can dig underground, dodging attacks and bypassing traps.
- This mechanic is both a traversal tool and a core combat feature.
3. RPG Elements
- Gain XP, level up, and customize Mina’s abilities.
- Craft builds focused on strength, agility, or magic.
4. Puzzle Solving
- Classic Zelda-style puzzles make exploration engaging and thoughtful.
- Switches, block-pushing, and environmental manipulation all play a role.
5. Dungeon Exploration
- Each area has its own boss, theme, and mechanical twist.
- Expect backtracking, secret rooms, and hidden treasures.
🎨 Art Style and Sound Design
Visual Aesthetics
- Developed using a custom 8-bit-style engine built for modern platforms.
- Every sprite is hand-crafted, delivering a genuine Game Boy Color feel.
- Color palettes are vibrant yet somber—perfectly matching the dark-fantasy mood.
Soundtrack
- Composed by Jake Kaufman (known for Shovel Knight).
- Gothic melodies, haunting ambient tracks, and pulse-pounding boss themes elevate immersion.
🛠️ Development Background
Kickstarter Origins
Mina the Hollower was crowdfunded via Kickstarter, surpassing its goal in just a few hours. Backers received regular updates, playable builds, and behind-the-scenes development diaries, fostering a passionate community.
Developed by Yacht Club Games
After their massive success with Shovel Knight, the studio wanted to explore darker tones and richer mechanics—enter Mina. With a proven track record in retro-inspired innovation, expectations are sky-high.
🔄 Replayability and Game Length
Estimated Playtime
- Main Story: ~10–12 hours
- Completionist: ~18–25 hours
New Game+ Mode
- Increased difficulty.
- Hidden bosses and gear only available on replays.
🕹️ Who Should Play Mina the Hollower?
- Fans of Retro Games – Especially Zelda, Castlevania, and Shovel Knight lovers.
- Indie Game Aficionados – It’s shaping up to be one of the best indie releases of the year.
- Speedrunners – Tight controls and clever level design make it perfect for timed runs.
- Casual Gamers – With assist features and adjustable difficulty, it’s accessible too.
📦 Physical and Digital Editions
Digital Edition
- Available via Nintendo eShop, Steam, PS Store, and Xbox Store.
Physical Edition (Speculative)
- Yacht Club hinted at partnering with Limited Run Games for a collector’s box including:
- Game cartridge/disc
- Art book
- Mina figure
- Soundtrack CD
Details are still unconfirmed but expected to be revealed before launch.
🤔 Why the Hype Around Mina the Hollower?
It’s Yacht Club Games
When a studio like Yacht Club announces a new IP, you pay attention. Their history speaks for itself.
It Nails Nostalgia Without Feeling Outdated
This isn’t just retro—it’s modernized nostalgia, perfectly balanced between past and present.
Community-Driven Development
Backers have been involved from day one, shaping the final product alongside the dev team.
💡 Tips Before You Play
- Don’t skip the tutorial – Burrowing can be tricky at first.
- Experiment with weapons – Each secondary tool fits different playstyles.
- Backtrack often – There are plenty of secrets.
- Read every note – The lore is rich and rewarding.
- Adjust difficulty if needed – There’s no shame in turning down the heat.
📈 Can Mina the Hollower Outshine Shovel Knight?
That’s the million-dollar question. Shovel Knight became an icon. Can Mina do the same?
Honestly, all signs point to yes. With tighter gameplay, a more mature tone, and Yacht Club’s learned lessons from their debut, Mina the Hollower might just become the next big thing in indie gaming.
