Kena: Bridge of Spirits set to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 this spring
Kena: Bridge of Spirits will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 this spring, bringing the acclaimed indie adventure to Nintendo’s new console.
The action-adventure game Kena: Bridge of Spirits will launch on Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console this spring, giving players another chance to experience the indie title ahead of its upcoming sequel. The announcement follows a recent State of Play showcase by Sony, where developer Ember Lab also revealed a follow-up to the original 2021 game.
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Originally released for PlayStation and PC, Kena: Bridge of Spirits marked Ember Lab’s debut in the video game industry. The studio, known for its background in animation and visual storytelling, quickly gained attention for the game’s polished presentation and cinematic style. The upcoming Switch 2 version is expected to introduce the title to a new audience while capitalising on the popularity of Nintendo’s latest console.
The Switch 2 has already seen a wave of older titles ported to the platform. Publishers have been keen to bring existing games to the new system, which offers improved hardware performance and stronger graphical capabilities compared with its predecessor. Although Kena: Bridge of Spirits is now several years old, its distinctive visual design and accessible gameplay make it a natural fit for a handheld device.
A visually rich adventure built around spirits and exploration
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a third-person action-adventure game centred on a young spirit guide named Kena. In the story, she helps lost souls move on to the afterlife by resolving unfinished business and confronting the corrupted forces that trap them in the physical world.
Players explore a vibrant fantasy landscape filled with forests, temples and abandoned villages, gradually uncovering the history behind the troubled spirits they encounter. Along the way, Kena is joined by small companions known as the Rot, which assist in combat, puzzle solving and exploration. These creatures quickly became one of the most recognisable elements of the game when it first launched.
Although the title draws comparisons with classic adventure games, its gameplay blends multiple elements. Players must navigate environmental puzzles, collect resources and engage in real-time combat against supernatural enemies. The combat system, while easy to approach at first, becomes more demanding as players progress and face increasingly complex enemy patterns.
Many critics and players noted that the game captured the spirit of older console adventures, particularly those from the early 2000s. Its structure and pacing evoke what some describe as “PS2-era energy”, with focused levels, straightforward progression and an emphasis on storytelling rather than sprawling open-world mechanics.
Ember Lab’s animation roots shape the game’s style
One of the most widely praised aspects of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is its visual presentation. The game’s art direction combines vibrant environments, expressive characters and detailed animation, creating a style often compared to animated films.
This approach reflects Ember Lab’s origins in film and animation. Before developing games, the studio built a reputation for producing animated shorts and commercial projects. That background is evident throughout the game, particularly in its cinematic cutscenes and character performances.
The colourful environments and soft lighting give the world a distinct “Pixar-like” appearance, helping the game stand out from many other action-adventure titles. The Switch 2 version may further highlight these qualities, especially when played on the console’s larger handheld display.
For many players, the visual design plays an important role in the overall experience. Even though the gameplay itself is not considered groundbreaking, the attention to detail in animation and world-building contributes to the game’s charm and atmosphere.
Switch 2 version includes additional content and features
The upcoming Switch 2 release will include the Anniversary DLC that was introduced after the game’s original launch. This content adds several gameplay features and options intended to expand the experience.
Among the additions are Charmstones, which provide new abilities that modify gameplay, and Spirit Guide Trials that challenge players with combat and skill-based encounters. The update also introduces additional outfits for Kena, giving players more options to customise the character.
Accessibility improvements are also part of the package. These features aim to make the game easier to approach for a wider range of players, while still maintaining the challenge for those who prefer the original difficulty.
The Switch 2 version will also include a New Game+ mode. This option allows players who have completed the story to replay the adventure with tougher enemies and additional combat encounters, encouraging experimentation with the game’s abilities and mechanics.
The release arrives as anticipation builds for the franchise’s next entry, titled Kena: Scars of Kosmora. The sequel is scheduled to launch later in 2026 for PC and PlayStation 5, continuing the story of the young spirit guide in a new adventure.
For Nintendo players who missed the game when it first launched, the Switch 2 version offers a convenient opportunity to experience the title before the next chapter in the series arrives.
