Nintendo's October 29 Indie World showcase mixed surprise releases with 2027 projects, including Witchbrook, Haunted Paws, Petal Runner, and several co-op games.

A short showcase with games across very different moods

Nintendo's October 29, 2026 Indie World spotlighted games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch through this year and into 2027. The lineup ranged from a witch-life simulation to co-op horror, platforming, racing, and chaotic multiplayer. Nintendo's Australia announcement is a detailed primary source for the games and dates discussed here.

A showcase roundup can make every game sound like a must-play, so it helps to sort announcements by what is actually confirmed. Some titles are available now, some received demos, and several have launch windows months away. A game being featured is not the same as having a firm date, and a regional release date may not apply to every country.

The most useful takeaway is the variety. Players looking for a cozy game have a few options, while people who want co-op chaos can keep an eye on Haunted Paws, Dumpster Gang, or R.E.P.O. Nintendo's post also highlights Switch 2-specific features for some games, such as Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and GameShare support.

Several games and demos are playable right away

Nintendo says Bao Bao's Cozy Cleaning Services is available now for Switch. It is a cleaning adventure starring a panda, with solo and online co-op for up to four players, according to the announcement. That makes it one of the most immediate ways to turn the showcase into something playable instead of waiting months for a release date.

The showcase also announced demos for four games: Haunted Paws, Petal Runner, RACCOIN: Chaos Max Edition, and Winds of Viridia. Demo availability can differ by region and timing, so check the Nintendo eShop in your country rather than assuming a listing appears everywhere at once. A demo is also a better way to test controls and pacing than relying on a trailer alone.

For players who prefer to wait for reviews, no purchase decision is required today. Add games to a wishlist where that feature is available, then revisit them closer to launch. Indie projects can change names, dates, or platforms during development, so developers' official channels and Nintendo's store listings are the best places to confirm the latest release information.

Witchbrook finally has a date on Nintendo's calendar

Witchbrook is one of the showcase's most recognizable names. Nintendo describes it as a life simulation about starting a new life as a witch in Mossport and attending Witchbrook College. The game supports up to four players online, and the Nintendo Australia page lists January 28, 2027 for Switch 2 and Switch in Australia, with January 29 in New Zealand.

That regional distinction is worth keeping in mind if you follow international coverage. A one-day difference may reflect local release timing rather than a different game. Readers elsewhere should check their local Nintendo store or the developer's announcement before treating the Australian date as universal.

The appeal is a familiar mix of school life, friendships, exploration, and magic, but Nintendo's showcase summary is not a complete feature list. It does not establish the full scope of relationship systems or long-term progression. For now, the confirmed facts are the setting, online player count, platforms, and the listed regional date. More gameplay details should come from Chucklefish.

Haunted Paws and Dumpster Gang target co-op groups

Haunted Paws is a two-player co-op adventure about two puppies exploring a haunted mansion and searching for a missing human. Nintendo says players can customize their pups, explore locations, solve puzzles, meet characters, and face spooky creatures. The announcement gives May 2027 as its launch window for Switch 2 and Switch, and mentions local co-op and online play.

Dumpster Gang takes a very different approach. It is described as an online co-op sandbox for up to four players, where raccoons scavenge, raid snacks, complete missions, and avoid an Exterminator. Nintendo lists March 2027 for Switch 2 and notes support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and GameShare locally or online via GameChat.

Both concepts are built around playing with other people, but they appeal to different groups. Haunted Paws sounds like a structured adventure with puzzles and a shared goal, while Dumpster Gang leans into sandbox antics and repeatable missions. If you are choosing games for a regular group, check whether your preferred players can access the same platform and whether online play requires an additional subscription.

Petal Runner, City of None, and other projects broaden the slate

Petal Runner is a coming-of-age story set in a solarpunk open world. Nintendo says players follow Cali and her companion Kira as motorcycle couriers delivering digital pets. The listed date is March 8, 2027, and the showcase describes it as a Switch 2 console exclusive. Nintendo's overview highlights pixel-art streets and a story touching on life and loss.

City of None is an action and puzzle platforming adventure from Extremely OK Games and Noel and Liam Berry, including one of the co-creators of Celeste. Nintendo describes a metropolis split into five sectors, with distinct environments, equipment upgrades, enemies, and combat. The announced platform window is 2027 for Switch 2 and Switch.

These projects show why showcase lineups are worth scanning beyond the most familiar names. The visual style or premise can make a smaller game a better personal fit than a larger release. At the same time, descriptions on a showcase page are an introduction, not independent assessments. Watch for longer gameplay footage and developer posts before deciding how the games feel to play.

Keep the dates flexible and follow the developers for updates

The October Indie World had a useful spread of near-term and farther-off releases. Bao Bao's Cozy Cleaning Services is available now; Witchbrook has a January 2027 regional date; Dumpster Gang and Petal Runner are listed for March; Haunted Paws is planned for May; and City of None is set for 2027. Those windows come from Nintendo's announcement and can change as production continues.

Switch 2 owners should also pay attention to feature notes rather than assuming every game uses the hardware in the same way. Nintendo specifically calls out mouse controls and GameShare for selected titles. Those features can affect how a game works in local or online sessions, but support is title-specific and should be confirmed on each product page.

If one of these caught your attention, the next step is simple: watch the developer's gameplay, try a demo if it is available in your region, and check your eShop listing for the current date. This showcase offered plenty of interesting ideas, but the best pick will depend on your group, preferred pace, and patience for a release that is still months away.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

CHECK THE ORIGINALS.

Facts and update details above are based on these official sources. Details can change as the game is updated.

TAGSNintendo Indie WorldNintendo Switch 2Indie GamesWitchbrookHaunted Paws