Grounded and Pentiment, two titles originally exclusive to Xbox, are coming to a new platform in the Nintendo Switch.
As part of an announcement made during the February Nintendo Direct, Nintendo is officially welcoming Grounded to the Switch on April 16 but Pentiment will be hitting the console earlier on February 22. This move is part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to bring four of its former exclusives to both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, enhancing the reach and potential audience of these games.
Grounded, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is a cooperative survival game that draws inspiration from the whimsical danger of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, placing players in a backyard environment from the perspective of a tiny person. The game has been well-received for its engaging survival mechanics and the unique twist of navigating a familiar, yet perilously oversized world. It has been available since 2022 for Xbox consoles and Windows PC after an early access period that began in 2020.
Pentiment, also by Obsidian Entertainment, offers a starkly different gaming experience. This historical role-playing game set in the 16th-century Holy Roman Empire combines elements of a murder mystery with a rich narrative and unique art style reminiscent of period manuscripts. Players navigate a story filled with intrigue, drama, and historical detail, making it a standout title for fans of narrative-driven games.
These games’ transition to the Nintendo Switch is not just a win for Switch owners but also represents Microsoft’s evolving approach to game distribution.
According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, this decision aligns with a strategy of serving the broader Xbox ecosystem. Despite this move, Spencer assured that it does not signify a shift in their overall strategy regarding exclusive titles.
With Grounded and Pentiment now set for release on the Nintendo Switch, players will have the opportunity to experience these unique titles on a hybrid platform, offering gamers more choices and ways to play.
It’s unclear if Avowed, an upcoming AAA title by Obsidian, will also be available on other platforms when it comes out later this year.
