Under the Island is a charming RPG that combines classic 90s gameplay with a cute anime art style. Players will enjoy 2D action, adventure, and a mix of combat and puzzles reminiscent of beloved retro role-playing games, particularly those found on Nintendo platforms. Released on February 17th for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, the game has already drawn comparisons to classic Legend of Zelda titles, further solidifying the Switch as a go-to console for fans of retro-style RPGs.
Classic roleplaying game series like Final Fantasy, Trials of Mana, Chrono Trigger, The Legend of Dragoon, and The Legend of Zelda remain incredibly popular today. PlayStation and Nintendo consoles have always been great places to find top-notch action RPGs, and while many are now available on PC and PlayStation, the Nintendo Switch has become a particularly successful platform for new RPG releases. There seems to be a strong connection between Nintendo consoles and these older-style RPGs, perhaps due to the console itself or the preferences of its players – they’re a perfect pairing!
Under the Island is an Obvious Choice for Legend of Zelda Fans
In Under the Island, you play as Nia, a new resident of Seashell Island, who joins forces with a local girl named Avocado to uncover why the island is mysteriously sinking. Together, they’ll explore vibrant areas – from frozen mountain peaks to tropical towns and arid deserts filled with quirky creatures like walking pots. Nia uses a hockey stick to fight enemies and grows stronger by completing dungeons and mini-games, offering classic RPG-style action. Like The Legend of Zelda, Under the Island focuses equally on exploration and combat, rewarding players with plenty of hidden secrets to discover.
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In Under the Island, players won’t just have Nia’s hockey stick – they can also find tools like shovels and even a trumpet, and befriend a bird to help them on their journey. You’ll meet villagers in each area and can trade with them for useful items. You can even try to reason with the island’s creatures, but be careful – some are dangerous! Nia will face unique enemies that require quick thinking and using everything she has – weapons, items, and abilities – to succeed. With memorable characters, six different regions, and a classic top-down anime-inspired view, Under the Island offers a fresh take on the action-adventure RPG genre.
Why is Under the Island a Perfect Match for the Nintendo Switch?
It’s clear from playing Under the Island why people compare it to Zelda. But many are curious why the Switch version is getting so much praise. Over the past few years, Nintendo Directs have shown a lot of farming simulators, and a trend of new Switch games trying to capture the feel of 90s-era games. While some modern games have moved to 3D graphics, Under the Island sticks with classic 2D visuals, updating them with modern technology. This blend of nostalgia and innovation seems to be really resonating with Switch players.
One of the best things about the Switch is how portable it is, and the fun, challenging gameplay of Under the Island is perfect for playing on the go or around the house. Similar to Under the Island, Stardew Valley has become incredibly popular on the Switch. It offers that classic gaming experience with its Harvest Mooninspired gameplay and retro pixel art, bringing back memories of 90s games. While Stardew Valley is available on other systems, many players strongly associate it with the Switch, likely because of the console’s many other games – including Under the Island* – that offer a blend of nostalgia and fresh gameplay, a combination Nintendo excels at.
Why Are Anime-Style Games So Popular on Nintendo Switch?
Many role-playing games with anime-inspired art styles have been well-received on the Nintendo Switch, and players appreciate the distinctly Japanese feel of these games. The Switch has been incredibly popular, breaking sales records both in Japan and worldwide, and it’s become common to see “anime-style” games released on either the Switch or PlayStation. Under the Island is one such game. This raises the question of why the Switch continues to be the leading platform for games with a retro aesthetic. While the Switch’s less powerful hardware might seem like a natural fit for low-poly and pixelated games like Under the Island, it’s likely Nintendo’s strong library of beloved first-party games that truly attract players to these kinds of releases.
Games similar to The Legend of Zelda will likely focus on the Switch, as that’s where fans of those types of games are most active. However, other popular Nintendo series like Xenoblade Chronicles and Fire Emblem have also attracted fans of RPGs and anime. Even third-party titles, including games from Studio Ghibli’s Ni no Kuni series and adaptations of anime like Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, and Hunter x Hunter, have come to the Switch despite some technical challenges. This suggests the console has a strong, overlapping fanbase that makes it a great platform for anime-inspired games.
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It remains to be seen if Under the Island and similar games with a retro, anime style can become as beloved as classics like The Legend of Zelda. However, Nintendo systems continue to see strong success with games that combine classic gameplay and appealing visuals, and this trend doesn’t appear to be changing. Under the Island is now available on Nintendo Switch, adding to the Switch’s growing collection of charming role-playing games that feel both nostalgic and anime-inspired.
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2026-02-21 18:07