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Award-Winning Game 'The Drifter' Set for Switch and Switch 2 Launch
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Award-Winning Game 'The Drifter' Set for Switch and Switch 2 Launch

WireByte Staff · June 11, 2026

The Drifter, an award-winning point-and-click adventure game developed by Australia's Powerhoof, will launch on Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 on June 22, 2026. The Switch 2 version promises enhanced performance, including 4K 120fps support. The game, inspired by horror and sci-fi authors, won multiple accolades at the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards.

Key points

  • Melbourne-based Powerhoof's adventure game 'The Drifter' will be released on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on June 22, 2026.
  • The Switch 2 version will feature support for up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second.
  • Players on Switch 2 will have the option of twin-stick controls or a traditional point-and-click interface.
  • The Drifter previously won Game of the Year at the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards, alongside awards for art, narrative, and sound design.
  • The game is inspired by authors like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, and '70s Ozploitation films.

Powerhoof, a development duo based in Melbourne, Australia, has announced that their critically acclaimed adventure game, 'The Drifter,' will be released on both the current Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Switch 2. The release date is set for June 22, 2026.

This port aims to leverage the capabilities of the new hardware, with the Switch 2 version slated to support resolutions up to 4K at a fluid 120 frames per second. According to Powerhoof, this will enhance the game's visual presentation, offering sharper pixel art and smoother parallax scrolling. Players on the Switch 2 will also benefit from flexible control options, allowing them to choose between standard twin-stick controls or a more traditional point-and-click experience utilizing the Joy-Con's mouse-like functionality.

Developed by Dave Lloyd and Barney Cumming, 'The Drifter' has garnered significant recognition. It was awarded Game of the Year at the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards, also securing wins for Excellence in Art, Narrative, and Sound Design. The game draws inspiration from the works of renowned authors Stephen King and Michael Crichton, as well as '70s Ozploitation cinema. 'The Drifter' is currently available on PC platforms including Steam and GOG.com.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.