Nintendo’s Indie World Dropped 4 Free Demos You Can Play Right Now

Nintendo’s latest Indie World Showcase had a little bit of everything: a long-awaited release date for Witchbrook, a surprise Switch 2 port arriving within days, and several indie games that could make 2027 a busy year for Nintendo fans.

The October 28 presentation focused on independent games coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with announcements ranging from cosy life sims and pixel-art adventures to co-op horror, action roguelikes and chaotic multiplayer games. Several developers also confirmed free demos, giving players a chance to try some of the new releases without waiting for their full launches.

Here’s every game featured in the supplied announcement roundup, along with its release date, confirmed platforms and what you can expect.

LEGO Ocarina of Time Link & Epona Set: 1,750 PiecesLEGO and Nintendo are bringing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time back in brick form with a 1,750-piece Link and Epona set arriving in spring 2027.

1. Witchbrook finally has a release date

Chucklefish’s magical life simulation game launches on January 28, 2027, bringing its witchcraft, friendships and small-town activities to PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and Xbox. A PlayStation 5 version was also announced separately from the showcase.

The game puts you in the shoes of a witch-in-training at Witchbrook College in the seaside town of Mossport. You’ll attend classes in subjects such as alchemy, astrology, tarot and rituals, complete assignments, prepare for exams and unlock new spells as you work towards graduation.

For anyone who enjoys games that combine everyday routines with a little escapism, Witchbrook looks like one of the more appealing releases on the calendar.

2. Winds of Viridia gets a free demo

Winds of Viridia, from Shark Jump, is a new action-adventure game built around exploration, movement and restoring a fallen civilisation. The story begins with a character awakened from a seed, setting out to bring balance back to the once-great world of Viridia.

Getting around looks like a big part of the experience. You can run, slide, grapple and launch yourself into the air as you explore hidden locations, uncover relics and battle enemies alongside a mothbug companion.

The soundtrack is another talking point, with award-winning composers Kevin Penkin and Christopher Larkin contributing original music.

The game is scheduled to arrive on Switch 2 in early 2027, but you don’t have to wait until then to see whether it catches your attention. A free demo is available through the Nintendo eShop.

3. City of None is a new adventure from a Celeste co-creator

City of None is a new action and puzzle-platforming adventure from Extremely OK Games and Noel and Liam Berry, with one of the creators behind Celeste involved in the project.

This time, the setting is a sprawling metropolis filled with strange spirits, dangerous beasts and hostile robots. The city is divided into five sectors, each with its own environments, playstyles and four-colour visual palette.

Exploration and combat go hand in hand. You’ll navigate winding routes, find unique items, battle enemies and collect rare resources to upgrade your equipment.

There’s no exact launch date yet, but City of None is scheduled for both Switch and Switch 2 in 2027. Fans of demanding platformers may want to keep an eye on it, although its blend of puzzles, exploration and combat should give it a different identity from Celeste.

4. Sword of the Sea arrives on Switch 2 on October 29

You won’t have to wait until next year for Sword of the Sea. Giant Squid’s atmospheric adventure, which comes from the studio behind ABZÛ and The Pathless, arrives on Switch 2 on October 29.

The game centres on a magical Hoversword that lets you surf across sand dunes, glaciers and shimmering waters. As you explore the mysterious Necropolis, your goal is to restore a lost ocean and bring life back to the surrounding world.

There’s more to movement than simply getting from one place to another. You can build speed, ride waves, perform tricks and uncover hidden routes as the environment gradually changes around you.

5. Tenjutsu brings Dead Cells-style action to Switch 2

Tenjutsu is the latest game from Sébastien Benard, the lead designer of Dead Cells, and it takes a similarly action-focused approach through a fast-paced roguelike structure.

Set in the neon-soaked streets of Kuroboro City, the game follows Ten, a former yakuza member trying to rebuild her life after prison. Her return threatens the power of the city's underground crime bosses, who are determined to eliminate her before she can disrupt their control.

The premise sets up a gritty action adventure built around fighting through a dangerous urban environment. A new gameplay trailer accompanied the Switch 2 announcement, with the game also confirmed for PC in 2027.

For players who enjoy quick combat and roguelike progression, Tenjutsu is worth watching. Its connection to Dead Cells gives action fans a useful reference point, even though the new game's setting and story take it in a different direction.

6. Threads of Time targets summer 2027

If classic Japanese role-playing games are more your thing, Threads of Time could be one to watch. Developed by Riyo Games and Balor Games, this turn-based RPG brings together heroes from different historical eras to confront a threat spanning the past, present and future.

The game features pixel-inspired visuals, a story-driven campaign and more than 100 original music tracks. Its time-travel premise also means your party will draw from different periods as you uncover the conspiracy threatening the timeline.

The Switch and Switch 2 versions were confirmed during the showcase, joining the previously announced PC and Xbox Series X|S releases.

With a summer 2027 launch window, there’s still time before release. But players who miss the feel of classic JRPGs may find the mix of turn-based combat, time travel and a substantial soundtrack appealing.

7. Dumpster Gang lets you live the raccoon life

Dumpster Gang takes co-op gaming in a wonderfully ridiculous direction. Developed by Coyote House Games and published by Curve Games, it is an online sandbox where you play as a raccoon, scavenge for junk and snacks, and cause small-scale chaos with friends.

The game supports up to four players. Together, you’ll complete missions, steal whatever you can carry, solve puzzles and avoid the persistent threat of the Exterminator. Loot from your adventures can be taken back to your hideout, where you can customise your space with the things you’ve collected.

Switch 2 features include Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and GameShare, which supports local or online play through GameChat.

The game is due in March 2027.

8. Super Battle Golf launches on March 25, 2027

Traditional golf asks you to wait for your turn. Super Battle Golf would rather have everyone playing at once.

The game supports up to eight players in online matches, with everyone racing to finish each hole in as few strokes as possible. Weapons, power-ups and other tricks let you interfere with your opponents, turning what should be a calm round of golf into a contest of sabotage.

You can also customise your golfer and compete across colourful courses. Its simultaneous-play approach means success isn't only about getting your shot right; you also have to deal with whatever the other players throw at you.

Super Battle Golf arrives on Switch 2 on March 25, 2027. For groups that enjoy competitive party games, it could be a good alternative to the usual racing or platforming session.

9. R.E.P.O. is coming to Switch 2 in 2027

The co-op horror game R.E.P.O. is making the jump to Switch 2 after building a following on PC. Developed by semiwork, it sends players into haunted, dangerous environments to retrieve valuable objects and extract them safely.

That sounds simple until you have to carry fragile ceramics, move heavy objects such as pianos and avoid the threats lurking around you. The game uses physics-based grabbing, so careless movement can turn a successful mission into a disaster.

The Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027, although a specific date has not been announced. For players who enjoy horror that becomes even more chaotic with friends, this is one of the more notable ports in the showcase.