Nintendo Switch 2 version announced

Pawsmonaut Games and Making Port have announced a version of Aethus for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game will be released in early 2027, though no specific date has been set yet.

Overview of the game

Aethus is an overhead mining game that allows players to explore at their own pace or take on a survival challenge. It was developed solo by Alex Kane, who has previously worked at major studios like Rockstar North. The game was released this spring and received positive reviews. On Switch 2, it will include mouse-like controls using the Joy-Con 2.

Game's narrative and setting

In Aethus, players take on the role of Maeve, a former mining engineer for the Astral Resource Corporation (ARC), a powerful galactic megacorporation that strips planets of their resources. Maeve explores the remnants of a failed scientific expedition and tries to build a life outside of ARC's control, using her mining equipment, her grandfather’s stories, and a loyal AI-equipped drone.

Key features of the game

One of the main features of Aethus is the ability to build a modular mining outpost. Players can construct and expand their base with various refining and manufacturing stations. Habitats can be decorated with items found in the game, and players can grow plants, raise fish, and prospect for gems.

Mining and exploration mechanics

The game takes place in a handmade extraterrestrial world where physics play a key role. Players descend underground using tools like lasers, explosives, and drills to collect resources. These resources are then refined and used to create new exploration tools, with the player's mining drone improving as they progress.

Story and gameplay flexibility

Aethus tells a story centered on family, resistance, and the freedom to choose one’s future. The narrative is designed to be central to the gameplay, encouraging players to uncover a corporate conspiracy and decide how far they want to go in seeking the truth. The game also allows players to adjust difficulty settings at any time, offering a range of play styles from relaxed exploration to intense survival challenges.