UFO 50, the retro-inspired game collection from the team behind Spelunky, has made its way to the Nintendo Switch after its PC debut last year. The surprise announcement came at the end of Nintendo’s Indie World showcase, where it was quietly revealed alongside a handful of other indie titles. Priced at $25, the game is now available on the Switch, and it’s likely to be compatible with the upcoming Switch 2 as well.
The concept behind UFO 50 is unique—it presents itself as a compilation of 50 games from a fictional 80s developer called UFO Soft, designed to mimic the look and feel of classic 8- and 16-bit titles. In reality, it’s a passion project from a group of modern indie developers who wanted to pay homage to the games they grew up with. The collection spans multiple genres, including platformers, puzzle games, strategy titles, arcade-style experiences, and even full-fledged RPGs. Each game has its own distinct style, yet they all share a cohesive retro aesthetic.
What makes UFO 50 stand out is its attention to detail. The developers didn’t just create shallow homages—they built fully realized games that could have existed in the golden age of gaming. The variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer fast-paced action or slower, more methodical gameplay.
The Switch is an ideal platform for UFO 50, as its pick-up-and-play nature suits the console’s portable design. While the game was previously exclusive to PC, its arrival on Switch suggests that other console ports, such as Xbox and PlayStation, could follow in the future. For now, though, Nintendo fans get to enjoy this love letter to retro gaming first.
If you missed it on PC, now’s the perfect time to dive into UFO 50’s eclectic mix of nostalgic experiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic games or just curious about the creativity behind this project, there’s plenty to discover in this one-of-a-kind collection.
