Shantae GBC title

WayForward‘s iconic hair-whipping, shape-changing, fun-loving Half Genie’s debut GBC game can now be played on the Nintendo Switch with the release of Shantae’s eponymous first title. The Switch version preserves the graphics, sound, and gameplay of the game’s initial release, while adding modern features such as save states and multiple display options. With this release, all five Shantae titles (Shantae, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, and Shantae and the Seven Sirens) are available on Switch, marking the first time the entire 3-million-plus-selling series has been offered on a single game system.

Originally launched in 2002, Shantae is the acclaimed action-adventure-platformer often considered one of the most impressive Game Boy Color games ever produced. In this pixel-perfect adaptation, Shantae hair-whips, dances, and transforms as she seeks out four elemental stones throughout Sequin Land to put a stop to the nefarious lady pirate, Risky Boots. During her quest, she explores treacherous labyrinths, gains amazing new powers, conquers mini-games, and encounters friends such as Rottytops, Sky, and Bolo. Alongside the standard GBC mode, this edition also includes the extra Game Boy Advance functionality of the vintage cartridge.

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Key Features

  • Shantae’s acclaimed original 8-bit adventure – now on Switch!
  • Use dance magic to transform into a monkey, an elephant, a spider, and more!
  • Travel across Sequin Land, from forests and deserts to swamps and frigid peaks!
  • Explore challenging labyrinths where devious bosses await!
  • Buy a variety of items and upgrades to gain new abilities!
  • Environments change from day to night!
  • Discover secret passages! Find hidden Warp Squids and fireflies!
  • Select between standard GBC mode or GBA-enhanced mode, featuring a bonus Tinkerbat transformation!
  • Updated with save states, multiple display options, control improvements, and a mini art gallery!

In addition to the Switch release, the original Shantae is also currently available for Nintendo 3DS as part of the eShop’s Virtual Console lineup, and was recently offered as a reproduction cartridge through Limited Run Games. The game is available on the Nintendo eShop for $9.99 USD.

Leah McDonald
Leah's been playing video games since her brother first bought an Atari back in the 1980s and has no plans to stop playing anytime soon. She enjoys almost every genre of game, with some of her favourites being Final Fantasy Tactics, Shadow of the Colossus, Suikoden II and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Leah lives on the East Coast with her husband and son. You can follow Leah over on Twitter @GamingBricaBrac