Everything we know about the Temtem Nintendo Switch port

Between dexit, expansion passes, and various other gripes fans have had with Pokémon over the years, many are looking for a change. At the same time, many crave a return to the classic turn-based monster experience. A monster-collecting MMORPG called Temtem launched on PC in 2020 to much acclaim from long-time Pokémon fans, many of whom hope to see the game ported to Nintendo Switch. Will Temtem ever come to a Nintendo console? Yes, and sooner than you might think. Here's what we know.

When is the Temtem Nintendo Switch release date?

Temtem will be released on September 6, 2022. While previously playable through early access on PS5 and PC, the game is coming to Nintendo Switch for its 1.0 release.

The game will be available on its 1.0 launch on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series consoles, PS5, and PC.

Is there a trailer for Temtem on Nintendo Switch?

Yes! While many trailers for Temtem have been released in the past, a brand new one was released on May 24 to reveal the 1.0 launch date for the game's Nintendo Switch port.

Check it out:

While the trailer is under a minute, it still is able to show quite a bit of gameplay, both in and out of battle. After watching it, you should be able to see why the game is often compared to Pokémon. The influence is clear in both style and gameplay.

Does Nintendo have any issue with a Pokémon clone coming to their console?

Apparently not. After all, Pokémon doesn’t own its gameplay format. Nintendo has hosted plenty of games that ‘clone’ their most prized first-party titles. For example, Okami HD apes Legend of Zelda HD titles, Poi Explorer Edition apes Super Mario 64, and every Metroidvania title apes Metroid.

If it makes money, Nintendo has no reason not to sell it. Monster Crown, another Pokémon clone, was released on Nintendo Switch in October 2021.

When is the Xbox Temtem release date?

Xbox is the other new platform developer Crema announced alongside the Nintendo Switch in the 1.0 release announcement. While early access is playable on both PC and PS5, the full game’s release is coming to the full breadth of modern consoles.

The Xbox release date will also be September 6, 2022. Temtem includes cross-play between platforms so no matter which version you and your friends play you can enjoy the game together.

What does being in early access mean for Temtem?

When it comes out on Nintendo Switch, Temtem will be out of early access. If you've never heard that term before, it means that the game isn't complete yet, but the developers have players pay for access to the game, play what's there, and give feedback to the developers. As such, it will be a bit rougher around the edges and may include some bugs. The 1.0 release on Nintendo Switch will see a wide range of content added that has not been available in early access.

Right now, Temtem only has five islands for players to explore, but six are intended for the full game. There are 130 Tems for players to collect in the early access version of Temtem, and the developers estimate that it has about 40 hours worth of gameplay. Over time, the developers are also promising to finish the game's story, add more Tems for the player to find, and flesh out the multiplayer and endgame features.

Why should a Pokémon fan be excited about this?

On the surface, Temtem and Pokémon have quite a lot in common. They're both turn-based, creature-collection RPGs. And the designs of the game's Tems definitely resemble those from Pokémon, Digimon, and other franchises of that ilk.

This game is not affiliated with Pokémon at all, however, so all of the creatures, types, and moves are unique. The standard Temtem battle is also 2v2 instead of 1v1, and moves pull from a stamina bar instead of a set number of PP. Overall, the developers tried to focus more on competitive play than the typically casual Pokémon experience. That aspect of the game benefits from Temtem also being an MMO.

Why is Temtem an MMO?

Imagine if the Wild Areas from Pokémon Sword and Shield were more fleshed out and every area in the game played like them. That's the higher level of multiplayer interaction that Temtem is going for. As such, Temtem fully supports co-op, and you'll see tons of players venturing around the game's world as you progress.

You can battle, trade, chat, and fight over Club Dojos with other players. The live-service nature of Temtem also means that the game is constantly updated and that there are new quests that players can complete weekly.

The potential for fan-driven gameplay modes is one of the most enticing things about Temtem, which is poised for an actualization of what fans have loved about Pokémon for the last 20 years.

What is Temtem's price?

Once Temtem launches in September the price will be $44.99 for the standard edition and $64.99 for the Deluxe Edition.

Is there a collector’s edition of Temtem?

Yes! The Temtem collector's edition will cost $99.99 and can be pre-ordered from Final Boss Bundle. Some of the goodies included are stickers, patches, and pins of some of the games Tems. But the main attraction is the 6-inch starter statue. Just remember that this edition does not actually come with a copy of the game.

Temtem will be released for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series consoles on September 6, 2022.