Exciting news for fans of the Picross puzzle series, as Picross S+ has been announced by Jupiter, the original developer of the series, for the Nintendo Switch. This new installment brings together all the content from the nine Picross titles that were previously delisted from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Picross S+ is slated for release in 2024, and it promises to offer a comprehensive Picross experience for players.
The closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop earlier this year resulted in the removal of all nine Picross titles previously available on the platform. However, Picross S+ seeks to rectify this by bundling all the previously available content into one downloadable package. Players will have the option to purchase the entire collection for $44.91/£35.91, or they can opt for the more budget-friendly launch price of $4.99/£3.99, which allows them to buy the eight individual installments separately.
What makes Picross S+ even more appealing is that it will include content from Picross e9, a title that was previously exclusive to Japan. This inclusion ensures that players in Western regions can now experience the full Picross series on the Nintendo Switch.
In a rare interview with VGC, Hirofumi Murakami, the president of Picross Corporation, shed light on the preservation of the Picross series. He stated, “We have a way to preserve the data, so we have a storage system that keeps the older titles, including the 3DS Picross e series, at our studio.” He further elaborated, saying, “Because of that, we want to utilize these old games in some way in our future plans.” This suggests that more Picross titles could make their way to the Nintendo eShop in the future, potentially allowing fans to enjoy the entire series.
The Picross series has a rich history, with Nintendo and the Picross Corporation collaborating for nearly 30 years. It all began with the release of Mario’s Picross for the Game Boy in 1995, which marked the inception of the franchise worldwide. Since then, Picross, the video game adaptation of Nonograms/Hanjie puzzles, has seen nearly 40 releases, including many collections, making it a consistently popular choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts.
The announcement of Picross S+ and the potential for future releases in the series reaffirm the enduring appeal of these puzzle games. Fans can look forward to enjoying a comprehensive Picross experience on the Nintendo Switch, ensuring that the legacy of this beloved franchise continues to thrive for years to come.
