Team Cherry has confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s indie hit Hollow Knight, will launch globally on September 4, 2025, across all major gaming platforms. Notably, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 users, the studio is providing a free upgrade path that unlocks enhanced features for the new hardware generation, and what is really surprising to me is that fact that the developers have made this a free upgrade in a market where we usually have to pay a premium to get the same game for your new console.
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What you need to know
For players on the Nintendo Switch 2, Team Cherry will offer a “Hollow Knight: Silksong Upgrade Pack” as a free download from the Nintendo eShop. This will allow both Kickstarter backers and standard Switch purchasers to access enhanced performance and graphics when playing on Nintendo’s latest console.
After redeeming a Nintendo Switch version key and installing the base game, users simply download the Upgrade Pack to unlock these improvements, which include higher frame rates, improved resolution, and extra effects.
The process is clearly outlined in the studio’s communications, and official store pages indicate that the upgrade will be available at no cost for all Switch 2 users, not just Kickstarter backers.
Enhancements and Availability
According to the official Nintendo Switch 2 store listing, as well as reports from sources like IGN, players can expect significant technical upgrades on the new console, including support for higher framerates and resolutions that take advantage of the Switch 2’s hardware.
While specifics may vary, such as potential support for 120Hz displays, improved HD Rumble, and additional visual effects, these enhancements are designed to distinguish the Switch 2 experience from the original hardware version.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching at a price point of $19.99 (or around £19.99), a highly competitive rate for a major sequel. The game will release simultaneously on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and even platforms such as the Asus ROG Ally series. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
For those of you who are wondering what the game is all about, then it would interest you to know that the sequel builds on its predecessor’s much-lauded formula: players take the role of Hornet, a new protagonist who must journey through an expansive, interconnected world.
Silksong features refined combat, new movement abilities, and a robust crafting system, alongside over 40 new boss battles and a wealth of new environments, to add to the variations in gameplay.
Kickstarter commitment
For early supporters who contributed through Kickstarter, digital keys are being distributed for their chosen platform. Switch 2 players who backed the campaign are following the same upgrade process as standard purchasers, ensuring inclusive access to the enhanced features.
The community reception has been strongly positive, with many expressing relief and excitement after years of anticipation. Some backers have noted the passage of time since the original campaign, which began as early as 2019, and are pleased with Team Cherry’s inclusive approach to upgrades.
