Performance is stable, targeting 60fps in both docked and handheld modes, though beast-form particle effects can cause minor dips in crowded areas. Load times are snappy, a crucial feature for a game that encourages backtracking. For those archiving their Switch library, the XCI dump of Beasts and Princesses (base version 1.0.2, later updated to 1.1.0) comes in at a modest 2.4 GB . The update patch adds a “Boss Rush” mode and two new color palettes. The game requires firmware 15.0.1 or higher. No significant anti-piracy triggers have been reported in scene releases, though online leaderboards (for the optional time trials) will naturally be disabled on non-genuine copies. The Verdict Beasts and Princesses doesn’t reinvent the wheel—you’ll find your standard double jump, air dash, and key-hunting loops. But its emotional core (the prince struggling against his own body to save someone else) and the satisfying snap between two distinct playstyles make it a hidden gem.
The hook is the . At any moment, you can switch between your human form (precise swordplay, using relics) and your beast form (brute force, wall-climbing, and scent-tracking). Each form unlocks different paths through a beautifully illustrated, interconnected castle. One room might require the prince’s finesse to cross a chandelier; the next demands the beast’s raw power to smash through a cracked wall. Why the Switch Version Shines While the PC version is solid, the Switch port—often shared in XCI format for use with custom firmware—feels like the definitive edition. The ability to play in handheld mode enhances the game’s intimate, storybook aesthetic. The pixel art, reminiscent of Salt and Sanctuary meets Hollow Knight , pops on the OLED screen. Beasts and Princesses for Nintendo Switch XCI
In the crowded world of indie Metroidvanias, Beasts and Princesses manages to stand out—not through graphical fidelity, but through sheer atmospheric charm and a clever twist on classic fairy tales. Originally released on PC to quiet acclaim, the game has now found a natural home on the Nintendo Switch, and for those seeking the XCI scene release, it’s a title worth adding to your library. The Premise: Save the Princess… by Becoming the Beast The game flips the damsel-in-distress trope on its head. You play as Kaelen , a prince cursed to slowly transform into a feral beast. The princess has been kidnapped not by a dragon, but by a coven of Nightweavers who want to weaponize your curse. To save her, you must embrace your inner monster. Performance is stable, targeting 60fps in both docked
If you enjoy moody Metroidvanias with a heart and don’t mind a shorter runtime (around 12 hours for 100% completion), track down the XCI for Beasts and Princesses . Just remember: support the developers if you fall in love with the beast. Disclaimer: This piece is for informational and preservation discussion purposes only. Piracy harms the creators who make these niche games possible. The update patch adds a “Boss Rush” mode