‘Yooka-Replaylee’ has finally got its release date, and it’s coming to Switch 2 – with the full game on the cartridge.
Playtonic
Yooka-Replaylee, the sorta-remake of 2017’s classic platformer Yooka-Laylee, has finally been given a release date. Developer Playtonic isn’t one to squander the moment, either — there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this re-release, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series.
The game will launch worldwide on October 9 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC, and Switch 2. Digital buyers can get it for $29.99, while a physical edition will cost $49.99. Most importantly, the Switch 2 version will include the full game on the cartridge — meaning no game key card to contend with, which will help maintain its resale value, especially in a fiercely high-priced second-hand market.
Still, some people may have their arm twisted to stick with the digital edition, thanks to another bonus from Playtonic and publisher PM Studios: those who own the original Yooka-Laylee buying it on the same platform will automatically get 30% off, “as a thank-you to long-time fans.”
Yooka-Replaylee promises to be “the definitive remade and enhanced version of the 3D indie platforming collectathon darling,” bringing back many members of the original team, who also helped create Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. To its credit, the list of quality-of-life improvements it boasts is impressive, though it remains to be seen how well these are executed in the final product.
What’s new in Yooka-Replaylee
Enhanced controls and camera: All moves are available from the start and can be strung together more smoothly; the camera handling aims to deliver a sharper, more modern feel.
Next-gen graphics: Yooka-Laylee’s art, animation, and performance have been overhauled for a cleaner look and smoother play.
A narrative shift: The original game is now retold through Yooka and Laylee’s eyes, with all-new sequences folded into the tale.
Choose your playstyle: Tonics return with new abilities, alongside the option to stack enhancements, tailoring the game to your personal preferences.
Better navigation: Yooka-Replayee introduces a new map, a collectible tracker, and a fresh (book)Mark character, who acts as your warp point and guide, giving extra support for completionists.
Rextro’s Arcade: Mingames are traded out for sections featuring Rextro the dinosaur, who offers isometric platforming challenges with collectible rewards.
A new currency: Coins scattered across the world can be used with Vendi.
An orchestral soundtrack: The score, created by legends Grant Kirkhope and David Wise, returns as a newly arranged and full orchestra performance.
‘Yooka-Replaylee’ is a real collectathon, and its latest updates make it easier to 100% complete.
Playtonic
Michael Yum, the CEO of PM Studios, a physical release specialist that’s helped bring games like Karma: The Dark World, Thank Goodness You’re Here!, and Black Myth: Wukong to shelves, said: “Yooka-Replaylee is a celebration of everything we love about platformers – colorful, charming and built to last.
“It’s games like this that deserve to be preserved, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this adventure with players everywhere in both digital and physical editions at launch.”