When will Temtem come to Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch Temtem
Nintendo Switch Temtem (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

When will Temtem come to Nintendo Switch?

Best Answer: Originally, Temtem's developer had said that the game would come to Nintendo Switch in May 2020. However, they've since said that Temtem on PC isn't likely to come out of early access until sometime during Q2 2021 or Q3 2021, so that's the earliest we should expect the Switch version as well. If you're too excited to wait, the Beta version of the game is currently available for purchase to everyone on PC.Gotta catch Tem all!: Temtem ($35 at GMG (PC))

What is Temtem?

Temtem is a creature-collection RPG similar to the core Pokémon games. The biggest difference is that Temtem is an MMO. The game boasts 141 Temtem and a vibrant world filled with mechanics similar to what's in Game Freak's popular franchise. Players run around an Archipelago catching Temtem, battling other tamers, and defeating Dojo masters to become the ultimate tamer. If you've ever played a Pokémon game, this should sound pretty familiar.

Temtem showed up on Kickstarter in 2017 and quickly gained support from thousands of backers, so much so that the developers are planning to bring Temtem to Nintendo Switch eventually.

When will Temtem come to Nintendo Switch?

Temtem

Temtem (Image credit: iMore)

Temtem's Kickstarter FAQs page, states that the Switch version of Temtem will release alongside the full PC version in May 2020. However, on Temtem's Steam page, the developers say that the game won't come out of early access until sometime during Q2 2021 or Q3 2021.

"Temtem has grown a lot since its inception, and our internal deadlines have been pushed around several times already, so we're not huge fans of setting a trivial specific date because we won't be able to commit to it. Temtem will be in Early Access until we feel the game is complete enough for its release. Based on our current estimations, that will be sometime during Q2 2021 or Q3 2021."

That being the case, the game isn't likely to launch on Switch until the PC version is in full swing. That means Switch owners will probably need to wait at least until 2021 to play this game. Additionally, there are only plans for making a digital version of the game, so don't expect physical copies.

Will Temtem come to Xbox One and PS4?

Players are definitely interested in playing Temtem on other platforms, like Xbox and PlayStation. Recently, Crema, the developer behind Temtem, has stated that they will likely make an announcement soon about the game coming to other platforms. We'll just have to wait and see what they say.

Isn't Nintendo going to be upset about a Pokémon-esque game?

Temtem

Temtem (Image credit: iMore)

There are already several games out there that play off of the greatest Nintendo franchises without getting into trouble with the Japanese gaming company. For instance, Oceanhorn is similar to Zelda and Brawlout is a lot like Super Smash Bros. Crema has a good relationship with Nintendo and has already released a game on the Nintendo Switch, Immortal Redneck. It's gotten pretty far into Temtem's development without getting confronted by Game Freak or Nintendo, so it's likely they won't have issues going forward.

It helps that Crema has created a unique art style and hundreds of new characters. Not to mention that while the battle mechanics are definitely similar, there's enough of a new spin on them to make them unique from Pokémon's combat.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.