![We're so excited to announce that Cuphead is indeed coming to Nintendo Switch on April [Source: Studio MDHR - Twitter]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/were-so-excited-to-announce-that-cuphead-is-indeed-coming-to-nintendo-switch-on-april-source-studio-mdhr-twitter_2231613.jpg "We're so excited to announce that Cuphead is indeed coming to Nintendo Switch on April [Source: Studio MDHR - Twitter]")
Nintendo is no stranger to indie developers and their games. In fact, the company's current console, the Nintendo Switch has received a ton of them since its launch in early 2017. Not wanting to skip out on the trend, Microsoft has announced that the latest indie darling joining its library of games will be none other than indie sensation 'Cuphead,' and is scheduled for release on April 18.
An ecstatic April launch
Microsoft and StudioMDHR made the surprise announcement during the Game Developers Conference held in San Francisco today. The news was also revealed during a Nintendo Direct broadcast held on the same day with Nintendo thanking their "friends" at Microsoft for the port.
Watch the official trailer:
The announcement also revealed that Microsoft and StudioMDHR are working together to bring Xbox Live features to the Nintendo Switch version via a post-launch update. The companies also plan to roll out additional updates in the near future.
"Growing out of these recent discussions, we are partnering with StudioMDHR to investigate bringing Xbox Live features beyond Xbox and PC to Nintendo Switch," according to a post found on the official Xbox blog. It added "We’ll be working with StudioMDHR to implement Xbox Live features into Cuphead on the Nintendo Switch in the coming months. "
In addition, Xbox representative, Major Nelson revealed that 'Cuphead' for the Nintendo Switch will receive free additional content as part of the update in April.
The new content coming to the game includes the character Mugman becoming selectable in single-player, new fully animated cinematics and art, eleven additional text languages as well as some much-needed bug fixes.
Not only is Cuphead coming to Nintendo Switch, @StudioMDHR is releasing a free content update in April that includes the option to now play as Mugman in singleplayer https://t.co/QtjNkVOnCX https://t.co/vKnERpb56v
— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) March 20, 2019
The Dark Souls of Platformers
'Cuphead' was the brainchild and debut title of StudiomDHR, starting development back in 2010.
The game is essentially a run 'n' gun platformer that's is notorious for its rubber hose style animation and highly challenging gameplay. The game was launched on September 29, 2017, for the a and PC and has since received much critical acclaim. 'Cuphead' would also go on to earn several awards and accolades from renowned publications such as Entertainment Weekly, PC Gamer, and Game Informer.
As of April 2018, the indie title has reportedly sold over 3 million copies.
'Cuphead' will undoubtedly make a fine addition to the Nintendo Switch's growing indie game library but the addition of Xbox Live features is an especially auspicious one for Microsoft. The move is a clear sign that Microsoft is making a push to encroach on third-party platforms. So far, however, Nintendo is all for it.
