The long-awaited Dinkum release for Nintendo Switch is almost here, officially arriving on November 5 or 6, 2025, depending on your region. Ahead of launch, players now have access to a demo that gives a surprisingly generous taste of what the full version will bring. Having spent hundreds of hours in Dinkum on PC and Steam Deck, I decided to explore how the Switch demo holds up and what players can expect once the game launches in full.

Performance and Gameplay Feel on Switch

The first thing returning players will notice is that Dinkum’s performance on Switch is a step down from its PC counterpart, which is expected given hardware differences. The demo runs smoothly enough on both the original Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, though the latter offers slightly better camera movement and smoother player control.

However, there are a few quirks. Some players have reported mild input delay when using the left Joy-Con, especially during inventory management or when moving items. This doesn’t break the experience but is noticeable for those used to the PC’s precision.

That said, playing Dinkum on the couch, in bed, or during your commute adds a new level of accessibility that PC simply can’t match. The Switch’s portability makes this farming and life-sim adventure feel more like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, letting you jump in and out of the game in short bursts.

Demo Limitations and Progression

The demo provides a solid 28 in-game days to explore, which roughly translates to 15 hours of gameplay. That’s enough time to establish a small settlement, experiment with farming, cooking, and even encounter a few alpha beasts like the Bush Devil and Crocodile.

Still, there are limitations. You can’t upgrade your tools to copper or iron tiers, meaning you’ll be restricted to basic weapons and tools throughout. Certain crafting features, such as multi-crafting (which allows you to craft multiple items like nails at once), are currently missing in the Switch demo. On PC, these are already available in version 1.0.6, while the Switch demo is running version 1.01.

You can still earn and use licenses, catch fish, mine ore, and even invite John and Theodore to your island. However, advanced buildings and hardwood-based items—like the animal collection point—remain locked out. Despite these restrictions, the demo offers a meaningful glimpse into Dinkum’s rich crafting and exploration systems.

Combat and Exploration Tips

Even with limited gear, players can take down alpha creatures using clever tactics. One proven strategy involves using terrain or fences to trap enemies before attacking. The “double fish tank” trick, where players lure large beasts into enclosed spaces, still works effectively in the demo.

For those testing the demo, make good use of the cooking table. Simple food buffs can make a huge difference when tackling tough wildlife or exploring resource-heavy zones. Selling crafted bars and rare materials to John is also an effective way to earn Dinks quickly within the demo’s constraints.

And yes—if you’re the type who loves hidden fun, there are still Easter eggs to find. For example, placing RuPoo in your head slot gives you a hilarious floating pet fly companion.

Visual Differences and Updates

Graphically, Dinkum on Switch has a slightly different color palette compared to PC. Rocks and terrain textures are deeper in tone, and the water is clearer, making it easier to spot fish before casting your line. While these tweaks might stem from performance optimization, they actually enhance the overall visibility and color contrast on handheld mode.

Craftton has confirmed that the goal is version parity between Steam and Switch builds, so missing features like multi-crafting and certain visual effects should arrive in future updates.

Multiplayer, Cross-Play, and Exclusive Content

Multiplayer will be available in the full version, though limited to four players instead of the six supported on PC. Cross-platform play between Steam and Switch is not yet confirmed, but the developers have indicated that it’s something they’re exploring. For now, it’s safe to assume that Switch players will only be able to play with other Switch users.

Players who purchase the full version on Switch will receive an exclusive in-game clothing item, delivered through the mailbox system.

For those who enjoy collecting cosmetics or upgrading tools quickly, it’s often useful to buy Dinkum items or even buy Dinkum items online through reliable marketplaces like U4GM, which are known among veteran players for offering convenient options when you want to save time building your ideal setup.

Overall, Dinkum’s Switch demo delivers a solid first impression. While it’s not as fluid or feature-complete as the PC version, it successfully captures the charm and creativity that make the game so beloved. For newcomers, this is a great opportunity to test the waters before launch, and for veterans, it’s a portable way to revisit your favorite Aussie-inspired adventure.

Expect some polishing and content alignment once the full release hits, but even in its current form, Dinkum on Switch is shaping up to be one of the most engaging life-sim experiences on the platform.