So here's the deal ā I've been following the Little Nightmares franchise since day one, and let me tell you, the news about the Enhanced Edition has me feeling some type of way. With Little Nightmares III dropping in just a few days (October 10th to be exact), Bandai Namco decided to throw us a curveball that's got the community buzzing.
What's the Tea on This Enhanced Edition? ā
Look, I'm not gonna beat around the bush here. The Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition is essentially a glow-up of the original 2017 horror platformer that scared the living daylights out of us. We're talking higher resolution, beefed-up particle effects, volumetric improvements, and ā this is where it gets juicy ā Ray Tracing reflections that'll make those already creepy corridors even more spine-tingling.
For those who pre-ordered Little Nightmares III, you've already got your hands on it. Lucky you! But here's where things get interesting (and by interesting, I mean controversial).
The Free Upgrade Situation: It's Complicated š¬
Bandai Namco announced that if you own the digital copy of the original Little Nightmares on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you're golden ā free upgrade coming your way! Sounds great, right? Well, hold your horses, because Nintendo players are getting the short end of the stick.
The Platform Breakdown
| Platform | Free Upgrade Available? |
|---|---|
| PC (Digital) | ā Yes |
| PlayStation (Digital) | ā Yes |
| Xbox (Digital) | ā Yes |
| Nintendo Switch 1 | ā No |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | ā No |
Now, I get it ā the original Switch hardware is, let's face it, not exactly a powerhouse. Ray Tracing on that bad boy? Yeah, not happening. The "technical limitations" excuse for Switch 1 makes perfect sense to me. But here's where I'm scratching my head...
Why Are Switch 2 Players Getting Shafted? š¤
This is where the whole situation goes from "understandable" to "wait, what?" The Nintendo Switch 2 is supposed to be a significant upgrade from its predecessor. So why can't those players get the free Enhanced Edition like everyone else? Bandai Namco's being pretty hush-hush about the specifics, and honestly, it doesn't add up.
Point 18 in their official Q&A mentions technical limitations, but that explanation feels about as solid as Swiss cheese when we're talking about the Switch 2. The gaming community isn't buying it, and neither am I. It's giving "business decision disguised as technical issue" vibes, if you know what I mean.
A Bit of Background for the Newcomers š®
Let me back up a second and give you the full picture. Little Nightmares isn't just some run-of-the-mill horror game ā it's basically become the poster child for atmospheric horror platformers. The series kicked off in November 2017, developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco. It was a sleeper hit that turned into a phenomenon.
The sequel dropped in 2021 (actually a prequel, story-wise ā mind-bending, I know), and things got a bit messy behind the scenes. Embracer Group scooped up Tarsier Studios in 2019, but Bandai Namco kept the rights to the franchise. For Little Nightmares III, they handed the reins to Supermassive Games ā you know, the folks behind Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology. Talk about pedigree! šŖ
What's Coming on October 10th? š
Okay, so we're getting a two-for-one special on launch day:
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Little Nightmares III ā The brand new chapter with co-op gameplay (finally!)
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Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition ā The souped-up version of where it all began
Little Nightmares III will be available on:
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PS5 & PS4
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Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One
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Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
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PC
The Enhanced Edition, however, is where the platform availability gets... complicated, as we've discussed.
The Sickly Sweet Board Game Surprise š²
As if all this wasn't enough, Bandai's got another trick up their sleeve. On September 30th, they're hosting a special premiere showcasing the Sickly Sweet board game. Yep, you read that right ā a board game inspired by the LN universe. I'm curious to see how they translate that nightmare fuel into tabletop format. Should be wild!
My Two Cents š
Here's the thing ā I'm stoked about the Enhanced Edition. The original game was already gorgeous in its own twisted way, and adding Ray Tracing is gonna take it to another level. But the way Nintendo players are being treated? It's not sitting right with me.
If you're a PC, PlayStation, or Xbox player with the original game, you're in for a treat. Download that free upgrade and experience Six's terrifying journey all over again with next-gen bells and whistles. But if you're a Nintendo loyalist? Well, you're gonna have to decide if the enhanced visuals are worth double-dipping for. However, if you need to purchase the original to qualify, you can compare Little Nightmares CD key prices on DealNest, where it's currently just $3.65 (83% off).
Who Should Get the Enhanced Edition?
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Definitely grab it if: You've never played the original and want the best possible experience
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Worth considering if: You loved the game and want to replay it with improved graphics
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Maybe skip it if: You recently played through it and aren't fussed about visual upgrades
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Nintendo players: Tough call ā depends on how much the technical improvements matter to you
The Bottom Line
Look, I've been around the block enough times to know that the gaming industry is, at the end of the day, a business. But transparency goes a long way with gamers. We're not asking for the moon here ā just a straight answer about why Switch 2 players can't get the same treatment as everyone else.
That said, I'm still hyped for October 10th. Little Nightmares III looks absolutely incredible, and playing it in co-op for the first time is going to be something special. The Enhanced Edition is just the cherry on top of what's shaping up to be a fantastic double release.
So, where will I be playing? Probably on PC to get the full Ray Tracing experience. But my heart goes out to all you Nintendo fans who got left in the cold on this one. Here's hoping Bandai Namco comes to their senses and makes things right.
What about you folks? Are you planning to jump into the Enhanced Edition, or are you going straight for Little Nightmares III? And Nintendo players ā are you as frustrated about this as I am? Sound off in the comments! š
