Yes, Hollow Knight is available on Nintendo Switch

Hollow Knight released on Nintendo Switch in April 2018, the same year it came out on PC. The Switch version is the full game — no content is cut, no features are missing. You can play it in handheld mode, docked mode, or tabletop mode, and the controls map cleanly to the Joy-Con controllers or a Pro Controller.

The game costs $14.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop. It goes on sale occasionally, usually during Nintendo's seasonal promotions, though the discount is typically 10 to 20 percent rather than steep. You can also buy it physically as a cartridge from retailers, though physical copies tend to cost more than the digital version.

If you own the game on another platform — PC, PlayStation, or Xbox — you do not get it free on Switch. Each platform requires a separate purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Hollow Knight is the complete game on Switch with no removed content, and it costs $14.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
  • You can play in handheld, docked, or tabletop mode, and the controls work well on both Joy-Con and Pro Controller.
  • The game occasionally goes on sale during Nintendo promotions, but discounts are usually modest.
  • Physical cartridges exist but typically cost more than buying the digital version from the eShop.

How Hollow Knight performs on Switch hardware

The Switch version runs at 60 frames per second in handheld mode and docked mode alike. The resolution drops to 720p when docked and 540p in handheld mode, which is normal for Switch ports. The visual difference is noticeable if you compare it side-by-side to the PC version, but the game's art style — hand-drawn 2D sprites and backgrounds — holds up well at lower resolution.

Load times are slightly longer than on PC, but not by a dramatic amount. Moving between rooms takes a second or two. The game does not have performance issues or crashes that players commonly report.

What the DLC situation looks like on Switch

Hollow Knight has three free DLC packs that were released over time: Hidden Dreams, The Abyss, and Godmaster. All three are included in the Switch version by default — you do not need to download them separately or pay for them. If you buy the game today, you get the full package.

There is also a sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, which was announced in 2019 and is confirmed for Switch. As of now, no release date has been announced, and the game has not shipped.

Storage space and download size

The digital version takes up about 5.5 GB of space on your Switch storage. If you have a Switch with 32 GB of internal storage, you will need a microSD card to install it — the internal storage alone is not enough for Hollow Knight plus the Switch operating system and any other games.

A microSD card of 64 GB or larger is inexpensive and solves this problem. The physical cartridge version does not require a download, so it uses no internal storage beyond a small save file.

Handheld play and battery life

Hollow Knight is well-suited to handheld play because it is a single-player game with no online features and no time pressure. You can pause at any moment, which makes it easy to play in short sessions on a commute or during a break.

The game does not drain the Switch battery faster than other games. On a standard Switch (not the Lite or OLED model), you can expect 4 to 5 hours of play before the battery runs low. The Switch Lite gets similar battery life, and the Switch OLED model lasts slightly longer.

Controls and accessibility

The game uses the standard button layout: attack is mapped to Y, jump to B, and spell casting to X. You navigate menus with the D-pad or left stick. The controls feel responsive, and there is no input lag that players commonly complain about.

Hollow Knight does not have built-in colorblind modes or text-size options. If you need larger text or high-contrast visuals, the Switch system settings let you increase text size and enable high-contrast mode, though these affect the entire system, not just this game. The game's art uses distinct shapes and colors, so most players with color vision deficiency can still tell enemies and hazards apart.

Comparing Switch to other versions

The PC version (on Steam) is the most common way to play Hollow Knight and often the cheapest during sales. The PlayStation and Xbox versions are functionally identical to the Switch version. The main reason to choose Switch is portability — you can play it anywhere, which matters if you travel or prefer handheld gaming.

If you already own Hollow Knight on PC and want to play it on the go, the Switch purchase is a separate cost. There is no cross-save feature, so your progress does not carry over between platforms. You start fresh on Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Hollow Knight on Switch Lite?

Yes. The Switch Lite is fully compatible with Hollow Knight. The smaller screen makes some text harder to read, but the game plays the same way. You will still need a microSD card if you buy the digital version.

Is Hollow Knight free on Switch?

No. The game costs $14.99 on the Nintendo eShop. It is not included in Nintendo Switch Online, and there is no free trial version.

Does Hollow Knight have multiplayer on Switch?

No. Hollow Knight is single-player only on all platforms, including Switch. There is no online or local multiplayer mode.

What happens if I run out of storage space?

If your Switch storage is full, you cannot download the digital version. You can delete other games or data to make room, or buy a microSD card. The physical cartridge version does not require a download and works without extra storage.

Can I transfer my save file from PC to Switch?

No. Save files do not transfer between platforms. If you buy Hollow Knight on Switch, you start a new game with no progress from your PC save.