Mina the Hollower is a retro-inspired action-adventure from Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight. It is launching across PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox platforms, with Steam showing May 28, 2026 and console listings around May 29, 2026 depending on platform and region. Early critic reception is very strong, especially for players who like Zelda-style exploration, gothic pixel art, tough combat, secrets, and compact single-player adventures.
This guide breaks down the release date, Switch 2 version, platforms, price, early reviews, and whether Mina the Hollower is worth buying now or waiting on.
Affiliate note: Some product links in this article may earn us a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only include products when they fit the reader’s use case.
Table of Contents
What is Mina the Hollower?
Mina the Hollower is a gothic retro action-adventure game from Yacht Club Games, built around exploration, burrowing, whip combat, sidearms, trinkets, secrets, and challenging boss encounters.
The easiest comparison is “classic top-down Zelda meets Castlevania and Soulslike pressure,” but that does not fully explain why the game is getting attention. Mina the Hollower looks old-school on purpose, yet it is not just a nostalgia project. Its appeal is in how it uses retro limits to create readable combat, quick movement, tight level design, and a darker adventure tone.
Yacht Club Games describes Mina as a renowned Hollower sent on a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. The official description highlights burrowing beneath hazards and monsters, whipping enemies, using sidearms and trinkets, and exploring a pixel-perfect world filled with secrets and bosses. You can read the official overview on Yacht Club Games’ Mina the Hollower page.
That matters because Yacht Club Games has built trust through Shovel Knight. Mina the Hollower is not another Shovel Knight spin-off. It is the studio’s next major original-style action-adventure swing.
Mina the Hollower release date: May 28 or May 29?
Mina the Hollower’s release timing depends on platform and region. Steam currently lists the game with a May 28, 2026 release date, while PlayStation lists May 29, 2026.
This is normal with digital games. Storefronts can show different dates because of regional unlock windows, platform timing, or time-zone differences.
For readers, the practical answer is simple:
| Platform | Release timing shown |
|---|---|
| Steam / PC | May 28, 2026 on Steam |
| PlayStation Store | May 29, 2026 |
| Xbox Store | Listed; availability may depend on launch timing and region |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 | Launch coverage points to May 29, 2026 |
You can check the current PC listing on the Mina the Hollower Steam page and the PlayStation listing on the Mina the Hollower PlayStation Store page.
The safest way to phrase it is this: Mina the Hollower launches during the May 28–29 window, depending on platform and region.
What platforms is Mina the Hollower on?
Mina the Hollower is available across PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox.
Here is the quick platform breakdown:
| Platform | Status |
| PC / Steam | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes |
| PS5 | Yes |
| Xbox Series X/S | Yes |
| Xbox One | Check your local Xbox store listing before buying |
| PS4 | Check your local PlayStation store listing before buying |
| Xbox Game Pass | Do not assume Game Pass availability unless your Xbox store page confirms it |
The Xbox Store describes Mina the Hollower as optimized for Xbox Series X/S and lists it as an action-adventure game from Yacht Club Games. You can check the live listing on the Mina the Hollower Xbox Store page.
The important point: this is not a PC-only indie release. Mina the Hollower is launching broadly enough that the real decision is not “can I play it?” but which platform should I choose?
Is Mina the Hollower on Switch 2?
Yes, Mina the Hollower is available on Nintendo Switch 2, and that is one of the most searched platform questions around the game right now.
Switch 2 is a natural fit for Mina the Hollower because this is the kind of compact action-adventure that makes sense in handheld mode. The retro visual style, quick combat rooms, secrets, and exploration loop all suit short sessions better than many massive open-world games.
That said, there are two different player types here.
If you mostly play docked on a TV, the Switch 2 version gives you the convenience of a console setup while keeping handheld flexibility.
If you already own a gaming PC or Steam Deck-style handheld, Steam may be the better long-term library choice because it gives you more flexibility across PC devices.
The best platform depends on how you actually play:
| Player type | Best platform fit |
| Handheld-first Nintendo player | Switch 2 |
| Existing Switch owner | Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 |
| PC library user | Steam |
| Xbox player | Xbox |
| PlayStation player | PS5 |
My practical take: if you want Mina as a handheld game, Switch 2 makes the most sense. If you want long-term PC access, Steam is the safest library choice.
Mina the Hollower price: how much does it cost?
Mina the Hollower is listed around the $19.99 USD range on U.S. storefronts checked during research, but Canadian pricing can vary by platform, tax, and region. Check your local store before buying.
The price is important because Mina is competing against both large AAA releases and other indie games. At around the $20 USD level, the buying question changes. You are not deciding whether to spend full-price AAA money. You are deciding whether this is a strong enough single-player action-adventure to buy now instead of waiting for a sale.
For many players, the answer will depend on challenge tolerance.
If you like retro adventure games, secrets, tight combat, and difficult boss patterns, the current price looks reasonable. If you mostly want relaxed exploration or modern 3D presentation, you may want to watch gameplay first.
What are reviews saying about Mina the Hollower?
Early reviews for Mina the Hollower are very positive, especially from critics who enjoy challenging retro action-adventures with Zelda, Castlevania, and Soulslike influences.
This is not our hands-on review. We are summarizing early critic reception and verified store information.
The current review signal is strong:
- Metacritic’s Mina the Hollower page shows Universal Acclaim at the time of writing.
- OpenCritic’s Mina the Hollower review page shows a high critic average and strong recommendation rate at the time of writing.
- PC Gamer’s Mina the Hollower review praises the game’s retro action-RPG design, challenge, and player freedom.
- GamesRadar’s Mina the Hollower review frames it as a standout retro-style adventure with Zelda, Bloodborne, and Castlevania energy.
The consistent praise is not just “it looks retro.” Critics are responding to how much design depth sits underneath that look: exploration, secret paths, weapons, sidearms, modifiers, shortcuts, and boss fights.
The caution is also clear. Mina the Hollower may not be for everyone. If you dislike punishing combat, directional attacks, careful resource use, or getting lost in old-school adventure layouts, this may feel more demanding than the screenshots suggest.
Is Mina the Hollower like Zelda?
Yes, Mina the Hollower is often compared to classic top-down Zelda games because of its perspective, exploration, secrets, and retro handheld style, but it is not just a Zelda clone.
The better description is:
Mina the Hollower takes the readable adventure structure of classic Zelda-style games, adds gothic atmosphere, sharper combat pressure, sidearms, trinkets, burrowing mechanics, and a more demanding rhythm.
That is why review coverage keeps connecting it to multiple influences at once:
- Zelda-style exploration
- Castlevania-like gothic tone and whip combat
- Soulslike resource pressure
- Game Boy Color-style visual discipline
- Modern indie replayability and modifiers
This is also why Mina the Hollower has a strong search opportunity. People are not only looking for the release date. They are trying to understand what kind of game it actually is.
Should you buy Mina the Hollower?
You should consider buying Mina the Hollower if you like challenging retro action-adventures, compact single-player games, secrets, boss fights, and Zelda-style exploration with a darker tone.
Buy it if:
- you like classic top-down Zelda-style games
- you enjoyed Yacht Club Games’ design approach in Shovel Knight
- you want a focused single-player adventure
- you enjoy secrets, shortcuts, and exploration
- you are comfortable with challenging combat
- you like games that look retro but play with modern precision
Wait or skip if:
- you want a relaxed cozy adventure
- you dislike difficult bosses
- you do not enjoy retro pixel visuals
- you prefer large 3D open-world games
- you only want to play through a subscription service
- you are unsure about the combat style
My verdict based on the current evidence: Mina the Hollower looks like one of the strongest indie action-adventure releases of 2026 so far, but it is best suited to players who actually enjoy old-school challenge.
For another recent launch-style gaming guide, read our breakdown of Mixtape Game: Game Pass, Platforms & Verdict.
Best setup for playing Mina the Hollower
Mina the Hollower does not need a giant setup. That is part of the appeal. It is not a racing sim, competitive shooter, or high-end PC showcase. The best setup depends on your platform.
Here are the only accessories I would consider for this game.
| Product | Best for | Why it fits |
| Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Express Card | Switch 2 digital-library users | Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for expandable game storage, and 512GB is practical if you buy digital games regularly |
| 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller | Switch 2 / PC players | A good fit if you want a traditional controller feel instead of handheld-only play |
| Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox / PC players | The safest mainstream controller choice for Xbox and Windows PC players |
Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Express Card
If you are buying Mina the Hollower digitally on Switch 2, you do not need a massive storage upgrade just for this one game. But if you are building a larger digital library, the Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Express Card is the storage pick that makes sense.
The key detail is compatibility. Nintendo says Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards, not regular microSD cards. You can verify this on Nintendo’s official microSD Express compatibility support page.
Samsung’s P9 Express 512GB card is built around PCIe speed and Dynamic Thermal Guard, which is exactly the type of card Switch 2 digital-library users should be looking at. You can review the official specs on Samsung Canada’s P9 Express 512GB product page.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
If you are playing Mina the Hollower on Switch 2 or PC and want something more comfortable than handheld-only controls, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller is a natural fit.
This is not mandatory. Mina is playable without turning your setup into a full accessory stack. But a traditional controller can make longer sessions more comfortable, especially if you are playing docked or at a desk.
8BitDo lists the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller as compatible with Switch 2 after a firmware update. You can check the details on the official 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller page.
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
For Xbox and PC players, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is still the cleanest mainstream recommendation. It is widely supported, comfortable, and works across Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC setups.
Microsoft’s official controller page lists compatibility with Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Android, and iOS. You can review the current compatibility details on Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller page.
Mina the Hollower FAQ
When does Mina the Hollower release?
Mina the Hollower releases during the May 28–29, 2026 window depending on platform and region. Steam lists May 28, while PlayStation lists May 29.
Is Mina the Hollower on Switch 2?
Yes, Mina the Hollower is available on Nintendo Switch 2.
What platforms is Mina the Hollower on?
Mina the Hollower is available on PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox platforms.
Is Mina the Hollower on Game Pass?
Do not assume Mina the Hollower is on Game Pass unless your Xbox store or Game Pass app confirms it. At the time of writing, the safer buying decision is to check the official Xbox listing directly.
How much does Mina the Hollower cost?
Mina the Hollower is listed at $19.99 on Steam and Xbox U.S. storefronts checked at the time of writing. Canadian prices can vary, so check your local store before buying.
Is Mina the Hollower like Zelda?
Yes, Mina the Hollower has classic top-down Zelda-style influence, especially in its perspective, exploration, secrets, and adventure structure. It also has gothic Castlevania-style energy and more demanding combat pressure.
Is Mina the Hollower worth buying?
Mina the Hollower looks worth buying for fans of challenging retro action-adventures, especially players who enjoy Zelda-style exploration, boss fights, secrets, and Yacht Club Games’ design approach. Players who dislike difficult combat or retro visuals may want to watch gameplay first.
Who made Mina the Hollower?
Mina the Hollower was developed and published by Yacht Club Games, the studio best known for Shovel Knight.
Final Take
Mina the Hollower is not trending just because it has retro visuals. It is trending because it answers a very specific gaming appetite in 2026: a focused, challenging, stylish action-adventure that feels old-school without feeling shallow.
If you like Zelda-style exploration, gothic pixel art, secrets, tough combat, and compact single-player games, this should be on your radar. If you are buying it for Switch 2, think about your storage only if you are building a larger digital library. If you are playing on PC or Xbox, a comfortable controller matters more than any flashy accessory.