‘Amber Isle’, a Prehistoric Twist on Animal Crossing, Experiences Unexpected Switch Release Delay

We’ve been following the development of Amber Isle, an engaging life simulation game that combines the charm of Animal Crossing with dinosaurs, crafted by Ambertail Games. Initially set to launch on the Nintendo Switch in late October, the release faced a delay to November. However, in a recent announcement, the development team revealed another postponement, pushing the release to February 2025.

Though delays can be discouraging, the developers explained that the Switch version isn’t ready yet: “the island needs a little more prep time before we’re ready to open our ports and have you all come ashore”. It’s always preferable to wait for a polished game than to dive into a launch plagued with bugs.

Last week, Ambertail and Team17 shared this update through social media, with a fresh trailer for the Switch version providing further confirmation. Below is the detailed message from the developers, shared with the community:

“Hey folks! We know you’ve been eagerly waiting for Amber Isle’s Nintendo Switch debut, but we’re regretfully announcing a further delay to February 2025.

With all the excitement building around the Switch launch, this decision wasn’t easy. Our team has been diligently working to fix bugs from our Steam release while striving to enhance the performance of our Switch version. Yet, the island needs a little more time before it’s ready for your adventure!

When February 2025 rolls around, the Nintendo Switch version will be packed with every update and patch from the Steam version! For those who can’t wait and have access to Steam, Amber Isle is part of the Team17 Fall Savings and Steam Autumn Sale, available at a discounted price.

We truly appreciate the kindness and patience our community has shown amidst the delays and issues. We couldn’t bear to see your initial Switch experience of Amber Isle marred by performance hiccups instead of introducing you to our charming dinosaurs. So, we’re dedicating this extra time to finely tune the Switch port to ensure the best quality game upon release. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you on the island soon!”

Ambertail also addressed the delay on their social media, urging patience and promising a refined product free of rushed flaws.

In anticipation of the release, pre-orders for the Switch version will open on the eShop in January, offering a 20% discount and pricing the game at £20 / $20. However, fans should note there’s no word on a physical release yet, so securing a digital copy might be the way to go.

For those unfamiliar with Amber Isle, it’s a life simulation adventure where you venture to a prehistoric island populated by adorable dinosaurs. You’ll manage your own shop, forge friendships, and customize your character and surroundings, bringing all the fun and creativity from games like Animal Crossing to a unique setting.

Hopefully, this extra time ensures that Amber Isle releases smoothly on its new date in February 2025.

Will you be grabbing Amber Isle next year? Share your thoughts in the comments.