Mario spin-off gets free Nintendo Switch 2 taster full of tongue-twisting platformer puzzles

Its a sad time to be a Nintendo Switch fan - or a prospectful one at least - as the Japanese company confirmed its original handheld console is now dead. But where there's rain, a rainbow follows, and this time the green character at the bottom is Yoshi.

After nine years of production, Nintendo has officially announced its plan to sunset the Switch, with the sequel hardware being the only choice in 2027.

With it, classic Nintendo games like Mario Kart will be shut down, leaving a hole that needs filling.

Typical of the Mario world, that's where everyone's favourite dino comes into play. Yoshi is here to save the day.

Ahead of its full release, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book has been offered up as a free demo, and is the perfect reintroduction to Nintendo's iconic world, full with puzzles and friendly interactions.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book gets free demo on Switch 2

Released earlier this year, the $60 platformer game puts you inside Yoshi's personal encyclopedia, and was met with generally favourable reviews.

Im impressed GAMINGbible, as we rated it 'excellent' in our review, saying, "It’s fun, whimsical, colourful and doesn’t take itself too seriously, because why should it?

"The Nintendo Switch 2’s first-party offering has been pretty hit and miss so far but Yoshi and the Mysterious Book could easily stand side-by-side with Donkey Kong Bananza in terms of the feeling of the game."

Now, the game has been released, in part, on Nintendo Switch 2 for free.

The limited-time demo is available to be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop, where the first chapter is available without having to pay for the full game.

Those who give it a go will be able to keeptheir progress if they choose to stick with the game, which should be more than enough to convince you that its worth sticking with.

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Given the lack of Mario games in recent years, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a solid reintroduction to the animated world of goombas and toadstools.

Notorious for its entrey-level difficulty too, the puzzling platformer could also be the perfect way to spend your summer evenings, trading the hot and sweaty gaming chairs for the comfort of a handheld switch infront of the fan, cooling down and enjoying a cosy experience.

It's not for everyone, but at least there's a free chapter for you to make your own mind up.