Atlantis Studio launches two-player horror exclusive on Switch 2

Beyond the Dark: Nightwatch launched globally on October 22, 2026, as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive developed and published by Atlantis Studio.<!– –>

The two-player asymmetrical co-op horror game has no single-player mode or AI companion, so players need a friend. One player explores a mansion in first person while the second monitors cameras and tactical tools, making constant communication essential to survival.<!– –>

Early reviews and impressions were negative, citing technical problems such as stuttering, hitching, poor image quality, and repetitive gameplay with downtime. Nintendo Everything called the Switch 2 exclusive poorly optimized, while GameSpew described the experience as a slog that prioritizes panic over puzzles.<!– –>

Being caught by the entity causes an instant game over and a return to the start, though solved floors and pinned notes carry over.<!– –> Only one purchase is required because a free Friend’s Pass lets a second player join on any generation of Nintendo Switch hardware.<!– –> Atlantis Studio is based in Avignon, France, was co-founded by Nico Augusto and Ru Weerasuriya, and built its first original title using Unreal Engine 5.<!– –>

The studio collaborated with Kyoto-based Q-Games to animate the Gloam entity. Voice actor Troy Baker and composer Oscar Araujo, known for the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow trilogy, joined the project.<!– –>

The game launched at a price of €19.99. A day-one patch was released at launch with minor bug fixes, online connectivity improvements, and stability enhancements.<!– –>

Nico Augusto, creative director and game director of Atlantis Studio, said both players must feel responsible for each other and trust each other to escape. “We wanted both players to feel responsible for each other,” said Nico Augusto, Creative Director of Atlantis Studio and Game Director.<!– –>

Atlantis Studio ran the Beyond the Dark Nightwatch – World Championship from October 22 to November 2, 2026, offering a trip to Edinburgh worth up to €4,500. Championship entry was free for eligible participants aged 18 or over in territories where the game is sold, requiring a Twitch livestream and score submission via X or email.<!– –>

A launch single called “Beyond the Dark” by Nico Augusto and Agnès Christol was released on major music streaming platforms on October 22, 2026. The game was available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop in Western markets before its October 22, 2026 launch.<!– –>