A Short Hike Switch Port Feels Perfect

There are a lot of things the Nintendo Switch has become known for since its launch. There are people who might consider it the “accessible” console, due to its varied library. It’s absolutely the convenient one, since you aren’t tied to the TV. Some might even consider it a place of solace in these troubled times, with games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons offering a virtual life and gathering place, Ring Fit Adventure and Jump Rope Challenge providing some exercise. Now, with the A Short Hike Switch port, we have another source of comfort to turn to at any time.

A Short Hike, an indie darling from adamgryu that originally appeared on PCs in 2019, has a rather simple premise. You follow a bird named Claire as she explores and climbs the mountain in Hawk Peak Provincial Park. As its name suggests, you could complete this game rather swiftly. It might take you about an hour or so to help Claire hike up the mountain so she can finally get cell phone reception. But, the name does belie its simplicity, because there really can be more to it.

Hawk Peak is filled with other people also exploring the park or going about their daily lives. You could stumble upon folks who need help, Like Jen wants you to help provide her materials for a necklace, then deliver it. Two fellow tourists are rock climbers and ask you do climb too and join their club. Bill will give you a fishing pole so you can fish, and the white bird on the ship will buy your fish and give you a journal so you can keep track of more fish. As you can expect, it’s the sort of game that keeps building and offering things to do, but never forcing you to do them.

Which, honestly, is part of why the A Short Hike Switch port feels so perfect. The system is one where you could easily pick up and play for a few minutes or a few hours. Likewise, adamgryu’s adventure is a perfect diversion. There’s a casual nature to it, of course. You could just touch upon everything it offers and take a leisurely walk through the park. But there’s also a depth to it if you want to do more. There are so many things you could see and ways you could challenge yourself, should you just enjoy chilling in this world and taking in what it has to offer.

There’s also the matter of how good A Short Hike looks and feels on the Switch. Yes, this isn’t a demanding game. It has a very deliberate design that is minimalistic, but still captures characters’ natures and personalities. It feels like a crisp fall day where you have nothing but time ahead of you and no real commitments. Likewise, its controls aren’t demanding, but there’s something so satisfying once you glide from a high altitude or start really accumulating Golden Feathers so you can start heading places or challenging yourself.

That isn’t even getting into its themes. Claire’s desire to make contact with the person on the other end of that phone is something we can relate to in a time where a call is the only way we can keep in touch with people anymore. But, there’s also the whole idea that while we’re waiting for her to finally get reception and make that connection, she’s meeting and forming these other bonds with the other people at the park. Maybe they’re superficial and you’re only just stopping by to say hello. Perhaps you invest a little more effort in to help someone out. It’s still acting as a means of virtual socialization that is constantly pleasant.

A Short Hike is soothing no matter where you play it, but there’s just something about having it on the Switch. It is one of those games where it really just clicks on the system. It’s an utter delight and a great next “step” for people, whether they’re looking for something a little less chaotic after Untitled Goose Game or want to socialize without the daily demands of Animal Crossing.

A Short Hike is immediately available on the Nintendo Switch and PC.