Apidya’ Special brings a tough, insect-themed 1992 Amiga shooter to Nintendo Switch with optional widescreen presentation, arranged music, local co-op and settings that let players soften its unforgiving default rules. In Nintendo Insider’s review, Shaun Musgrave scores it 8/10, praising its presentation and soundtrack while warning that the challenge can become severe. ININ Games supplied the review copy.
What is Apidya’ Special?
Apidya began as a 1992 Amiga game published by Blue Byte and developed by Kaiko. Apidya’ Special revisits that horizontally scrolling shoot ’em up on Switch. Its insect-world setting stands apart from the space imagery common to the genre, while its design draws comparisons to Gradius and R-Type, according to Musgrave’s review.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console | $339.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Asylum - Nintendo Switch | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch 2 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The reviewer describes a familiar shooter structure: enemies drop power-ups that the player selects from an upgrade bar, and the ship can fire a charged beam. Those conventions give the game recognizable genre foundations; the unusual setting and presentation provide much of its identity.
How difficult is Apidya’ Special?
Musgrave describes the default rules as punishing. When the player dies, the game returns them to a checkpoint and removes upgrades. Losing those upgrades can make the remainder of a run harder, especially later on. The review also says the game’s difficulty can feel unfair at times.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Special’s options let players adjust checkpoint behavior and whether death causes power-downs, as well as change the number of lives and credits. These settings offer room to tailor the punishment to personal tolerance; they do not mean the underlying game becomes easy.
What is new in the Special release?
The release offers a choice between an original-style 4:3 presentation and optional widescreen visuals, alongside original-style and arranged music options. Musgrave praises the visuals and soundtrack, and values being able to switch between old and new presentation.
Rank #2
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Nintendo’s product listing describes five themed worlds—Meadow, Pond, Sewers, Cyber and Lair—with up to five levels per world, 20 unique bosses and hidden special stages. It also lists randomized events, including Night Mode, CRT effects, co-op and modernized difficulty options. These feature descriptions come from Nintendo’s listing.
Nintendo’s German listing adds that this version is based on an abandoned 1990s console port and combines original assets with new pixel art, authentic sound effects and remixed music, including new studio soundtrack versions by Chris Hülsbeck.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Can you play co-op on Switch?
Yes. Nintendo lists one-to-two players on one system. For local multiplayer, Nintendo’s Italian listing says each player needs a compatible controller. The US listing includes the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller among compatible controllers; it is one option, not a requirement for solo play.
Switch release details
Nintendo of America lists Apidya’ Special as a digital Nintendo Switch game with an August 25, 2026 release date. The listing names ININ Games as publisher and Team Apidya as developer, and gives TV, tabletop and handheld modes, plus English and German language support. Regional availability and store details may differ.
Rank #4
- A chilling journey into the dark mind: Explore the Hanwell Mental Institute and uncover its dark past.
- Experience a mind-bending original storyline as recurring hallucinations blur the line between memory and reality.
- Investigate a detailed, decrepit asylum through point-and-click adventure gameplay.
- Solve evocative challenges that reward wit and observation.
- Enter an engrossing atmosphere with a memorable soundtrack inspired by 1980s horror films and John Carpenter.
Is Apidya’ Special worth playing?
Musgrave’s 8/10 review makes the case for players who enjoy classic horizontal shooters and want a distinctive insect-themed setting, presentation choices and local co-op. Its adjustable rules are useful if the original-style death penalty is too harsh, but they do not erase the review’s central caveat: the game can become very difficult, and some of that difficulty may feel unfair. Players looking for a forgiving shooter should weigh that trade-off before choosing it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
Sources
- Nintendo Insider: Apidya’ Special Review
- Nintendo of America: Apidya’ Special
- Nintendo Italy: Apidya’ Special
- Nintendo Germany: Apidya’ Special
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
