How Much Is Hollow Knight on Nintendo Switch?
Hollow Knight has earned a reputation as one of the best indie games ever made — and for Switch owners, it's become a go-to recommendation. If you're trying to figure out what it costs and whether there's a physical or digital version worth knowing about, here's a clear breakdown.
The Base Price of Hollow Knight on Switch
Hollow Knight is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop (digital download) and has been priced at $15 USD since its Switch launch. This is consistent with its pricing on other platforms like Steam, where it launched at the same rate.
That said, Nintendo eShop prices can vary by region. If your Nintendo account is set to a different country, you may see the equivalent price in that local currency, which can differ slightly due to regional pricing adjustments and currency conversion.
🎮 The short version: the standard digital asking price is $15, but what you actually pay depends on a few factors covered below.
Does Hollow Knight Go on Sale on the Switch eShop?
Yes — Hollow Knight goes on sale periodically through Nintendo's eShop promotions. Discounts have historically brought the price down to the $7–$10 range, sometimes lower during major seasonal sales events. Nintendo runs sales throughout the year, and indie titles like Hollow Knight are commonly included.
Key variables that affect what you'll pay:
- Timing of your purchase — buying at full price versus catching a sale makes a real difference at this price tier
- Your region — eShop pricing differs across North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan
- Nintendo Switch Online membership — this doesn't directly discount Hollow Knight, but members sometimes get access to exclusive deals on the eShop
- Gold Points — purchases on the eShop earn Nintendo Gold Points (roughly 5% back), which can offset future purchases
If you're not in a rush, checking sale trackers or wishlist tools that monitor eShop price drops is a practical way to catch a discount.
Is There a Physical Version of Hollow Knight for Switch?
Yes. A physical cartridge version of Hollow Knight was released for Switch, produced by Fangamer. However, physical copies are not always easy to find at retail. When available, the physical version has been priced at around $15–$20, though secondary market prices can vary considerably depending on availability and seller.
The physical edition has become somewhat of a collector's item given the game's popularity and the relatively limited print runs typical of indie physical releases.
Physical vs. Digital — what changes:
| Factor | Digital (eShop) | Physical (Cartridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Always available via eShop | Limited; may require third-party retailers or resellers |
| Typical price | ~$15 (sales available) | ~$15–$20+ depending on source |
| Convenience | Instant download | Requires cartridge management |
| Collectibility | No | Higher — limited print runs |
What Do You Get for the Price?
Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania-style action platformer developed by Team Cherry. For its price point, the content volume is substantial — the base game alone offers anywhere from 25 to 60+ hours depending on how thoroughly you explore and whether you pursue optional bosses and areas.
The Switch version includes all free content updates that were added post-launch on PC, including:
- Hidden Dreams
- The Grimm Troupe
- Lifeblood
- Godmaster
These updates added new bosses, game modes, and story content, all included at no additional cost in the Switch version. There are no paid DLC purchases to factor in.
What About Hollow Knight: Silksong?
🕷️ Silksong is the upcoming sequel from Team Cherry. As of the time of writing, it has not been released. No confirmed pricing has been announced, and no release date is confirmed. It's worth separating Silksong from the current Hollow Knight purchase decision — they are distinct products.
Factors That Shape Your Total Cost
The $15 list price is straightforward, but what you ultimately spend depends on circumstances that vary from person to person:
- Whether you buy at full price or wait for a sale
- Your region's eShop pricing structure
- Whether you want a physical copy and are willing to pay a premium for it
- Whether you already own the game on PC (no cross-buy between Steam and Switch)
- How you value portability — the Switch version lets you play in handheld mode, which is a meaningful consideration for some players
The performance of the Switch version has been broadly well-regarded for both docked and handheld play, though your experience can vary slightly depending on whether you're on an original Switch, a Switch Lite, or a Switch OLED.
At $15, Hollow Knight sits at a price point where the content-to-cost ratio is widely considered strong — but whether that value proposition fits your current gaming backlog, your preferred play style, and how much you typically spend on a single indie title is a question only your own situation can answer.