Puyo Puyo Tetris (Nintendo Switch) Preview

Although the demo is fully in Japanese, it is relatively easy to shift through to get to the main modes, and the international release of the full game in April will likely bring along an English trial version as well. The title screen of the demo allows for single player, multiplayer, a handy tutorial that teaches how to play and luckily utilises pictures alongside words, and the software equivalent of the game manual.

Both single and multiplayer have two modes that aren't greyed out: VS, which allows players to choose either Puyo Puyo or Tetris to play and compete against one another - be it 1-on-1, 1-on-2, or 1-on-3 - or teams; and Swap Mode, which alternates between the two play styles with the same player number options. A choice of 16 distinct character avatars can be selected from, with another eight teasingly locked away on the selection screen.

Both Puyo Puyo and Tetris work excellently on the Switch Joy-Con, and present a rare time when the D-pad substitute might actually be better suited than a fully fledged one. Sideways Joy-Con when playing with friends also works very well, as does the HD Rumble integration, which simulates the varied intensity of falling blocks or blobs, and the complete collapse of the grid upon a loss.

Customisable options before a match allow background design and ruleset personalisation, as well as the look of the puzzle pieces themselves. The visuals and sound in general are a cheery mix of bright and happy character, and whether on Switch or TV screen, the menus are neatly laid out and accessible, minus the slightly daunting language barrier.