The Touryst Deluxe on Switch 2 feels like a holiday in your hands, a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and wander through a series of vibrant voxel islands that are as charming as they are meticulously crafted. Originally released in 2019, Shin’en Multimedia’s adventure, The Touryst, was already a cult favourite, praised for its breezy atmosphere, clever puzzles, and striking visual style. This deluxe edition not only preserves that magic but enhances it with technical improvements, new content, and a level of polish that makes it feel perfectly at home on Nintendo’s latest hardware.
From the moment you arrive on the first island, aptly named Touryst Island, the game invites you to explore at your own pace. There is little in the way of narrative, which may frustrate those who prefer a strong storyline, yet the absence of lengthy cut-scenes or heavy exposition is part of its appeal. Instead, the focus is on discovery. Each island hides a mysterious TOWA tower that must be uncovered and conquered, with puzzles inside that reward players with magical cores. Collecting these cores is the closest thing the game has to a central quest, but the real joy lies in the detours: surfing competitions, rhythm‑based music contests, setting the right vibe for a dancefloor to come alive, spelunking in diamond mines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a sun‑drenched plaza.
The Touryst Deluxe adds a brand new island to explore, complete with its own tower and side missions, as well as a new arcade cabinet featuring, Fast Zero, a playful nod to Shin’en’s history with futuristic racing games, and a nod to all those request for the German outfit to work on a future entry in Nintendo’s very own F-Zero series. These additions may sound modest, but they enrich the already great experience and give returning players a reason to dive back in, as well as first-timers more meat to chew on. The Switch 2 hardware also allows the game to shine in ways the original could not. Resolution now reaches 4K at 60fps, colours are more vibrant thanks to HDR rendering, and global illumination, ambient occlusion, and improved weather effects bring the voxel world to life with a richness that was previously missing. Everyone knows that Shin’en is a master at getting the best out of any hardware, and whilst it may look basic at first glance, this is yet another jewel in the team’s crown. The result is a game that looks pristine and runs flawlessly, with none of the jagged edges or performance dips that occasionally marred the original release.
Controls have been refined, and the tourist avatar feels responsive whether you are carefully edging across rooftops or sprinting along a beach. The platforming elements are simple but satisfying, and the puzzles strike a balance between accessibility and challenge. Some solutions rely on trial and error, which can cause brief frustration, yet the overall design is generous and rarely punishes experimentation. The relaxed pacing is central to the game’s charm. It never pressures you to rush, instead encouraging you to dawdle, to poke around corners, and to enjoy the miniature worlds that Shin’en has so lovingly built. The Touryst Deluxe is not a game about drama or high stakes. It is about atmosphere, variety, and the pleasure of discovery. The islands are inspired by real‑world locations, from Mediterranean rooftops to bustling beach parties to a lost tropical paradise, and each one feels like a handcrafted diorama. Half the fun is simply gawping at the scenery, marvelling at the tiny details, and revelling in the sense of place. The soundtrack complements this perfectly, as expected, being light and breezy without ever intruding. Those wanting to hear classic Shin’en musical goodness, as well, are encouraged to check out the beach-side dancefloor and pick from classics across the team’s suite of past releases. A nice little bonus for those with an appreciation for aural treats.
There are flaws, of course. The lack of narrative depth means some players may feel directionless, and the trial‑and‑error nature of certain puzzles can occasionally break the flow. These are minor blemishes, though, on what is otherwise a delightful package. The deluxe edition succeeds in making an already excellent game even better, and while the new content is not transformative, the technical upgrades alone justify its existence. The Touryst Deluxe is a reminder that not every game needs to be sprawling or complex to be memorable. Sometimes all you need is a handful of islands, a few clever puzzles, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Shin’en has delivered a miniature masterpiece once again, and on Switch 2 it feels like the definitive version.
