Would you like to make a video game? Starting on June 11, 2021, you can with Game Builder Garage on Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo has a history of putting game development tools in the hands of its users. Recently, they released Super Mario Maker, Super Mario Maker 2, and Nintendo Labo. Now, they are taking it a step further by teaching the basics of visual programming with Game Builder Garage.
You can build seven games through the built-in lessons (see image below), but it doesn’t stop there. Not only will the application teach you how to program, you can also create your own games with a large library of assets centered around a new cast of characters called Nodon. How far can you take it? Well, Nintendo says, “Let your imagination–and curiosity–run wild in Free Programming, where the sky is the limit.”
Once you create your game, you can share your game’s code with a friend to allow them to play it. Your friend can even check out your programming to make some changes or learn from how you made your game. As of now, it does look like you can only share your games from within Game Builder Garage, though, so no sharing with others who do not have the game. Although, if Nintendo did create a “player-only” application, similar to RPG Maker, we are sure many would download it right away.
There are several control options, too. Those who want to use the Joy-Con, Pro Controller, or touchscreen can easily jump into the action. For those who feel more comfortable with a mouse, you can plug a USB mouse into the Switch dock. And if you ever want to quickly check your work, you can swap from the programming screen to the game screen with the click of a button.
Game Builder Garage will release both physically and digitally for Nintendo Switch on June 11, 2021, for a suggested retail price of $29.99 in the US.
Steve is the Senior Editor of NintendoFuse and co-host of the NintendoFuse Podcast. He’s been a Nintendo gamer since age 6 and has been on staff with NintendoFuse since 2008.