The Merlies on Switch is a 2D Pikmin-like platformer where you manage birds
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
GameRant reports a brand-new Nintendo Switch platformer called The Merlies that mixes 2D platforming with squad management: players control a flock of tiny birds. GameRant described the game as a 2D take on Pikmin with a touch of Metroidvania. The outlet noted the premise may initially seem like a copy of Pikmin but said The Merlies introduces a unique twist. The story was written by Mohsen Baqery and published on Sep 24, 2026.
- What happened: GameRant reported that a new Nintendo Switch platformer named The Merlies is described as a 2D Pikmin-like game in which players manage a flock of tiny birds and that it includes Metroidvania elements.
- Why it matters: GameRant said the title’s premise may appear derivative of Pikmin but that The Merlies has a unique twist, implying the game differentiates itself despite surface similarities.
- Context: The coverage appears in a GameRant piece by Mohsen Baqery published Sep 24, 2026; the article frames The Merlies as combining squad-based mechanics and Metroidvania structure on Nintendo Switch.
- What next: GameRant’s report does not confirm the developer, publisher, release date, additional platforms, or detailed mechanics; those details remain unconfirmed in the provided evidence.
What changed
GameRant reported a newly announced or revealed Nintendo Switch platformer called The Merlies that blends 2D platforming with squad-management gameplay. According to GameRant, players manage a flock of tiny birds and the game adds Metroidvania-style elements to that mix.
Availability
GameRant’s coverage specifically links The Merlies to the Nintendo Switch platform. The GameRant article was published Sep 24, 2026 and written by Mohsen Baqery.
Limits
The provided evidence does not specify the developer, publisher, release date, price, regional availability, or whether the game is in preview, early access, or full release. Detailed gameplay mechanics and broader platform support are not confirmed by the cited article.