Get ready, Switch owners! That digital-only world you’re used to? It just got a lot more tangible. “Gibbon: Beyond the Trees,” the beautifully hand-drawn adventure from Broken Rules, is getting the full physical treatment on Nintendo Switch thanks to Super Rare Games. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on a hard copy, you won’t have to wait much longer—it’s dropping next week.
For those unfamiliar with Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, let me break it down for you. This isn’t your everyday platformer. You’re not simply running from point A to point B. In this one, you’re swinging. Like, actually swinging—just like a gibbon, with those long arms and that effortless (but actually pretty tricky) acrobatic movement across the treetops. You’ve probably seen games like this before, but Gibbon stands out for its fluidity and the way it mixes nature with a compelling story. Plus, it’s got some serious heart.
At its core, the game is about a gibbon family navigating a world that’s increasingly overtaken by human development and deforestation. It’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and ensuring future generations have a chance at life. As you race through lush jungles and overdeveloped landscapes, the message isn’t subtle—the game wants you to think about real-world environmental issues. But the way it presents that theme is never heavy-handed. It’s an emotional, seamless journey told more through gameplay than words.
What’s really hard to ignore—whether you’re playing or just watching someone else—is the visual art. The hand-drawn animation gives Gibbon a unique aesthetic that feels like an interactive painting. The colors pop, the environments are rich, and every vine-swing or tree-hop feels alive. If that excites you, you should probably check out the gameplay videos on Broken Rules’ YouTube channel for a taste of what awaits.
So what’s new with this physical release? Well, there’s something undeniably cool about collecting game cartridges these days (see Pros and Cons of Nintendo Switch Cartridges vs. Downloading from the eShop (Plus What’s Faster). With digital-only releases becoming more and more common, a physical version brings back that “old-school” joy of holding your favorite game in your hands. Not to mention, Super Rare Games is known for their high-quality physical editions, often with extras or collector’s add-ons. If you’re a completionist or just a fan of limited-run games, this is one to keep your eye on.
Of course, if you still prefer the convenience of digital, Gibbon is already available in various online stores, including Steam, itch.io, and even on Apple Arcade for iPhone and iPad users. But the physical release adds a certain charm that’s hard to match digitally.
To maximize your time swinging through the treetops, here’s a quick tip: focus on your momentum! Timing your swing when your gibbon’s arms are fully extended will keep you soaring. You’ll also encounter “sliding” sections on downhill slopes—these will give you a speed boost, so make sure to use them to your advantage to clear larger gaps between trees. Trust me, nothing is more satisfying than nailing the perfect combo of swings and slides without touching the ground.
If you’re into story-driven, visually stunning adventures with tight, fast-paced gameplay, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees should be on your radar. Whether you grab the digital version or snag the new physical copy, this is one adventure worth taking.
For more updates straight from the devs, don’t forget to follow Broken Rules on Twitter. Keep your eyes peeled for that physical release next week—it’s going to be swinging onto shelves faster than you think!
