Free gift also up for grabs at PAX East

Last Summer, publisher Devolver Digital announced and then opened pre-orders on its first physical-only Switch game, Demon Throttle. It'll be the next release from Gato Roboto developer Doinksoft, and it's certainly intriguing that it'll genuinely be physical-only, with no eShop release to come.

As you can see in the trailer it offers a retro look and high tempo top-down shooter gameplay, and considering the developer's pedigree we're inclined to be optimistic on how it'll shape up; it's 'coming soon', though we don't have a set date.

Devolver Digital and Special Reserve Games have now opened a 'second chance preorder' for a week, which you can see on this official product page. Only the standard $29.99USD edition is available, though it still has a few nice touches in the package:

Meanwhile, if you're going to PAX East in Boston this weekend you can get a free gift if you show a pre-order receipt at the Devolver Digital booth.

Let us know in the comments if you're tempted to order this, and be sure to share your views on the idea of 'physical only' games on Switch.

Tom has been involved in the games industry for a decade, mostly writing about it or struggling to sell Indie games. Loves reading, writing, hunting Capcom’s fiercest monsters and watching baseball.

Didn't care the first time, definitely don't now that they've raised shipping costs to the UK.

No reason you should get this when there are plenty of better shoot ‘em ups on the switch now and coming up that you won’t have to pay ridiculous shipping fees and/or pray your dang package arrives or give scalpers money for.

This is the first of me seeing this game. It looks great.

But physical only means I'll never play it. Stupid idea.

Weird, right? Most of my stuff are downloads as well. I honestly don't understand the strategy for this, except to make the game "exclusive."

I can't help but wonder how much effort is being put into a game most people will never know exists.

Totally getting Ikari Warriors vibes from this for some reason.

The game looks like a hell of a lot of fun.

Physical only is an odd choice though...If I were a developer I'd want my game to be as readily available as possible.

Could be worth acquiring as an investment. ?

Absolutely loved Gato Roboto and would purchase that game in physical. Heck, I’d like a t-shirt, but… I hate being forced to purchase physical, especially because I feel like it’s a way to gouge price here

Looks like a fun, solidly designed game… if Pocky & Rocky weren’t already going to scratch that itch for me I’d be more likely to spring for it. Sad I can’t support every good game. (Maybe someday I’ll give this one another look.)

This is a weird one. If you had confidence in your game, you’d release it digitally too, wouldn’t you? I definitely wouldn’t be buying this expecting a great game.

Physical release only? That's a big fail.

@BlubberWhale also pocky and rocky will be available readily and widely and not as some stupid physical only stunt to earn more money

@commentlife apparently Gato Robotto had some bugs and design flaws as well so you’re probably right

Just ordered it. Usually go digital, but it looks rad and they had me at "Instruction Manual." :/

It makes a mockery of the publisher’s name, Devolver Digital…

Doesn't look like it's worth paying a physical price on. Sorry make it easier to get and maybe we'll throw money at it. Games today should had more options, digital only sucks, physical only sucks, both should had been the standard.

@Funneefox Its true. Although I guess I don’t feel as strongly about their strategy. Kinda weird, but whatev

You interested in Pocky & Rocky by chance? Wish it had online co-op, but it’s cool. Edit: I preordered it a few days ago.

@BlubberWhale ninja saviors return of the warriors is my favorite game of all time if that answers your question?

That's one way to manufacture FOMO

@Funneefox Haha, right on, forgot about that one. Favorite of all time? That’s some serious high level endorsement! ? Looks like another loving treatment of a classic game.

Is it pretty satisfying to go through single player? At a glance it looks like it’s sort of a multiplayer beat ‘em up, which may be why I passed on it. I’ll definitely look into maybe getting it if it’s really that good. Do like the graphics! Great idea.

Here’s my slightly under appreciated game pitch if you want one. Kero Blaster. Buy it without a second thought! (Unless you hated Cave Story… a bit like that game but simpler, not much if any exploration.)

Ha, OK maybe I could’ve picked something else, but that game felt just right, length, price, mechanics… and I sticks out a bit in my memory.

Whew, long comments are tiring!

Physical-only games in an era where digital distribution is cheaper and widely available to everyone in the world.

In for a copy! The game actually looks great and I'm a sucker for collectible junk

@EVIL-C thats pretty much what I’ve done.

Oh neat, I'll just add to my wishli...oh physical only in the digital age. Off to the totally forgotten about forever pile then.

Gosh dang, I thought it was Minish Cap for a moment from the screenshot, still looks intriguing though!

So much for the game’s potential audience with physical only. Gotta survive the inflation manufacturing costs somehow I suppose..

Loved Gato Roboto so may just acquire…. Really would wanna play with a bud tho and I moved across country from all the homees

Since physical only players complain everytime a digital only game arrives, let us digital only guys complain about this one ?

there's gonna be a digital version, it just won't be official

@commentlife a physical release is far riskier than digital. it's a gimmick release - a bit of FOMO. I don't think the strategy indicates a lack of confidence in any way.

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