Bendy and the Ink Machine has gained a strong following for its unique blend of vintage cartoon aesthetics and survival horror gameplay. Released across multiple platforms, the game also made its way to the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to experience the eerie story of Joey Drew Studios in a portable format. For many gamers, especially fans of indie horror titles, knowing how much Bendy and the Ink Machine costs on the Switch is essential before diving into its ink-drenched world. The price can vary depending on region, sales, and whether you’re purchasing a physical copy or downloading digitally from the Nintendo eShop. Understanding the pricing structure will help you make an informed decision about when and how to buy it.
Standard Pricing on the Nintendo eShop
Digital Purchase Overview
On the Nintendo Switch eShop, the standard price for Bendy and the Ink Machine is typically set at $19.99 USD. This price covers the full game, including all five chapters. Since it’s a complete edition, you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional content or downloadable expansions separately. The game offers a solid amount of gameplay time for the price, especially if you enjoy exploration, puzzles, and a strong narrative.
Regional Variations
While the base price in the U.S. is $19.99, pricing can vary slightly depending on the country or currency of your Nintendo account. Here are a few approximate conversions:
- United Kingdom: £17.99
- European Union: â¬19.99
- Canada: CAD $25.99
- Australia: AUD $29.99
Keep in mind that regional taxes may also influence the final purchase price on the Nintendo eShop.
Physical Cartridge Edition
Availability and Pricing
A physical version of Bendy and the Ink Machine is available for the Nintendo Switch through various retailers. The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) for the physical cartridge is generally the same as the digital version around $19.99 to $29.99 USD depending on the store. However, stock levels and demand can affect pricing significantly.
Price Fluctuations
In some cases, the physical copy may be priced higher, especially if it’s out of stock or discontinued in certain regions. Third-party sellers or collectors may offer sealed copies for $30$50 or even more. Buying used copies can be a cheaper alternative, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 depending on condition and packaging.
Is the Price Worth It?
Gameplay Length and Content
Bendy and the Ink Machine includes five chapters that deliver around 46 hours of gameplay, depending on how thoroughly you explore and how familiar you are with puzzle-solving mechanics. While this might seem short compared to some AAA games, the price is reflective of the indie development and unique presentation style.
Replay Value
- Multiple difficulty levels offer an incentive for replaying.
- The story contains hidden lore and secrets that reward exploration.
- Achievements and hidden endings add value beyond the initial playthrough.
For fans of horror or narrative-driven experiences, the price is generally seen as fair for the experience provided.
Sales and Discounts
When to Look for Deals
Bendy and the Ink Machine frequently appears in Nintendo eShop sales, especially during major seasonal events like Black Friday, Halloween, or Nintendo Summer Sales. Discounts can range from 20% to 50% off the regular price, bringing it down to as low as $9.99 USD during promotions.
Tracking Price Changes
If you’re on a budget, you can use tools such as Nintendo’s wish list feature to monitor when the game goes on sale. Subscribing to deal newsletters or checking regularly during sale periods can help you catch the best price.
Comparing the Switch Version with Other Platforms
Performance and Features
While Bendy and the Ink Machine is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, the Nintendo Switch version offers the benefit of portability. The game runs at a consistent frame rate with adjusted graphical settings to match the hardware. Though it may not have the visual fidelity of a high-end PC, it still captures the atmospheric feel of the game effectively.
Price Comparison
Across platforms, the base price for the game is similar, usually around $19.99. However, Steam and PlayStation Store may offer steeper discounts more frequently compared to the Nintendo eShop. If you own multiple platforms and prioritize visual performance, it’s worth considering where the game runs best for you personally.
What You Get for the Price
Included Content
The Nintendo Switch version of Bendy and the Ink Machine includes:
- All five main story chapters in one package
- Fully voice-acted characters
- Stylized black-and-white cartoon-inspired graphics
- First-person exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay
- Hidden audio logs, collectible items, and lore pieces
There are no in-game purchases or microtransactions, making it a complete experience with one upfront cost.
Support and Updates
Post-launch updates have fixed bugs and improved performance on the Switch version. The developers have maintained the integrity of the story and gameplay, ensuring a stable experience for new players.
Is It Ever Free?
Free Trials or Giveaways
As of now, Bendy and the Ink Machine is not offered as a free-to-play title on the Nintendo Switch. It has not been included in subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online Game Trials or offered for free through official promotions. However, on PC, the first chapter was once made free to promote the full game, but that model does not apply to the Switch release.
If you’re wondering how much Bendy and the Ink Machine is on Switch, the standard answer is $19.99 USD, though it’s worth watching for sales that can lower the price significantly. Whether you choose the digital version from the Nintendo eShop or a physical cartridge, the game delivers a compact but memorable horror adventure. With its atmospheric visuals, mysterious storytelling, and solid performance on Switch, it offers good value for its cost. For fans of creepy indie games and vintage cartoon aesthetics, it’s a title that’s worth both your time and money especially when caught at a discount.