Nightdive remasters Thief for Switch; free Switch 2 upgrade

Nightdive Studios announced a remaster of Thief: The Dark Project for Nintendo Switch, scheduled for a winter release window. The studio confirmed the package includes the additional missions and updates from the 1999 Thief Gold release and that purchasers of the Switch version will receive a free upgrade to Switch 2. No exact release date or price has been provided.

Thief: The Dark Project first appeared in 1998 from Looking Glass Studios and Eidos Interactive. The remaster updates textures, animations and overall visuals to match the revised systems and modern hardware.

The studio highlighted changes to non-player character behavior. An updated AI uses a dynamic visibility model and sound simulation so guards can detect movement and noises more realistically. Guards will investigate disturbances and can raise alarms when they detect threats.

Core stealth mechanics remain intact. Light and sound are primary gameplay elements. Players can use fire arrows to extinguish torches and moss arrows to lower noise on surfaces. Stealth combat options include Garrett’s blackjack for silent takedowns and ranged tools such as gas mines and specialized arrows. Misdirection tools such as flashbombs and noisemaker arrows are included to distract or disorient enemies.

The remaster also includes a full set of thief tools, including lockpicks, remote cameras and rope arrows for reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. Beyond the winter window and the free Switch 2 upgrade promise, the company has not released further launch details such as storefronts, pre-order options or regional pricing.