The Binding of Isaac: Repentance+ is officially coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in Q1 2026, developer Edmund McMillen and publisher Nicalis announced. This enhanced edition brings the complete roguelike experience to Nintendo’s new console with a feature that fans have been waiting for since the game’s original launch: full online cooperative multiplayer for up to four players. Physical cartridge pre-orders are live now through the Nicalis Store for $69.99, guaranteeing you’ll get the full game on actual hardware rather than relying on digital downloads.
Full Online Co-Op in Every Game Mode
Repentance+ adds online multiplayer support to every single game mode. Daily Runs, Greed Mode, regular campaign dungeons, and challenges all support cooperative play. You can host your own sessions or join matches with strangers using extensive preference filters. Voice chat and a new emote wheel let you communicate with your co-op partners, whether you’re playing with friends or randos. Leaderboards track online performance, letting competitive players measure themselves against the community.
This is a massive feature for The Binding of Isaac because local co-op had always been possible, but online connectivity was completely absent until now. Being able to invite friends online or match with random players transforms Isaac from a solo journey into a genuinely social experience. Coordinating items, sharing powerups, and supporting each other through brutal boss fights creates emergent cooperation that makes runs feel completely different.
Everything You Already Know, Plus More
Repentance+ includes all previous Isaac content: over 700 items, more than 300 enemy types and bosses, multiple difficulty settings, branching paths, and several different endings. The expansion brings hundreds of improvements and additions from years of updates across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. If you’ve never played Isaac before, Repentance+ is the definitive version bundling everything into a single, complete experience.
New quality-of-life features include an optional “Item Descriptions” mode that reveals full functionality of previously collected items. This helps newer players understand what their loot actually does without requiring external wikis. It’s a simple addition that dramatically improves accessibility without compromising the learning curve for veterans who want the mystery.
Physical Cartridge, Not Digital Only
Nicalis explicitly confirmed that Repentance+ comes on an actual physical game cartridge, not a Game Key Card or digital voucher. Pre-orders at the Nicalis Store are $69.99 and include the full game on the cartridge. This matters because it guarantees you own the physical media, supporting collectors and players who prefer tangible software. Given ongoing concerns about digital game preservation, having physical versions available for major releases is increasingly important.
The physical cartridge approach also signals confidence that Repentance+ is a marquee Switch 2 title worth manufacturing physical inventory for. Not every indie game gets physical support, making Isaac’s cartridge availability a status symbol in the indie space.
The Isaac Legacy Continues
The Binding of Isaac launched in 2011 as a flash game before being ported and expanded countless times. Rebirth (2014) modernized the engine and became the definitive version. Afterbirth and Afterbirth+ (2015-2017) expanded the content. Repentance (2021) promised to be the final major expansion, adding hundreds of new features.
Yet Edmund McMillen and Nicalis keep finding reasons to bring Isaac to new platforms and add features like online co-op. The fact that the game continues evolving despite being over a decade old speaks to its enduring design and passionate community. Repentance+ coming to Switch 2 isn’t forced obligation. It’s genuine commitment to keeping Isaac alive as technology evolves.
Currently in PC Beta
Repentance+ is already in beta on PC via Steam, letting players test online co-op functionality and the new features before the Q1 2026 Switch 2 launch. This beta testing allows Nicalis and McMillen to gather community feedback and refine netcode before the official releases. Players interested in experiencing online co-op early should check Steam’s beta branch.
Why Isaac Matters for Switch 2 Launch Window
The Binding of Isaac is one of the most influential indie games ever made. It defined modern roguelikes and spawned an entire genre of imitators. Having a definitive Isaac version available for Switch 2 launch window legitimizes the new console with hardcore gamers and indie enthusiasts. Isaac’s complexity, depth, and thousands of hours of replayability make it exactly the kind of “system seller” indie that sustains gaming ecosystems long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Repentance+ release on Switch 2?
Q1 2026 (January through March). Exact date hasn’t been announced but it’s coming in the first quarter of 2026.
How much does the physical cartridge cost?
$69.99 for pre-orders through the Nicalis Store. Final retail pricing hasn’t been announced.
Can I play online with up to 4 players?
Yes, online co-op supports up to 4 players in all game modes including campaign, Daily Runs, Greed Mode, and challenges.
Is this a digital-only release?
No, physical cartridges are available for pre-order at $69.99. You’ll own the physical media.
What new features does Repentance+ add?
Online co-op for 4 players, item description mode, online leaderboards, emote wheel, and voice chat. All core content from previous versions is included.
How many items are in the game?
Over 700 different items, 300+ enemy types, multiple bosses, difficulty settings, branching paths and various endings.
Is Repentance+ available on PC already?
Yes, it’s currently in beta on Steam. Players can test online co-op and new features before the official release.
Will Repentance+ come to other platforms?
No platform announcements beyond Switch 2 have been made. It’s currently available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox with this being the Switch 2 announcement.
Can I play solo or is it multiplayer only?
Repentance+ supports both solo and co-op play. Online co-op is optional and you can play the entire game solo if you prefer.
Conclusion
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance+ coming to Switch 2 is the kind of launch window release that legitimizes new gaming hardware. Having a definitive roguelike with 700+ items, 300+ enemies, and now full 4-player online co-op available at launch gives Switch 2 immediate depth beyond launch day hype. Edmund McMillen’s continued support for Isaac over a decade after launch demonstrates genuine passion for the franchise rather than milking it for cash. Physical cartridges being available for pre-order respects collectors and players concerned about digital game preservation. For roguelike fans and Isaac veterans, Q1 2026 is when your Switch 2 library becomes complete.