Hollow Knight receives free upgrade for PS5, Xbox Series and Switch 2 with visual improvements and performance adjustments by Team Cherry
Team Cherry released a free update for Hollow Knight on February 5, 2026. The metroidvania gains native versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.
The update includes visual and performance improvements across all existing versions. Alterações cover particle effects, lighting, and support for specific resolutions. The changes come just before the game’s ninth anniversary, originally released in 2017.

Main visual and technical innovations
The update improves graphics by Hallownest. Efeitos of particles and lighting receive adjustments that increase visual quality without altering the original artistic style.
Dithering options reduce visible color banding in transitions. Support for 21:9 and 16:10 resolutions benefits PC gamers with ultrawide monitors.
Loading times decrease on several platforms. Melhorias of performance fixes frame rate drops in areas dense with enemies.
Adjustments implemented in gameplay
The game automatically pauses when opening inventory menus. The change makes it easier to manage items during intense exploration.
Characters like Zote, Príncipe Cinzento, and Sly undergo collision and movement corrections. Zote’s recoil jump decreases, while Sly’s Grande Corte better aligns visual damage with the effect.
The blessing of Salubra deactivates after reaching the limit of Alma. The map gains more fluid camera swiping for improved navigation.
Expanded controller support and compatibility
The update migrates to Unity Input System on all platforms. The new system expands compatibility with modern controls.
Players can keep the old system in advanced settings. The option preserves preferences of those who already master the original commands.
- Updated control responds better to recent peripherals.
- Advanced settings allow you to switch between input systems.
- Tests indicate greater accuracy in complex commands such as dashes and heals.
Native versions for current consoles
Hollow Knight gains editions optimized for new generation hardware. The Nintendo Switch 2 version offers higher frame rates and additional effects.
Owners of the game in the original Switch download the updated edition for free. The same goes for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users migrating to PS5 and Series.
Higher resolutions and 120 fps modes appear on compatible hardware. The optimizations resolve longstanding criticisms of the original Switch port.
Known issue fixes
A critical error in the room at Larvas at Cidade at Lágrimas receives a definitive solution. The softlock prevented progression under certain conditions.
Several minor fixes address crashes and inconsistencies. Team Cherry transfers technologies developed for Hollow Knight: Silksong to the original game.
PlayStation Plus players face temporary upgrade limitations. The developer talks to Sony to resolve access to the PS5 version.
Context of development by Team Cherry
Team Cherry maintains support for the original title even after the release of Silksong. The Australian studio prioritizes refinements based on accumulated feedback.
The changes incorporate lessons from the development of the sequence. Tecnologias of migrated engines improves overall stability.
The original game has sold millions of copies since 2017. Previous free-to-play games have expanded content with packs like Hidden Dreams and Godmaster.
Initial community reception
Players highlight automatic pause as a practical addition. Ultrawide support eliminates black bars on wide monitors.
Communities on forums report faster loading times on PC. Compatibility with Steam Deck gets positive mentions.
- Pausing in menus speeds up long exploration sessions.
- Support for modern controls attracts new players.
- Fixes eliminate long-standing frustrations in specific areas.
Access and installation details
The update is available in all digital stores. No Steam, the download starts automatically for owners.
Console players check the library for the new edition. The process does not require additional purchase in cases of previous ownership.
Patch size varies by platform. Console Versões include full native edition files.
Benefits for different platforms
PC gets focus on expanded resolutions and modern input. Switch 2 displays extra visual effects in docked mode.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series maintain high fidelity with fast loading. The update standardizes experience between generations.
Older players maintain compatible saves. Progresso transfers losslessly between edits.
Title support history
Hollow Knight received four free packs between 2017 and 2019. The expansions added bosses, areas, and modes.
Team Cherry has paused updates to focus on Silksong. The return with refinements surprises the fan base.
The game maintains extremely positive reviews on digital platforms. Continuous Atualizações reinforce the title’s longevity.
Market update perspectives
The initiative maintains the relevance of the classic metroidvania. Native Versões attract players with recent hardware.
The free upgrade encourages returning veterans. Novas visual options renew interest in speedruns and challenges.
Technology transfer of Silksong indicates continued care. Team Cherry balances support between titles in the franchise.

















