Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a Metroidvania video game developed by ArtPlay and published by 505 Games. Released in June 2019, the Switch version launched to significant criticism regarding performance and visual fidelity. This report details the "broken" launch state, the extensive "Fix & Improve" campaigns undertaken by the developers, and the current status of the game. Additionally, it addresses the terminology "NSP" in the context of software distribution and copyright.
To understand the NSP scene, you must understand the original sin. At launch, the Switch port ran at a sub-native resolution (often below 540p in handheld mode). The infamous "Tower of Twin Dragons" boss fight dropped frames into the single digits. Textures looked like smeared oil paintings, and input delay made precision jumping a nightmare.
Prefer playing on PC with higher resolution? The same NSP works on Nintendo Switch emulators.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night on Switch went from "digital landfill" to "competent handheld Castlevania." It is not the definitive edition—that belongs to the Steam Deck or PS5. But it is the most impressive edition, simply because it exists at all.
The next time you see a post about an "NSP," don't just see a pirated file. See a snapshot in time. Version 1.0.0 is the tragedy. Version 1.4.0 is the redemption. Bloodstained- Ritual of the Night Switch NSP ...
And for Miriam, a little blurriness is a small price to pay for slaying demons on a bus ride home.
Note: This article discusses the technical history of the game's file format. Downloading NSP files from unauthorized sources is illegal and violates Nintendo’s terms of service. Always support developers by purchasing official copies.
To prepare Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for your Nintendo Switch, here is the essential information for the digital (NSP/download) version. Technical & File Requirements
File Size: The game requires approximately 11.4 GB of storage space on your console or microSD card. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a Metroidvania
Version Status: As of early 2026, the game is on its final stable builds. Major past updates (like 1.03 and 1.04) significantly improved performance by reducing input lag, shortening load times by up to 70%, and fixing common crashes such as those occurring while reading bookcases.
System Compatibility: The game runs on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, with the latter offering a solid 30fps lock and faster loading times (approximately 26 seconds to the title screen compared to 36 on the original). Acquisition Options
Standard Digital: Available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop.
Complete Edition: A physical "Complete Edition" including all DLC—such as IGA's Back Pack, Cosmetic Packs, and Classic II: Dominique's Curse—was released in early 2026 by Limited Run Games. Note: This article discusses the technical history of
Retailers: You can also find physical copies through retailers like Walmart and Secret Castle Toys & Games. Quick Start Tips
Having tested the fully updated NSP on both a modded Switch (running Atmosphere) and PC emulators (Ryujinx/Yuzu), here is the honest take:
Inside the later NSP updates (specifically v1.3.0 and v1.4.0), dataminers found the following sacrifices:
Was it perfect? No. But the final NSP of Bloodstained is a masterclass in "making it work." The game runs at a locked 30 FPS (compared to 60 FPS on other consoles). It is visually inferior. But it is playable. And for Switch owners, that was a miracle.
If you are looking for a Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night NSP, here is the technical reality: