Switch ‘N’ Shoot Kentucky Launch Recap

Switch ‘N’ Shoot has officially arrived in Kentucky – in style at that.

At risk of overselling it, the Switch ‘N’ Shoot launch event was possibly the most exciting thing that I’ve concocted for the Wilcox Arcade route since its inception in 2019. Knowing in advance that I’d receive a brand-new game allowed me to build some serious hype around it for once.

The abridged version, considering I’ve written this exact diatribe several times over, is that the title was slated for arrival at Know-a-Guy in Murray on Saturday, March 22nd. The first 25 paying players would receive a Wilcox Arcade pin, and the first to earn 300 points would win a Wilcox Arcade trucker hat.

Ultimately, no one was able to claim the trucker hat that day, seeing as how the highest score was 47. (I left the hat with the store owner in case anyone else would eventually feel frisky.)

Switch ‘N’ Shoot was the first game in the Wilcox Arcade arsenal to receive this special treatment, rising above the many others I’ve placed in the past. Being able to share such a fun, independently-developed gaming experience with the residents of my home commonwealth was what made all the hubbub worth it in my mind.

Because believe me: The hubbub was in ample supply. I wrote four articles about my latest machine, accompanied by seven YouTube videos. I wasn’t going to let anyone miss out on the Switch ‘N’ Shoot launch event while it was happening, because I believed very strongly in its potential to dole out a good time.

Demonstrating the gameplay was a wise idea, looking through the lens of retrospect. My initial inclination was to charge 25 cents for one play – and to not enable extra tries nor consolation credits to poor performers. I figured anyone who broke a dollar would get the hang of things within four attempts.

After watching nearly everyone die within 10 seconds, I realized I’d need to be even more generous. I then granted two guaranteed tries per credit, with the possibility of up to five consolation credits for those who earned one point or fewer before dying.

This flew in the face of my actual original plan. Before receiving the Switch ‘N’ Shoot cabaret from DSM Arcade, I had hoped to charge 50 cents per play, considering it is a fairly recent release. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that the software version running in said cabaret predates that of the standard cabinet, meaning I can’t adjust the pricing that way.

Either way, I was beyond proud to local see people enjoying this indie gem. Switch ‘N’ Shoot has had my heart for as long as I’ve had it installed on my Nintendo Switch. Offering the enhanced coin-op experience here in Kentucky was a dream come true. (I certainly can’t complain about making it more approachable to newcomers either.)

This is not the end of Switch ‘N’ Shoot at Know-a-Guy off five-points. Obviously, I’ve published this very article – again, accompanied by a YouTube video – though I also plan to organize tournaments in the future. I’m all about handing out Wilcox Arcade merchandise to anyone who can demonstrate adequate skill.

My recommendation is to learn the mechanics in the interim. Become intimately acquainted with it not just for free stuff but also because it’s so uniquely rewarding. I’ve been able to clear 700 points in the past; I’ve heard other people can carry it to the thousands.

Consider any upcoming tournaments an iteration on the previous Wilcox Arcade event: The House of the Dead high score competition in October 2019. That one was conducted entirely remotely. Nowadays, however, it seems like being there in the flesh reflects better on me as a proprietor. I like seeing y’all for real.

Long story short, the Switch ‘N’ Shoot launch event was a success, and I can’t wait to replicate it when Galactic Battleground lands in Benton. (In case you weren’t aware, that’s the next indie release destined to join my route.)

Don’t miss out on any of the action: Check back at the Wilcox Arcade blog or follow me on TikTok for updates. Facebook, curiously enough, has also done well for me lately.

God bless, and see ya ‘round.