Switch2/Switch Version of "Back to the Dawn ~Break the Animal Prison~" Announced for Release on March 5, 2026. LIMITED EDITION Also Released Simultaneously
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/945/G094566/20251023033/
Editorial Department: Yorijima | 2025/10/23 07:42 (UTC)
Clouded Leopard Entertainment today (October 23, 2025) announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch versions of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, developed by Metal Head Games, will be released on March 5, 2026. The package and download standard editions are priced at 4,928 yen (tax included), while the limited edition package is priced at 7,898 yen (tax included). The PlayStation 5 version is scheduled for release within 2026.
Back to the Dawn is a survival RPG inspired by TV dramas such as Prison Break, and the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz. Players take on the role of an investigative journalist wrongfully imprisoned after becoming entangled in a conspiracy, uncovering the truth and fighting for freedom within a corrupt prison rife with deception.
Despite its unique premise—where both inmates and guards are animals—the game has earned widespread acclaim. Its dark story, striking graphics, numerous escape routes, and diverse NPCs have contributed to strong reception of the PC version, currently available via Spiral Up Games on Steam. With over 6,000 user reviews and a “Very Positive” rating (93% positive), it holds an impressive Metacritic score of 84 as of August 28, 2025.
Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / Switch2/Switch version of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, release date confirmed for March 5, 2026. LIMITED EDITION also launching simultaneously Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / Switch2/Switch version of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, release date confirmed for March 5, 2026. LIMITED EDITION also launching simultaneously Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / Switch2/Switch version of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, release date confirmed for March 5, 2026. LIMITED EDITION also launching simultaneously Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Switch2/Switch version of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, release date confirmed for March 5, 2026. LIMITED EDITION also launching simultaneously
In conjunction with the release date announcement, details about the limited edition package have been revealed. The LIMITED EDITION includes: the game software; a custom acrylic stand; two original pins; a digital artbook and digital soundtrack app; a supporter pack; and an exclusive DLC titled “Original Items,” all packaged in a specially illustrated box.
Additionally, purchasers of the physical version will receive a special bonus: a microfiber cloth and the Switch 2/Switch-exclusive DLC “Cell Skin.”
For full details, please refer to the official release statement below.
Official Website for Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch version of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison set for global release on March 5, 2026! Special limited edition featuring pixel acrylic stands also launching!
Clouded Leopard Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo; President & CEO: Chen Yunyun, hereinafter CLE) is pleased to announce that the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch versions of Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison, a suspenseful escape RPG developed by Metal Head Games, will be released worldwide on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Additionally, the limited edition package titled Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison LIMITED EDITION—featuring premium items housed in an original illustrated box—will also launch simultaneously with the standard version.
▼ Official Website for Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
https://www.cloudedleopardent.com/game/bttd/jp/
▼ X (formerly Twitter) official account for Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
https://x.com/backtothedawnjp
▼ Release Announcement Trailer for Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
https://youtu.be/pDC9hQu2YOY
Contents of the Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison LIMITED EDITION
(1) Game Software: Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
(2) Original Illustrated Box
(3) Custom Acrylic Stand
This meticulously crafted diorama-style acrylic stand features pixel art depictions of five main characters and prison environments, bringing the game’s world vividly to life. Displaying it on your desk instantly immerses you in the game’s atmosphere.
(4) Original Pins (2 Variants)
Thoughtfully designed original pins modeled after the two protagonists. Add them to bags or clothing as a stylish accent for your everyday look.
(5) Digital Artbook & Digital Soundtrack App (Not available for individual sale)
This exclusive app lets you enjoy the game’s hard-boiled soundtrack while viewing an artbook that captures the world of Back to the Dawn in pixel art form.
(6) Supporter Pack
A comprehensive bundle containing customizable DLCs such as the limited “Room Renovation Design Guide,” and helpful DLC items that efficiently boost character affinity—ideal for a deeper, more comfortable gaming experience.
(7) LIMITED EDITION Exclusive Original DLC “Original Items” (Not available for individual sale)
- The Digital Artbook & Soundtrack App, Supporter Pack, and LIMITED EDITION-exclusive DLC will be delivered via product code.
- The Supporter Pack is available for separate purchase by owners of the standard version.
- Internet connection required to access DLC bonuses.
- Release timing may vary depending on each retailer.
- Contents and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
- Images shown are illustrative; actual items may differ.
Bonus Items for First-Time Physical Purchasers
(1) Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth featuring the game’s main visual artwork.
(2) Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch Version Exclusive DLC “Cell Skin”
- The microfiber cloth is a shared bonus for both the standard and limited edition packages.
- The “Cell Skin” DLC is available to all first-time physical buyers and early digital purchasers.
- Release timing may vary depending on each retailer.
- Limited in quantity—bonuses will be discontinued once stock runs out.
- Contents and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
- Images shown are illustrative; actual items may differ.
About Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison is a suspenseful escape RPG developed by Metal Head Games, an indie studio based in Shanghai, and published worldwide by Spiral Up Games (based in Singapore). The early access version was released on Steam in November 2023. The game has received widespread acclaim globally, winning numerous awards.
On July 18, 2025, the full retail version featuring a new storyline was officially released on Steam. It achieved an impressive Metacritic score of 84 (as of August 28, 2025) and has earned high praise from players—boasting over 6,000 reviews on Steam with a “Very Positive” rating (93% positive), making it a highly popular title.
This year’s releases for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 will feature enhanced localized subtitles as well as newly recorded Japanese and Chinese voice acting. These additions allow players to experience the game’s complex mix of suspense and prison intrigue more deeply and comfortably than ever before.
Additionally, the Japanese voice cast includes:
- Shugo Nakamura as Thomas the Fox (known for roles such as Tendou Hikaru in The Idolmaster SideM and Ryota Miyagi in THE FIRST SLAM DUNK)
- Yasuhiro Mamiya as Bob the Panther (known for roles such as Jacob Kowalski in Fantastic Beasts series and Hachibankai Hashizume in Nintama Rantaro, 2nd generation)
Other cast members will be announced in due course—stay tuned!
Shugo Nakamura
Born July 28, 1988 in Okinawa Prefecture. Affiliated with Acros Entertainment.
Notable roles include Ryota Miyagi (THE FIRST SLAM DUNK), Gai Maru (Blue Lock), and Tendou Hikaru (The Idolmaster SideM).
Winner of the 13th Seiyuu Awards for Best New Actor in 2019.
Yasuhiro Mamiya
Born December 7, 1981 in Chiba Prefecture. Affiliated with Kenyuu Office.
Notable roles include Jacob Kowalski (Fantastic Beasts series), David Croft (F1/EFWON), Hachibankai Hashizume (2nd generation) (Nintama Rantaro), and Nailduster (Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS).
Product Overview for Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
Product Name Back to the Dawn: Break the Animal Prison
Genre Suspense Escape RPG
Platforms Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Release Date Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch – March 5, 2026 (Thursday)
Release Date PlayStation 5 – Scheduled for release in 2026
Price [Standard Package Edition] 4,928 yen (tax included)
[LIMITED EDITION] 7,898 yen (tax included)
[Download Standard Edition] 4,928 yen (tax included)
Players 1
Rating Pending review
Audio Languages Japanese / Chinese
Subtitle Languages Japanese / English / Traditional Chinese / Simplified Chinese / Korean
Developer Metal Head Games / Spiral Up Games
Publisher Clouded Leopard Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Copyright ©2025 Metal Head Games.
©2025 Spiral Up Games.
Licensed to and published by Clouded Leopard Entertainment Inc.
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- Company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
- Information provided is current as of the announcement date; may be changed without prior notice.