Platform: Nintendo Switch Genre: Metroidvania / Action-Platformer Developer: Petoons Studio
If you are looking for the latest Curse of the Sea Rats ROM and NSP update for the Nintendo Switch, you have come to the right place. Hand-drawn Metroidvanias are a rare treat, and Curse of the Sea Rats delivers a stunning "Ratoidvania" experience. However, to get the best performance and all the newest features, playing the most updated version is essential.
In this post, we cover what is included in the latest update, why it matters for your gameplay experience, and how to install the NSP update on your Switch.
At launch, Curse of the Sea Rats on Switch suffered from frame dips and long load times (up to 10 seconds between rooms). After installing the 1.3.0 update:
Verdict: Essential update. Playing the base 1.0.0 version is nearly unplayable; the NSP update transforms it into a solid Metroidvania experience.
If you are using homebrew or emulation, you might search for “curse of the sea rats nsp update switch” on forums like GBAtemp or /r/SwitchPirates. However, be aware:
For emulator users (Ryujinx/Yuzu), the emulator often downloads updates directly from Nintendo’s CDN if you have a legitimate user account and keys.
Handling Switch game images (ROM/XCI/NSP) involves technical specifics and substantial legal and security risks. For Curse of the Sea Rats and similar titles, the recommended path is official purchase and platform-compliant updates; lawful archival of owned copies can follow best practices described above.
When searching for curse of the sea rats rom nsp, it helps to understand the file differences:
For updates specifically, you want an NSP file. The base game might be an XCI or NSP, but patches almost always come as NSPs to overlay the existing game data. curse+of+the+sea+rats+rom+nsp+update+switch
If you own a legitimate copy of Curse of the Sea Rats—either physical cartridge or eShop digital—updating is simple and free:
If you are using a physical cartridge, you do not need a “ROM” or “NSP”. The update is stored on your console’s internal memory or microSD card, not the cartridge.
The Curse of the Sea Rats update transforms a visually stunning but technically shaky launch into a solid Switch recommendation. The NSP patch file (roughly 800MB) is a must-download for existing owners, smoothing out the rough edges of this oceanic adventure.
Rating after update: 8/10 – A charming, difficult, and gorgeous voyage now worthy of your Switch’s home screen.
Have you tried the new update? Let us know if the frame rate feels smoother to you in the comments below.
Curse of the Sea Rats has received several significant updates on the Nintendo Switch to address launch issues and improve gameplay. As of early 2026, the game is widely considered much more polished than its initial release. Latest Updates and Major Changes
Version 1.3.7 (Released June 2023): This major patch focused on the Combat System.
Animation Cancelling: Attacks can now be canceled with jump and parry actions for faster, more dynamic gameplay.
Control Tweaks: Movement and combat responsiveness were improved, and hurt animations were shortened. Curse of the Sea Rats Nintendo Switch Update:
General Fixes: The map UI was updated, pitfall deaths were disabled, and the end game was smoothed out.
March 2025 Patch: A newer update reported by players improved late-game stability and fixed specific exploits, such as the "fireball soul" farming method. Switch File Types (ROM/NSP) In the context of the Nintendo Switch:
NSP (Nintendo Submission Package): This is the standard file format used for digital game installations, updates, and DLC.
Installation: For users of custom firmware, updates are typically installed via tools that manage .nsp files, while legitimate users update directly through the Nintendo HOME Menu. Exp Farming Post-Patch
Since some exploits were patched, players recommend the Temple area on the far right of the map for farming experience. Specifically, a ghost enemy near a save point in this area can be farmed for roughly 300 EXP per kill by repeatedly exiting and re-entering the screen.
Curse of the Sea Rats : A Hand-Drawn "Ratoidvania" Adventure Curse of the Sea Rats
is a vibrant "ratoidvania" that combines classic 2D platforming with modern action-RPG elements
. Developed by Petoons Studio, the game stands out for its stunning hand-drawn animations and a unique four-player local co-op mode, making it a modern tribute to the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons. The Story and Setting
Set in 1777 on the coast of Ireland, the game follows four prisoners of the British Empire who have been transformed into anthropomorphic rats by the nefarious pirate witch, Flora Burn. To regain their human forms, they must fight through Burn’s crew of magical miscreants and reclaim the stolen Eye of the Serpent. Key Gameplay Features Four Unique Heroes Performance Review: Does the Update Fix the Switch Version
: You can play as Douglas (the balanced swordsman), Buffalo Calf (the agile hunter), Akane (the reach specialist), or Balsa (the close-quarters brawler). Each character has a distinct skill tree and combat style. Local Co-op : Unlike many traditional Metroidvanias, Curse of the Sea Rats
supports up to four players in local multiplayer, allowing for chaotic and strategic team-based combat. Vast Exploration
: The game features a non-linear world filled with secrets, shortcuts, and challenging boss encounters across the Irish coast. Character Progression
: Players collect "Spiritual Energy" to unlock new abilities and upgrade stats, allowing for customization based on your preferred playstyle. Technical Information for Nintendo Switch
For players on the Nintendo Switch, the game is available in multiple digital formats: Base Game (NSP/XCI) : The core game file required to launch the adventure.
: Regular patches have been released to improve performance and squash bugs. It is highly recommended to install the latest
(e.g., v1.0.4 or higher) to ensure the smoothest frame rates during intense combat sequences.
: While primarily a complete experience at launch, keep an eye on the eShop for any additional cosmetic or content packs. Why It’s Worth Playing While the Metroidvania genre is crowded, Curse of the Sea Rats
carves out a niche with its beautiful 2D-on-3D art style and its emphasis on cooperative play. It offers a challenging but accessible experience for fans of games like Hollow Knight Guacamelee! , wrapped in a charming, swashbuckling aesthetic. technical instructions on how to install Switch updates, or would you like a character build guide for one of the four heroes?
