Unpacking Review | Why I Switched from Nintendo Switch to Steam

There are plenty of games that challenge your reflexes, throw you into epic battles, or send you on grand adventures. Then there are games like Unpacking, quiet and cosy, proving that even s a cardboard box can tell a story just as powerful as any blockbuster game.

At first glance, Unpacking looks simple: you unpack boxes, place items around a room, and move on to the next home. There are no enemies, no time limits, and no complicated mechanics. Yet somehow, through everyday objects and thoughtful level design, it manages to tell a heartfelt story about growing up, relationships, and finding where you belong.

My journey with Unpacking wasn't exactly straightforward as the game. I originally bought the physical Nintendo Switch version because it seemed like the perfect cosy game to enjoy handheld. Unfortunately, after spending some time with it, I found the controls more cumbersome than relaxing and eventually decided to sell my physical copy.

Months later, after purchasing my new gaming laptop, I noticed Unpacking on sale during a Steam promotion and decided to give it another chance. That decision completely changed my opinion of the game.

[Gigabyte Gaming A16 (2025) Shopping Experience from Aftershock and Review]

So in this review, I'll share why playing on PC with a mouse made all the difference (for me), compare it with the Nintendo Switch version, and explain why Unpacking has become one of my favourite cosy indie games.

🎮 Quick Summary

Game	Unpacking
Developer	Witch Beam
Genre	Cozy Puzzle, Simulation, Indie
Platform Reviewed	PC (Steam)
Previously Played On	Nintendo Switch (Physical Cartridge)
Play Time	Approximately 4 to 6 hours
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Short Verdict: Although I first bought Unpacking on the Nintendo Switch, I enjoyed it far more on PC. The mouse and keyvoard combination offers much better control for organising small objects, making the relaxing gameplay feel effortless instead of frustrating.

What is Unpacking?

Developed by Witch Beam, Unpacking is a cosy puzzle game that transforms the everyday task of unpacking moving boxes into a surprisingly emotional experience. Instead of relying on dialogue or cutscenes, the game tells its story entirely through the belongings of its unseen protagonist.

Each level represents a new chapter in life, from a childhood bedroom to shared apartments and eventually a family home. As you unpack books, toys, kitchen utensils, clothes, and treasured keepsakes, you gradually piece together a touching coming-of-age story without a single spoken word.

The gameplay itself is wonderfully simple. Every item must find a suitable place somewhere in the room, encouraging you to think about organisation while also giving you the freedom to decorate spaces in your own way. It's relaxing, satisfying, and surprisingly addictive.

What makes Unpacking stand out isn't its challenge but its storytelling. The developers prove that ordinary objects can carry extraordinary memories, making every move feel personal and meaningful.

Unpacking turns the simple act of organising belongings into a heartfelt story about growing up, one box at a time.

🎮 Available Platforms

💻 Windows (Steam)

🍎 macOS

🐧 Linux

🎮 Nintendo Switch

🟦 PlayStation 4

🟩 Xbox One

Unfortunately, my experience wasn't quite what I had expected. The game itself was charming, but I found the controls surprisingly cumbersome. Since every object needs to be picked up, rotated and placed carefully, moving the cursor with the Joy-Con's analogue stick often felt slower and awkward. Larger items weren't much of an issue, but when it came to organising tiny decorations, books, stationery or kitchen utensils, I found myself constantly making small adjustments just to place them where I wanted. And let's not even start about the navigation from room to room, it was a pain for me to use the joycons to move from room to room.

Because Unpacking is all about relaxing and taking your time, I expected the controls to disappear into the background. Instead, I became more aware of them than the actual gameplay, and often felt like I was fighting the cursor.

I tried a few times to get into the game but I simply wasn't enjoying the experience enough to continue. So, I made the decision to sell my physical copy.

My Experience
This wasn't because Unpacking is a bad game. In fact, I could already see how much care had gone into its storytelling and beautiful pixel art. It simply wasn't the right platform for me at the time.

Buying It Again on Steam

Earlier this year, I purchased the Gigabyte Gaming A16 (2025), my first dedicated gaming laptop in quite some time. Besides giving me access to more PC-exclusive titles, it also encouraged me to revisit games that I hadn't fully enjoyed on console.

So no surprise when I noticed that Unpacking had gone on sale during one of Steam's seasonal promotions. Since I had always wondered whether my earlier experience was more about the controls than the game itself, I decided to give it another chance.

Why the Mouse Changed the Experience

Within just a few minutes of playing on PC, I realised this was the experience I had originally been hoping for. Instead of slowly moving a cursor across the screen with an analogue stick, I could simply point exactly where I wanted using a mouse. Picking up an object, rotating it, and placing it on a shelf became almost effortless.

This might sound like a small difference, but in a game where every single interaction revolves around arranging objects, those tiny improvements make a surprisingly big impact; precision is everything.

Soon, I found myself spending less time correcting accidental placements and more time enjoying the process of decorating each room. Organising books neatly on a shelf, lining up kitchen utensils, arranging stationery on a desk or displaying treasured keepsakes suddenly became incredibly satisfying.

Additionally, playing on my laptop made it much easier to appreciate the game's beautiful pixel art and tiny environmental details. Small decorative objects were easier to spot, cupboards felt less cramped, and I could comfortably organise entire rooms without feeling restricted by a smaller display.

The controls became so natural that I almost forgot they were there, which is exactly what you want from a cosy game. Instead of wrestling with the interface, I could simply relax and enjoy the quiet storytelling that makes Unpacking so special.

Nintendo Switch vs Steam

Having now experienced both versions, here's how they compared for me.

Category	Nintendo Switch	Steam (PC)
Controls	Analogue stick cursor	Mouse
Precision	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Organising Small Objects	Good	Excellent
Overall Experience	Enjoyable but occasionally frustrating	Relaxing and effortless

This isn't to say that the Nintendo Switch version is bad. Many players enjoy it, especially if they primarily play handheld games. However, for me, the precision offered by a mouse made all the difference and allowed the game's strengths to truly shine.

Playing with a mouse made organising every room feel effortless, allowing me to focus on the relaxing gameplay instead of the controls.

A Different Perspective

Sometimes, the platform you choose can completely change how a game feels. What didn't click for me on the Nintendo Switch became one of the most relaxing gaming experiences I've had on PC.

What I Loved

Although Unpacking appears to be a simple puzzle game on the surface, it left a much bigger impression on me than I expected. Once I found the right platform to play it on, I discovered a wonderfully relaxing experience that I could easily lose myself in for hours.

Relaxing Gameplay

There's no pressure to rush through each level. Without timers, enemies or scores to chase, I could take my time deciding where every item belonged. It almost felt like decorating my own home, and I often caught myself rearranging objects simply because I wanted the room to look a little nicer.

Environmental Storytelling

One of the most impressive aspects of Unpacking is how it tells a story without using dialogue. As you move from one home to another, you slowly learn about the protagonist's life through the possessions they keep, the things they leave behind, and the new memories they collect along the way.

It never feels forced, and I found myself becoming surprisingly attached to certain objects that appeared throughout different stages of the game.

Beautiful Pixel Art

Every object has been lovingly designed, from books and stationery to kitchen utensils and childhood toys. The attention to detail makes every room feel lived in and believable, while the soft colour palette complements the cosy atmosphere perfectly.

A Wonderful Soundtrack

The soundtrack deserves special mention as well. It's gentle, calming and never distracting, making it the perfect companion while slowly unpacking each box. Together with the satisfying sound effects, it creates an incredibly relaxing experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

As much as I enjoyed Unpacking, it's also worth knowing what kind of game you're buying.

It's a relatively short game, with most players finishing it in around four to six hours.
The gameplay focuses almost entirely on unpacking and organising items, so don't expect traditional puzzles or action mechanics.
The slower pace may not appeal to players looking for constant excitement.
Choosing the right platform can make a noticeable difference, especially if you value precise controls.

For me, none of these were deal-breakers. In fact, the shorter length made it feel like a perfectly paced experience that never overstayed its welcome.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Relaxing and stress-free gameplay ✅ Excellent environmental storytelling ✅ Beautiful pixel art and soundtrack ✅ Good story telling without dialogue ✅ Mouse controls feel more natural on PC	❌ Short overall playtime ❌ Slow pace may not suit everyone ❌ Controller controls felt less intuitive for me

Is Unpacking Worth Buying?

If you enjoy cosy games that let you slow down and unwind after a busy day, Unpacking is an easy recommendation. It's not a game about winning or losing. Instead, it's about appreciating the little moments, discovering stories through everyday objects, and enjoying the simple satisfaction of putting everything in its proper place.

I would especially recommend picking it up during one of Steam's seasonal sales for value for money.

If you're deciding between the Nintendo Switch and PC versions, my personal recommendation would be the PC version. Playing with a mouse made organising items far more comfortable, and I found myself appreciating the game's thoughtful design much more as a result.

Final Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Sometimes all a game needs is a second chance.

Although my first experience with Unpacking on the Nintendo Switch didn't quite click, revisiting it on PC completely changed my perspective. The precise mouse controls allowed the gameplay to shine, transforming what had once felt slightly frustrating into one of the most relaxing gaming experiences I've had in recent years.

Beyond its satisfying and cosy gameplay, Unpacking tells a heartfelt story about growing up, moving on, and carrying memories with us through the belongings we choose to keep. It's thoughtful, beautifully designed, and proof that even the simplest gameplay ideas can leave a lasting impression.

If you're looking for a cosy indie game to unwind with, Unpacking is well worth adding to your Steam library, especially when it's on sale.