Summary
- Pocket Wheels is an upcoming indie game that blends 3D platforming with racing elements.
- The game is described as an homage to classic collectathons from the ’90s.
- Pocket Wheels is coming to PC and consoles sometime in 2026. Steam users can already try out its free demo, which includes one full level, 12 vehicles, and a photo mode.
A newly announced game called Pocket Wheels aims to pay homage to classic collectathon titles from the ’90s by blending 3D platforming with racing elements. This unique genre hybrid is in development for PC and a wide variety of modern consoles.
As the name suggests, collectathon games—sometimes called Collect-a-Thons—revolve around collecting items, thus placing a large emphasis on exploration. This gameplay focus naturally aligns with platformers, with some of the genre’s most famous examples including Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and the recently released Astro Bot.
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Finding every single collectible in these games may be a difficult task, but the bragging rights that come with it make every second worth it.
Another such title has now been announced in the form of Pocket Wheels. Made by solo indie developer Florian Wolf, Pocket Wheels is a 3D platformer with a racing game skin. The game tasks players with picking a miniature ride and then rushing through a wide variety of colorful courses filled with obstacles and collectibles alike. While driving is the primary means of moving around, Pocket Wheels also features alternate modes of navigation, such as grappling hooks and wings.
Pocket Wheels Promises Immense Level Variety
The setting of Pocket Wheels resembles a child’s room full of creative toy setups. The game’s official announcement promises immense level variety, with stages inspired by cities, spooky basements, and flooded bathrooms, among other settings. Deck13 also hinted at lava- and moon-themed levels as being part of the package. The upcoming indie game will have a mission-based structure, with each of its rooms offering unique challenges to overcome.
Pocket Wheels Demo Is Now Available
Pocket Wheels is presently targeting a 2026 release. The game is in development for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as PC. Its PC version will be distributed via both Steam and GOG. Steam users can currently download a free Pocket Wheels demo, which serves as a vertical slice of the game. The trial version of Pocket Wheels includes one full level with six objectives to tackle, 12 vehicles to choose from, and 100 coins to collect. The demo also incorporates a photo mode that will be part of the finished product.
Developer Florian Wolf describes Pocket Wheels as an interactive take on childhood toy adventures. While collecting a bunch of items can be fun on its own, the game will also incentivize exploration by allowing players to purchase new vehicles with the treasures they obtain. Pocket Wheels hence has the potential to add to the list of compelling modern collectathon platformers while simultaneously paying homage to its classic inspirations. No pricing information has yet been announced for the upcoming title.
Deck13 Interactive
- Date Founded
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April 2, 2002
- Headquarters
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Frankfurt, Germany
- Parent Company
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DTP Entertainment