Nintendo’s decision to be selective about who develops games for its Switch 2 console is causing frustration among developers, critics, and fans. The lack of stability for some ports, such as Elden Ring and Borderlands 4, has raised concerns about the hardware’s capabilities.
Several major studios, including Ubisoft, have reportedly struggled to secure a development kit, while others, like Digital Extremes, claimed they couldn’t get one due to high demand. This has led to speculation that Nintendo is being picky and secretive about who gets access to the platform.
Developers describe the process as complex, with some being told to ship games on Switch 1 instead of developing for Switch 2. The situation is further complicated by the lack of transparency from Nintendo, making it difficult for developers to create high-quality ports.
The issue has been ongoing since Gamescom, where poor performance of certain ports was reported. However, recent news suggests that some developers are having success with their Switch 2 releases, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7. The exact reasons behind Nintendo’s decision-making process remain unclear, but the lack of stability for some ports continues to raise questions about the console’s capabilities.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/switch-2-development-kits-nintendo