Nintendo is reportedly advising developers to release games on the original Switch instead of working on Switch 2 games due to a hardware shortage. The console’s launch has left many developers unable to obtain development kits, according to Digital Foundry’s DF Direct Weekly podcast.
Hosts John Linneman and Oliver Mackenzie spoke to numerous developers who said they could not get their hands on the necessary hardware to create Switch 2 games. Instead, some were told to focus on developing games for the original Switch, with the promise of backwards compatibility.
This approach may not be suitable for all games, however, as it can result in a less sharp image due to the lower resolution output of the original Switch compared to the upcoming Switch 2, which boasts 4K docked and 1080p handheld capabilities. Despite this, many developers want to support the new hardware, particularly considering the potential sales volume.
However, third-party developer support for Switch 2 has been slow to materialize. Only a few games have earned the “Switch 2 Edition” badge, sparking concerns about Nintendo’s strategy.
As of now, it remains unclear whether this shortage is temporary or a deliberate decision by Nintendo.
Source: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/they-cant-get-the-hardware-nintendo-is-reportedly-telling-would-be-switch-2-devs-to-release-on-switch-instead