Summary
- Many developers, including major third-party studios, have yet to receive Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits, delaying new game announcements.
- Only about one-third of previous Switch game developers have received dev kits for the new console.
- Major publishers like Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, and even Microsoft are reportedly waiting to announce Switch 2 games.
- The lack of dev kits is affecting indie, double-A, and low triple-A developers, hindering the early game lineup for the Switch 2.
Switch 2 Dev Kit Delays Affect New Game Announcements
According to a trusted insider known as Nate the Hate, the slow rollout of development kits for the Nintendo Switch 2 is significantly impacting new game announcements for the console.
Although the Switch 2 has already launched, many developers—ranging from indie studios to double-A and low triple-A developers—still have not received the necessary dev kits to create or optimise games for the new system. Only about one-third of developers from the original Switch ecosystem have received these kits.
This delay is causing many studios, including big names like Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, and Bandai Namco, to hold back their announcements, even though they reportedly have games ready to support the platform.
Microsoft, too, was planning to bring games to the Switch 2, but the dev kit issue may push these plans back to 2026.
Implications for the Switch 2 Game Library and Future Support
The dev kit shortage not only slows the flow of new first-party and third-party games but also affects indie developers eager to enhance their existing Switch titles or develop new ones for the more powerful Switch 2 hardware.
This bottleneck could lead to a slower start for the Switch 2’s game library, potentially reducing its competitiveness in the growing next-gen portable market.
Nintendo has scheduled a Direct event later in July, where fans hope to see more game announcements despite the current challenges.
Until then, the industry waits to see how Nintendo resolves the dev kit distribution and supports its new platform’s launch lineup.
