So many Switch 2 games lacking release dates is "not normal", according to former Nintendo marketing lead

The July 31st Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase highlighted a healthy number of third-party games. Even so, it left unanswered questions about first-party titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Kit Ellis, the Former Senior PR Manager for Nintendo of America, shares the same frustration of many gamers. On a recent podcast, Ellis speculates that the lack of updates for some upcoming Switch 2 games could signal release date delays.

Kit Ellis, along with his podcast partner, Krysta Yang, left Nintendo in 2022 after the closure of their San Francisco office. The company has shifted its strategy somewhat, with the Nintendo Today! app providing more regular news. Still, the former Nintendo employees offer a unique perspective on marketing for future releases.

During the YouTube broadcast, Ellis commented on how Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Kirby Air Riders still only have general 2025 release dates. He went so far as to call the situation “not normal”. By this point in the calendar year, Nintendo usually provides retailers with more exact dates. The gaming giant is often more prepared as the holiday shopping season approaches.

The situation is also uncertain for major third-party Switch 2 games. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade could showcase improved Switch 2 specs. Many viewers had expected coverage of the titles during the Nintendo Direct, only to be left disappointed. Ellis mentioned the rumored lack of dev kit availability as a reason why these projects could be behind schedule.

Ellis also theorizes that the development of one Switch 2 game may be preventing Nintendo from finalizing its 2025 plans. Insider Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly recently revealed that Retro Studios had yet to complete Metroid Prime 4. Nevertheless, he remains semi-confident that the title will appear by the end of the year.

Nintendo may yet provide more information for Metroid Prime 4 or Kirby Air Riders in August or September. However, the possibility of 2025 arrivals becomes increasingly unlikely afterwards. With physical releases, the company usually announces release dates several months in advance.