Nintendo Switch 2 dev kits remain scarce, slowing release of third-party games on console

Gamescom 2025 could have been a show of force for third-party Switch 2 support. While Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight: Silksong was playable on the handheld, other developers had little to showcase. Digital Foundry reveals that several months after launch, dev kits needed to create Switch 2 games remain elusive.

John Linneman confirmed that many studios are anxious to support the handheld. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn’t been entirely cooperative. Instead of shipping dev kits, the company encourages some developers to release titles on the original Switch. At Gamescom, many of these creators privately shared their frustrations.

The backward compatibility of the new console has been beneficial, but not all games run without glitches. Many gamers would rather play a version that takes full advantage of the improved Switch 2 specs. In the Digital Foundry video, Oliver Mackenzie notes how few third-party Switch 2 Edition releases exist.

Analysts are left confused as to why Nintendo has not been more accommodating to developers. The gaming giant doesn’t seem to have a pattern for what Switch 2 games it approves. Buyers can find a scattering of indie titles, with some major publishers yet to ship titles for the system.

Nintendo's mysterious Switch 2 strategy

Even with fewer third-party Switch 2 games than some buyers had expected, the handheld is racking up impressive sales. Popular first-party Nintendo games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have enticed buyers. Players also have an extensive library of previous-gen titles to choose from. The company may not feel the need to rush other projects to market.

Another theory is that Nintendo doesn’t want a flood of Switch 2 Edition titles to appear at once. Delaying dev kit approvals can ensure there are no gaps in the console’s release schedule through 2026.

The concern of some fans may be unwarranted when looking back at the original Switch. Third-party support was also lacking early in the previous handheld’s life cycle. On the other hand, much of the appeal of Switch 2 is its ability to run more resource-intensive games.