Nearly three months after the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, numerous developers remain unable to secure the necessary development kits, even with a range of third-party games on the horizon for the new hybrid console.
This insight comes from Digital Foundry, which raised the topic during this week’s DF Direct in response to a listener’s query regarding Switch 2 kits, focusing on Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a game running at 30fps on the console, albeit without a specific version for the Switch 2. One listener asked, “Do you think Nintendo are regretting not sharing the dev kits wider, sooner?”
John Linneman, the host of the show, reported discussions with multiple developers at Gamescom 2025, where he noted that many expressed similar frustrations, stating, “It’s really difficult right now” to procure a development kit. While developers exhibit significant enthusiasm — stating, “They would love to do Switch 2 versions. They can’t get the hardware” — they are facing substantial obstacles in acquiring the tools necessary to develop for the new platform. Some have even been advised to release their games on the original Switch and depend on backward compatibility.
Co-host Oliver Mackenzie shared his confusion regarding Nintendo’s strategy in distributing development kits, mentioning the “weird exclusions” and “weird inclusions” he has heard about, referencing a game titled Chillin’ by the Fire as a case of the latter. He remarked, “Some big developers, on the other hand, who developed AAA stuff aren’t necessarily in the pipeline there for kits.”
Ultimately, only Nintendo knows the precise details regarding the distribution of development kits, which are crucial for games like Mouse Work — designed to be played in Mouse Mode — that cannot launch on the Switch 2 until developers receive a kit. Although Nintendo seems to be prioritizing indie developers and smaller studios, many teams remain without access.
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Discrepancies in performance of third-party games on the Switch 2 have also emerged; for instance, Final Fantasy VII Remake garnered praise at Gamescom, while Elden Ring did not perform as well.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the situation surrounding Switch 2 development kits in the comments section.
