Borderlands 4’s Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Pushed Back Indefinitely
Gamers hoping to dive into the latest installment of the chaotic looter-shooter franchise on Nintendo Switch 2 will have to wait longer than expected. Gearbox Software has announced an indefinite delay for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4, which was originally slated for an October 3rd release.
The game recently launched on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. However, it appears that the Switch 2 version has encountered significant optimization challenges, leading to this difficult decision.
Gearbox Aims for the 'Best Experience'
In an official statement, Gearbox addressed the community:
“Greetings, Vault Hunters!
We are announcing that the release of Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 is being delayed. This was not an easy decision, but we are committed to providing our fans with the best experience possible, and the game requires additional development time to achieve this. We also hope to better align this release with the arrival of cross-platform saves, which we are currently working on.
We will inform you of new release dates as soon as our plans are fully adjusted. In accordance with Nintendo’s policy, all digital pre-orders placed to date will be canceled. Customers can initiate this process themselves now, or it will be automatically started on Friday, September 26th. For physical pre-orders, please contact the respective retailer.
We appreciate the feedback, support, and patience of our fans and the community. It is precisely what helps us move forward.
– Gearbox”
This indicates that ensuring a polished gameplay experience and integrating crucial features like cross-platform saves are top priorities for the development team.
Pre-Order Cancellations and Performance Concerns
As a direct consequence of the delay, all digital pre-orders for Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 will be automatically canceled by Nintendo on September 26th, though players can initiate the refund process sooner. Those who pre-ordered physical copies are advised to contact their retailers directly.
Rumors of performance issues surrounding the Switch 2 version have circulated since August, following the Gamescom 2025 exhibition. Attendees who demoed the game reported significant frame rate drops, even with as few as four enemies on screen, particularly when playing in docked mode. This suggests that the optimization challenges are indeed substantial.
Adding to the concerns, the PC version of Borderlands 4 has also faced its share of stability problems, resulting in a 'Mixed' rating of 63% on Steam. Randy Pitchford, a prominent figure at Gearbox, even drew criticism for suggesting that PC players encountering issues should simply adjust their settings or request refunds, rather than acknowledging deeper optimization woes.
What This Means for Players
While a delay is always disappointing for eager fans, Gearbox's commitment to delivering a high-quality product is commendable. Pushing back the release allows the developers crucial time to address performance issues and integrate features like cross-platform saves, ultimately aiming for a more stable and enjoyable experience. Players will need to exercise patience, but the hope is that this extra development time will lead to a Borderlands 4 that lives up to expectations on Nintendo Switch 2.
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