With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch soon, development kits are still very limited. This shortage is making it difficult for game studios – both large and small – to create games for the new console. Recent reports suggest that even developers who have successfully made multiple Switch games are becoming frustrated with the ongoing supply issues.
For months, developers have been trying to get their hands on Switch 2 development kits, even before the console officially launched on June 5, 2025. Initially, it was thought Nintendo was simply being cautious about sharing the hardware before its official announcement. While most companies provide early access to developers, Nintendo has always been more selective than competitors like Sony and Microsoft. However, after the Switch 2 launched, it became clear that the limited availability wasn’t just about preventing leaks – Nintendo simply doesn’t have many dev kits available, and still doesn’t.
The Switch 2’s Invitation-Only Bottleneck
Despite the Switch 2 selling 17 million units in eight months, many game developers outside of major companies are becoming increasingly worried. A new report from Arkaden in Denmark suggests these professionals are frustrated with Nintendo, particularly because development kits for the new console remain in short supply. Recent claims that the kit supply issues were fixed appear to be untrue, according to the report.
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Switch 2 Dev Kits May Not Be in Short Supply So Much as Withheld
Sources suggest the shortage of development kits for the new Nintendo console isn’t a simple supply chain problem, but a deliberate choice by the company. Nintendo hasn’t accepted applications for these kits since February 2026 and hasn’t explained why. This likely encourages developers to continue supporting the older Switch console. The fact that the new console has been widely available for most of its first eight months suggests Nintendo is intentionally limiting access to development tools.
Timeline of Nintendo Switch 2 Dev Kit Updates
- Jan 16, 2025: after formally announcing its new console, Nintendo said it was “not accepting requests” for the Switch 2 dev environment at the time.
- Apr 3, 2025: Reports suggest some of the industry’s largest publishers that weren’t already supporting the Switch 2 launch secured a limited number of dev kits.
- June 5, 2025: Switch 2 released globally; still no meaningful updates on dev kit availability for smaller devs.
- Aug 26, 2025: Digital Foundry reports that Nintendo is telling devs to just make Switch 1 games since those are compatible with the Switch 2.
- Aug 28, 2025: The last of the widespread Switch 2 shortages are over, with consumer supply thus stabilizing before dev access.
- Dec 30, 2025: Imran Khan reports dev kit supply is “largely” resolved
- Jan 23, 2026: a new Arkaden report citing numerous industry members claims major Siwtch 2 dev kit shortages are ongoing
Nintendo is carefully controlling access to the development tools for its new Switch 2 console, and this is already causing problems for developers who want to update older games. Many developers have told fans that they’re limited in what they can upgrade right now. Reports from August suggest Nintendo is even advising smaller development studios to hold off on making Switch 2 plans, and instead focus on improving games for the original Switch, counting on the new console’s ability to play older games to bridge the gap.
Although each new generation of home consoles looks less and less different graphically, handhelds and devices like the Switch 2 still see significant upgrades. This is because handheld makers have to carefully balance power, heat, and battery life. Any improvement in performance without using more energy is much more noticeable on these devices. Many developers are eager to move beyond the Switch’s older technology, but Nintendo controls when they can do so.
Sources: Nintendo Everything, Digital Foundry
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2026-02-22 09:04