The Nintendo Switch 2 was to welcome one of the most anticipated FPS of the year. However, while everything seemed ready for the release of Borderlands 4 on Nintendo’s new console, publisher Take-Two suddenly decided to cancel the port. An unexpected announcement which arouses incomprehension and disappointment among fans.
An initially ambitious project for the Switch 2
For several years, Gearbox Software has shown its commitment to Nintendo consoles by adapting several opuses from the Borderlands saga on the original Switch. The announcement of the arrival of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 was therefore well received, even if the game had to be released on other platforms first.
The project seemed to be progressing normally, despite some concerns about performance. Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox, indicated that the game would aim mainly 30 fps on Switch 2
. A statement that sowed doubt among many players.
This precision, considered vague, had highlighted possible technical limitations. Especially since Pitchford had also revealed that even the physical versions would require a download, a point often poorly received by the Nintendo community.
A sudden withdrawal from the Take-Two calendar
The ax fell via Take-Two’s financial reports, relayed by Variety. The Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4 has been removed from release schedulea decision confirmed by spokesperson Alan Lewis.
We have made the difficult decision to suspend development of this version
he said.
No official technical explanation has been provided. Borderlands social media has been silent on the matter. The last official communication mentioned a need for additional development and polishing time
but the game was ultimately postponed sine diethen simply canceled.
Performance already problematic on powerful consoles
This decision is part of a broader context of technical difficulties encountered by Borderlands 4. Even on machines like the PS5, Xbox Series X or PC, the game was not flawless. The Digital Foundry media has identified numerous bugs, framerate drops and an annoying screen tearing effect, especially during long sessions.
Randy Pitchford didn’t help calm things down, sometimes responding curtly to criticism. Updates were rolled out to fix some issues, but the launch experience remained marred.
What future for Borderlands on Nintendo consoles?
This cancellation probably marks the end of a cycle for Gearbox on Nintendo consoles. The majority of Borderlands games up to Episode 3 are playable on the current Switch. On the other hand, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has never been worn.
The end of the port of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 could also say a lot about the technical limits of the future console, or on the strategic priorities from Take Two. It remains to be seen whether other publishers will make the same choice in the months to come.