Nintendo Switch 2 Development Back on Track After Devkit Delays
A recent resolution to development kit shortages promises a surge of new games for Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 console in 2026, alleviating concerns that plagued the gaming industry for months. The delays in providing essential hardware to developers threatened to stifle the launch of the new system, but recent reports indicate the situation has been largely resolved.
Devkit Shortages Hampered Early Switch 2 Game Development
For months, rumors circulated regarding Nintendo’s halting of devkit shipments – specialized hardware required for game development – to external companies. These concerns materialized in August 2025, when industry insiders, including NateTheHate, confirmed that even major game studios lacked the necessary equipment to prepare titles for the Switch 2’s launch. This lack of access directly impacted the number of games available at the system’s premiere.
The impact of these delays was significant. Many highly anticipated titles were unable to launch alongside the new console, forcing developers to postpone releases or, in some cases, forgo a day-one presence on the platform.
Call of Duty Case Study Highlights the Problem
The situation was particularly evident with the latest installment of the Call of Duty series. While the game is now expected to debut on the Switch 2 within a few months, its absence from the initial launch lineup was directly attributed to the late arrival of devkits. According to Jez Corden, despite the Nintendo version of the game nearing completion, the lack of early access to the console’s technology presented the biggest hurdle for developers.
“The biggest obstacle for developers was the lack of early access to the technology,” Corden noted.
Devkit Supply Resolved, Promising a Robust 2026 Game Lineup
Fortunately, the tide appears to have turned. By the end of December 2025, NateTheHate reported that the devkit supply issues had been substantially addressed and were no longer considered a major impediment to development. This positive shift is already being reflected in a noticeable increase in game announcements from various publishers, signaling they now possess the tools needed to fully leverage the Switch 2’s capabilities.
For Switch 2 owners, this means a significant increase in game availability is on the horizon. Industry observers predict that 2026 will see a substantial influx of titles from external developers, effectively ending the drought caused by the earlier equipment shortages. Solving the access issues has allowed studios to regain momentum, setting the stage for a year filled with exciting new releases.
The resolution of this critical supply chain issue is a major win for both Nintendo and the gaming community, paving the way for a vibrant and diverse game library on the Switch 2.
