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Will Diablo IV Arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Many anticipate that current-generation ports would seamlessly transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, with Diablo IV seemingly a likely candidate. However, franchise head Rod Fergusson recently cast doubt on the prospect of the Blizzard title appearing on Nintendo’s upcoming console in the near future. While the hardware might be capable, his concerns appear to revolve around running live-service games on a handheld hybrid device.
“It’s encouraging that the Switch 2 possesses the performance to execute a title like Diablo 4, so naturally, it merits consideration,” Fergusson remarked. “My belief is that the challenge is less about the hardware itself, and more about how we manage live services on Switch, which has presented certain hurdles in the past.”
Challenges of Live Services on Switch
The Diablo franchise leader expressed optimism that “as they commence this June, and as we contemplate the future, it will become increasingly straightforward, making it more viable to deploy a live service on that platform.” Diablo IV mandates a persistent online connection, even for solo play within the main campaign, contrasting with Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrected, both of which Fergusson highlighted are already on the original Switch and will feature backward compatibility on the new device.
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His justification seems somewhat peculiar, given the presence of numerous other live-service games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League on the existing Switch. Warframe, a looter shooter with a live-service model akin to Diablo IV, is also available. A sizable portion of Switch users engage in gameplay while docked or within their home Wi-Fi range in handheld mode.
Potential Impact on Launch Titles
Regardless of the validity of Fergusson’s reasoning, it appears that Blizzard does not currently intend to introduce Diablo IV to the Switch 2, at least not during the console’s initial year. This contradicts prior speculation that the company was developing a port. Analysts had anticipated substantial first-party support from Microsoft for the Switch 2 at launch, yet the company has not disclosed any plans despite its recent shift towards multiplatform releases.
The absence of Diablo IV is particularly disappointing, considering the action RPG’s suitability for PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and the Rog Ally. Perhaps Fergusson is deliberately being evasive to avoid preempting Microsoft’s formal announcements. Otherwise, it represents a significant lost opportunity as Diablo IV enters its third year, gearing up for a wave of new seasonal updates and forthcoming expansions.