The Nintendo Switch 2 development kit shortage that plagued third-party developers for most of 2025 has finally been resolved, according to industry insider NateTheHate. This welcome news comes after months of frustration from indie studios, double-A developers, and even some major AAA teams who couldn’t access the hardware needed to bring their games to Nintendo’s latest console.
The Dev Kit Crisis Explained
NateTheHate confirmed on Famiboards that the development kit distribution situation has “largely been resolved.” This update addresses one of the biggest controversies surrounding the Switch 2 launch. For over six months following the console’s June 2025 release, developers across the industry complained about being unable to obtain the hardware necessary to create native Switch 2 versions of their games.
The shortage wasn’t just affecting small indie studios. Digital Foundry’s John Linneman reported in August that major AAA developers were also struggling to get dev kits. He claimed Nintendo seemed to be “almost discouraging Switch 2 development to some degree,” with some studios being told to simply release their games on Switch 1 and rely on backwards compatibility rather than creating optimized Switch 2 versions.
The situation became particularly bizarre when outlets like Digital Foundry reported at GDC 2025 that many development partners lacked access to dev kits. Digital Foundry’s Oliver Mackenzie pointed out inconsistencies where small projects like a campfire simulator received hardware while major AAA studios developing blockbuster games were left waiting. The lack of clear criteria for who received kits and who didn’t created significant confusion and frustration.
Who Was Affected By The Shortage
Modern Vintage Gamer, co-host of NateTheHate’s podcast, estimated that roughly two-thirds of developers and publishers who worked on Switch 1 titles didn’t have access to Switch 2 hardware during the early months. This means only about one-third of studios that supported the original Switch could actually work on native Switch 2 versions of their games.
The shortage affected a wide range of developers. NateTheHate specifically mentioned that major publishers including Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, and Bandai Namco were waiting for dev kits despite having games they wanted to announce for the platform. These aren’t small studios, they’re industry giants with decades of experience and established relationships with Nintendo.
Free-to-play developers faced particularly difficult obstacles. Eugene Nashilov, CEO of UFL developer Strikerz, claimed in September that Nintendo was “not actively giving development kits to free-to-play developers” as a “global trend.” His studio’s request for Switch 2 dev kits dated back to March 2025, two months after the console was officially announced, yet they remained empty-handed months later.
Why The Shortage Happened
Nintendo never officially explained why dev kit distribution was so limited, leading to widespread speculation about the company’s motivations. Some theories suggested Nintendo was prioritizing security and preventing leaks, particularly after the extensive Switch 2 information that appeared online before the official reveal.
Another possibility involves manufacturing constraints. Producing enough development kits to satisfy demand from thousands of potential developers worldwide requires significant resources. If Nintendo faced production bottlenecks or component shortages, they may have been forced to carefully ration available hardware to studios deemed most critical for the console’s success.
The strategy of telling developers to release on Switch 1 and rely on backwards compatibility suggests Nintendo may have wanted to avoid fragmenting the market too early. By encouraging cross-generational releases, the company could maintain momentum for both platforms simultaneously while giving themselves time to scale up Switch 2 production.
| Developer Type | Dev Kit Access During Shortage | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Major AAA publishers (select) | Limited early access | Could announce launch titles |
| Mid-sized AA developers | Mostly denied until recently | Delayed announcements and releases |
| Indie developers | Very limited, seemingly random | Unable to plan Switch 2 versions |
| Free-to-play studios | Actively excluded per reports | No Switch 2 development possible |
| Established Nintendo partners | Priority access | Launch window support confirmed |
The Call Of Duty Connection
NateTheHate’s confirmation about resolved dev kit availability came while discussing comments from Windows Central’s Jez Corden about Call of Duty coming to Switch 2. Corden revealed that Microsoft’s first Call of Duty title for Nintendo’s console is “nearly done and launching in a few months,” likely targeting early 2026.
The Call of Duty delay perfectly illustrates the dev kit problem’s real-world impact. Microsoft committed to bringing the franchise to Nintendo platforms as part of its 10-year agreement during the Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023. However, Activision developers couldn’t start porting work until they received Switch 2 hardware, which arrived later than ideal.
Corden specifically noted that the lack of timely dev kit access prevented Activision from launching a Call of Duty title sooner, possibly missing the Switch 2 launch window entirely. For a franchise as significant as Call of Duty, which Microsoft explicitly promised would support Nintendo platforms, this delay underscores how seriously the dev kit shortage impacted third-party support.
Signs Of Improvement
NateTheHate’s assessment that the situation has been “largely resolved” aligns with observable trends in Switch 2 announcements over recent weeks. Throughout December 2025, there’s been a noticeable surge in third-party game reveals for the platform, including ports, remasters, and entirely new titles.
Major games like Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and dozens more were officially confirmed for Switch 2 during Nintendo’s April 2025 Direct. The sheer volume of announcements suggests developers finally have the hardware necessary to work on these ports and can now confidently commit to release dates.
Some studios that previously complained about dev kit access have recently announced they’ve received hardware. Digital Extremes, developer of Warframe, confirmed they finally obtained a Switch 2 dev kit and are working on a native version of their free-to-play game. This suggests Nintendo has indeed expanded distribution beyond the initial limited circle.
What This Means For 2026
With the dev kit shortage resolved, 2026 looks significantly more promising for Switch 2’s third-party lineup. Developers who spent months waiting for hardware can now move forward with porting work, and studios planning new projects can include Switch 2 in their platform targets from the beginning of development rather than as an afterthought.
The timing works out reasonably well despite the delays. Most developers need 6-12 months for porting and optimization work depending on the game’s complexity. Studios receiving dev kits in late 2025 could have ports ready for spring or summer 2026, filling out the console’s library after the launch window rush settles.
Nintendo’s strategy of encouraging Switch 1 releases with backwards compatibility compatibility may have actually helped bridge the gap. Players can enjoy a massive library of existing Switch games on their new console while third-party developers catch up with native Switch 2 versions featuring enhanced graphics, better performance, and platform-specific features.
Community Reactions
Response to NateTheHate’s update has been cautiously optimistic. Many fans expressed relief that the situation has improved, though some remain skeptical given the months of contradictory information about dev kit availability. Reddit users discussing the news noted that recent weeks have indeed seen increased Switch 2 announcements, lending credibility to claims that more developers now have access.
However, frustration lingers about how the shortage was handled in the first place. Multiple commenters questioned why Nintendo couldn’t manufacture enough dev kits given that consumer units were available in sufficient quantities for a successful launch. Others pointed out that the lack of transparency around distribution criteria created unnecessary confusion and damaged relationships with potential development partners.
Some developers who struggled to get hardware remain frustrated by the seemingly arbitrary selection process. Seeing small indie projects receive kits while established studios with proven track records waited months created perceptions of unfairness that may take time to overcome, even as availability improves.
Looking Beyond The Shortage
The dev kit situation highlights broader questions about how console manufacturers manage relationships with third-party developers. Nintendo’s approach, whether intentional or due to production constraints, created a bottleneck that limited the Switch 2’s game library during crucial launch months when consumer enthusiasm was highest.
Sony and Microsoft have historically taken different approaches, often providing development hardware to a wider range of studios earlier in the console development cycle. This allows for more robust launch lineups and demonstrates commitment to third-party support from day one. Nintendo’s more restricted approach may reflect different priorities or simply the realities of being a smaller hardware manufacturer.
The resolution of the dev kit shortage should allow Switch 2 to reach its full potential as a platform. With its improved hardware capabilities, backwards compatibility, and Nintendo’s first-party lineup, the console has strong fundamentals. Adding robust third-party support through widespread dev kit availability removes one of the few remaining obstacles to success.
FAQs
Has Nintendo officially confirmed the dev kit shortage is resolved?
No, Nintendo has not made any official statements about development kit distribution. The information comes from industry insider NateTheHate posting on Famiboards, along with observations about increased third-party game announcements in recent weeks. Nintendo rarely comments on behind-the-scenes development matters publicly.
Why did the dev kit shortage happen in the first place?
Nintendo never officially explained the shortage. Possible reasons include manufacturing constraints, security concerns to prevent leaks, strategic decisions about managing the transition between Switch 1 and Switch 2, or simply underestimating demand from third-party developers. The lack of official explanation has led to significant speculation.
Which major developers were affected by the shortage?
NateTheHate specifically mentioned Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, and Bandai Namco as companies waiting for dev kits. Activision’s Call of Duty team also received hardware later than ideal. Digital Foundry reported that many AAA studios struggled to obtain kits, though specific company names weren’t always disclosed. Free-to-play developers appeared to be systematically excluded according to some reports.
Does this mean more games will be announced soon?
Likely yes. The recent surge in Switch 2 announcements suggests developers who finally received hardware are now confident enough to reveal their projects. Expect 2026 to see significantly more third-party support as studios complete porting work that was delayed by the dev kit shortage throughout 2025.
When is Call of Duty coming to Switch 2?
According to Jez Corden of Windows Central, the first Call of Duty title for Switch 2 is “nearly done and launching in a few months,” pointing to early 2026 as the likely timeframe. The specific title hasn’t been confirmed, but it represents Microsoft fulfilling its commitment to bring the franchise to Nintendo platforms following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
How reliable is NateTheHate as a source?
NateTheHate has a mixed but generally credible track record within the gaming industry. The insider has accurately predicted various Nintendo-related news in the past, including some Switch 2 details before official announcements. However, like all leakers, not every prediction proves accurate. The observable increase in Switch 2 announcements lends credibility to this particular claim.
Can indie developers get Switch 2 dev kits now?
The situation appears to be improving for developers of all sizes, though specific application processes and approval criteria remain unclear. Some indie studios received dev kits during the shortage period while others didn’t, creating confusion about eligibility. As availability increases, more indie developers should gain access, though Nintendo likely still maintains some approval process.
Why were free-to-play developers excluded?
Eugene Nashilov of Strikerz claimed Nintendo was “not actively giving development kits to free-to-play developers” as a “global trend.” Nintendo hasn’t explained this policy. Possible reasons include concerns about how free-to-play business models fit the Nintendo ecosystem, security worries about online-connected games, or simply prioritization of traditional premium games during limited hardware availability.
Conclusion
The resolution of the Switch 2 development kit shortage marks a turning point for the console’s third-party support. After six months of frustration for developers ranging from indie studios to AAA giants, the situation has finally improved to the point where most studios seeking hardware can obtain it. This opens the door for a much stronger 2026 lineup as delayed porting projects reach completion and new games enter development with Switch 2 support from the beginning. The shortage created a rocky start for third-party relations, with developers confused about arbitrary-seeming distribution criteria and left unable to support a platform they wanted to work on. However, Nintendo’s strong first-party lineup and backwards compatibility helped bridge the gap until the situation improved. With Call of Duty confirmed as arriving soon and dozens of major third-party titles now officially announced, the Switch 2 appears positioned to overcome its early third-party challenges. The coming year will reveal whether the delayed third-party support can catch up to where it should have been at launch, or if the lost momentum during those crucial first months will have lasting effects on the platform’s library.