Nintendo Dev Kit Dilemma: Is Switch 2 Development Being Discouraged?

In a segment on Digital Foundry’s DF Direct Weekly, it was revealed how there’s a growing frustration among developers over the Nintendo dev kit for the Switch 2. Their discussion, coming off the heels of Gamescom 2025, suggests a pattern of selective access to dev kits that hints at a broader strategic shift or perhaps misstep.

A growing number of developers, ranging from independent studios to major AAA publishers, are reportedly struggling to access development kits for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The distribution process has been described as especially challenging, with even several well-established studios allegedly left out of the loop. Meanwhile, the inclusion of select indie projects, such as Chillin’ by the Fire, in the early hardware rollout has sparked questions about Nintendo’s selection criteria.

Beyond the challenge of procurement, some developers say Nintendo is explicitly steering them away from Nintendo Switch 2 development, encouraging instead that they release on the original Switch and let backwards compatibility handle the transition. Linneman relayed that developers were told they should just ship it on Switch 1 and rely on backwards compatibility. The implication? New titles targeted exclusively for the newer hardware are being pushed aside.

Despite what some may read as discouragement, this situation might be part of a calculated, phased strategy. Reports have surfaced of a potential “three-phase launch plan” for Nintendo Switch 2 titles: first-party games debut at launch, third-party titles arrive in the fall, and further releases arrive during the holiday season. Such a rollout could explain the selective distribution of dev kits early on. It seems like a twisted, wrong way to do do prequels.

Perspectives from the Developer Front Lines

Industry chatter adds context to these developments. A Game Post investigation about the Nintendo dev kit problem notes that some developers request dev kits only to receive vague replies with no details. Multiple insiders even describe the experience as being outright ghosted.

GameSpot’s coverage reinforces this narrative. Even AA and indie teams admitted waiting months with no clear timeline for receiving dev kits. This, combined with Nintendo’s insistence on pushing titles via backwards compatibility, has created a bottleneck that’s stalling Nintendo Switch 2 development across the industry.=

Meanwhile, backwards compatibility does offer comfort. Most original Switch titles will run seamlessly on Switch 2, easing Nintendo’s transition strategy. But this ease may come at the cost of exclusive, optimized Switch 2 titles that truly highlight the next-generation experience.

What’s Next for the Switch 2 Nintendo Dev Kit Development?