Crash Bandicoot 5 Development Update: No Nintendo Switch Sequel in Sight, Says Former Dev

Crash Bandicoot 5 Development Update: No Nintendo Switch Sequel in Sight, Says Former Dev The Crash Bandicoot franchise has experienced a remarkable resurgence over the past decade, rekindling the enthusiasm of longtime fans and reaching new audiences.

Originally created in the 1990s, Crash Bandicoot saw a new wave of popularity with the release of the Crash Bandicoot N.

Sane Trilogy in 2017, a remastered collection of the classic PlayStation-era platformers.

Developed by Vicarious Visions for Activision, this remaster found strong commercial success and revitalized the brand on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

Subsequent releases, such as Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, a beloved kart-racer remake, and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time developed by Toys for Bob, continued the streak, bringing both quality and nostalgia to players across various hardware, Nintendo Switch included.

Most recently, the party-brawler Crash Team Rumble debuted in 2023, though notably, it was absent from the Nintendo Switch eShop. Despite this momentum, fans have been eager for news about a potential Crash Bandicoot 5.

Rumors and community speculation have circulated, especially given the franchise’s steady output of high-profile remasters and sequels.

However, new information reveals that the next mainline entry is not on the horizon. Nicholas Kole, an acclaimed character designer and illustrator who contributed to Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, addressed the subject on social media.

In a clear and candid statement, Kole noted that a fifth major installment was once in consideration but did not move forward.

As Kole put it, 'One day people will hear about the Crash 5 that never happened, and the story will bring disappointment to many fans.' The statement emphasizes that, despite strong sales milestones and positive reception from both critics and players on platforms like Nintendo Switch, plans for Crash Bandicoot 5 were ultimately shelved.

While Kole did not provide detailed reasoning or further development specifics, his comments confirm that a formal sequel to Crash Bandicoot 4 is not in active production. Crash Bandicoot’s recent success is underscored by the performance of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, which launched in October 2020 for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and later expanded to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in March 2021.

The game was celebrated for its faithful yet innovative level design and revitalized art direction by Toys for Bob.

Its multiplatform reach, especially via the Nintendo eShop, allowed the franchise to reach a broader demographic than ever before. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, another recent highlight, brought the original CTR experience—first released in 1999—up to modern standards with enhanced visuals, expanded online play, and new content, all of which contributed to impressive sales figures and critical acclaim. Looking forward, publisher Activision and developer Toys for Bob continue to maintain a strong focus on the Crash Bandicoot intellectual property.

However, with direct confirmation from key developers like Nicholas Kole, fans should not expect news on a Crash Bandicoot 5—at least not in the foreseeable future, and certainly not for the Nintendo Switch at this time. For now, enthusiasts can revisit the recent titles available on the Nintendo eShop, enjoy robust multiplayer experiences in Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, or explore Crash Team Rumble on other platforms while awaiting any future developments from Activision and their creative partners.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Crash Bandicoot Switch Crash Team Racing Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Nicholas Kole Crash Team Rumble Activision Toys for Bob