Nintendo Switch 2 Dev Kits in Short Supply: Developers Struggle to Access Hardware for New Releases

Nintendo Switch 2 Dev Kits in Short Supply: Developers Struggle to Access Hardware for New Releases Nearly three months after the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hit the market, enthusiasm for Nintendo’s new hybrid console remains strong among developers and players alike.

With third-party giants eager to bring their upcoming titles to the platform and capitalizing on the console’s improved hardware, a crucial issue persists: many developers are still unable to obtain the necessary development kits.

This supply shortage is creating obstacles for studios hoping to deliver native Nintendo Switch 2 versions of their games. The ongoing dev kit shortage was highlighted in a recent episode of Digital Foundry's DF Direct, where host John Linneman shared insights gleaned from discussions with developers at Gamescom 2025.

According to Linneman, numerous studios have expressed frustration with the limited distribution of Switch 2 dev kits, remarking, “the situation is very challenging—the tools just aren’t readily available.” Developers reportedly expressed a strong desire to create titles specifically for the new hardware, but many simply cannot move forward without access to official kits.

Linneman recounted hearing repeatedly from teams that, They are eager to build Switch 2 versions, but obtaining the necessary hardware remains out of reach. Co-host Oliver Mackenzie also commented on the puzzling nature of Nintendo’s current approach, stating that the distribution strategy for Switch 2 dev kits is difficult to understand.

Mackenzie noted inconsistencies in which studios receive early access, pointing out that some lesser-known projects are already in line, while established AAA developers with a proven track record are still waiting.

This has led to some unexpected outcomes, such as the inclusion of indie games like Chillin' by the Fire, while larger teams remain on hold. The pressure to proceed without official Switch 2 development tools has led some publishers to consider releasing their games on the original Nintendo Switch and relying on the new platform's robust backward compatibility.

While major releases such as Final Fantasy VII Remake have been praised for their performance on the Switch 2, other titles, including Elden Ring, have struggled by comparison—underscoring the importance of optimizing software for the new hardware. Nintendo’s current focus appears to be on nurturing indie developers and smaller studios, leaving several prominent industry players anxiously awaiting their chance to bring full-featured experiences to the Switch 2.

For projects like Mouse Work—which requires official hardware to implement unique features such as Mouse Mode—the inability to secure a dev kit has delayed release plans entirely. As the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to consolidate its place in the market, the allocation of development kits will play a critical role in shaping the platform’s software landscape.

The ongoing hardware shortage remains a talking point in the gaming development community, as studios hope for broader access and clearer guidance from Nintendo in the coming months.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch game development Digital Foundry Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Final Fantasy VII Remake Gamescom 2025 Oliver Mackenzie John Linneman