Nintendo Switch 2 Developer Interest Rivals Steam Deck and PS5, According to GDC State of the Game Industry Survey
As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches its eighth month on the market, developers worldwide are turning their attention toward bringing their titles to Nintendo’s latest hardware.
According to the recently released 2025 GDC State of the Game Industry report, interest in the Switch 2 is reaching levels seen with heavyweights such as the Steam Deck and PlayStation 5 (PS5), signaling a promising future for Nintendo’s next-gen system. Highlights from the GDC report, which tracks industry trends and developer intentions, indicate that 39% of surveyed developers expressed at least some level of interest in developing for the Nintendo Switch 2.
This figure places the Switch 2 just behind the Steam Deck and PS5, both at 40%.
For comparison, the PC remains the dominant platform by a wide margin, with 80% of developers naming it as an intended target. The report provides further insights into where the Switch 2 stands in the broader platform landscape.
Notably, developer interest for the Switch 2 is almost double that of the Xbox Series X|S, which garnered interest from only 20% of respondents.
Meanwhile, the original Nintendo Switch still maintains a degree of relevance, with 13% of developers indicating ongoing interest in the well-established console. When the survey delved into platforms developers have actually shipped their most recent games on, results show 21% of creators have launched a title on the original Nintendo Switch, and 18% state their latest game has released for the newer Switch 2.
Both consoles trail the Xbox One, which stands at 23% in this category.
The Switch's lower numbers are likely a result of its relative power compared to other hardware and the fact that the Switch 2 only launched in June 2025.
These factors suggest that Switch 2 adoption rates among developers could climb as more studios gain access to dev kits and familiarize themselves with the system. Other findings in the GDC report highlight the leading factors that influence game developers' choice of platform.
Audience reach remains the primary consideration, with 78% of respondents marking it as their top priority.
Other significant factors include proven business model success (44%) and discoverability (43%), underscoring the importance of platform visibility and return on investment in the decision-making process. While the Nintendo Switch 2 is still in its early days, the platform's ability to attract substantial third-party interest bodes well for its future.
With more developers expressing interest—almost on par with major competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Steam Deck—the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised for a strong lineup over the coming year.
As more studios begin releasing titles and discover the expanded user base, Nintendo’s latest console could see even greater support throughout 2026 and beyond. Developers and analysts will be watching closely as the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to mature, with the hopes that its popularity among both creators and consumers will translate into a robust and diverse library of games available via the Nintendo eShop and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.
According to the recently released 2025 GDC State of the Game Industry report, interest in the Switch 2 is reaching levels seen with heavyweights such as the Steam Deck and PlayStation 5 (PS5), signaling a promising future for Nintendo’s next-gen system. Highlights from the GDC report, which tracks industry trends and developer intentions, indicate that 39% of surveyed developers expressed at least some level of interest in developing for the Nintendo Switch 2.
This figure places the Switch 2 just behind the Steam Deck and PS5, both at 40%.
For comparison, the PC remains the dominant platform by a wide margin, with 80% of developers naming it as an intended target. The report provides further insights into where the Switch 2 stands in the broader platform landscape.
Notably, developer interest for the Switch 2 is almost double that of the Xbox Series X|S, which garnered interest from only 20% of respondents.
Meanwhile, the original Nintendo Switch still maintains a degree of relevance, with 13% of developers indicating ongoing interest in the well-established console. When the survey delved into platforms developers have actually shipped their most recent games on, results show 21% of creators have launched a title on the original Nintendo Switch, and 18% state their latest game has released for the newer Switch 2.
Both consoles trail the Xbox One, which stands at 23% in this category.
The Switch's lower numbers are likely a result of its relative power compared to other hardware and the fact that the Switch 2 only launched in June 2025.
These factors suggest that Switch 2 adoption rates among developers could climb as more studios gain access to dev kits and familiarize themselves with the system. Other findings in the GDC report highlight the leading factors that influence game developers' choice of platform.
Audience reach remains the primary consideration, with 78% of respondents marking it as their top priority.
Other significant factors include proven business model success (44%) and discoverability (43%), underscoring the importance of platform visibility and return on investment in the decision-making process. While the Nintendo Switch 2 is still in its early days, the platform's ability to attract substantial third-party interest bodes well for its future.
With more developers expressing interest—almost on par with major competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Steam Deck—the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised for a strong lineup over the coming year.
As more studios begin releasing titles and discover the expanded user base, Nintendo’s latest console could see even greater support throughout 2026 and beyond. Developers and analysts will be watching closely as the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to mature, with the hopes that its popularity among both creators and consumers will translate into a robust and diverse library of games available via the Nintendo eShop and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.
