Published on: July 02, 2025
Marvel Rivals Switch 2 Release Update: Developer Awaits Dev Kit for NetEase’s Hero Shooter
Marvel Rivals, the highly anticipated free-to-play hero shooter from NetEase, continues to capture the attention of Nintendo fans as speculation grows surrounding a potential release on the next-generation Nintendo hardware, widely referred to as Switch 2.
As the game prepares to enter its third season, the discussion around its future on Nintendo’s evolving platform ecosystem has intensified.
Marvel Rivals, developed by leading Chinese publisher NetEase Games, launched to critical and commercial enthusiasm on multiple platforms.
Known for its vibrant roster of iconic Marvel characters and dynamic team-based gameplay, the title has quickly developed a strong community since its first release.
The excitement for Marvel Rivals expanded further with the launch of its third season, 'The Abyss Awakens,' scheduled to go live on July 11, 2025, offering new content for its growing player base around the globe.
However, when it comes to the anticipated Switch 2 version, NetEase has clarified that development is still at an early stage.
Speaking with VideoGamer, Marvel Rivals game director Guangyun Chen provided a direct update on the possibility of a Switch 2 release.
According to Chen, the team is still "in the process of obtaining the development machine" for Nintendo’s next-generation console.
He stated that once the development kit is received, NetEase will "conduct a thorough evaluation" of the platform to determine the viability of bringing Marvel Rivals to Switch 2.
This status update comes amid multiple reports from other prominent developers indicating they also have not yet received access to Switch 2 development kits.
The situation highlights the broader challenges and timeline uncertainties third-party studios can face when preparing for new Nintendo hardware releases.
For Nintendo, maintaining tight security and staged rollouts for development hardware is a longstanding strategy, intended to protect trade secrets while also enabling select partners to adapt their projects for new platforms in a phased approach.
At present, Marvel Rivals continues to be available as a digital, free-to-play download on current platforms.
The upcoming 'The Abyss Awakens' season promises to further expand on NetEase’s vision for the title, introducing new heroes and challenges.
Meanwhile, players and industry watchers remain eager for updates on the Switch 2, tracking both Nintendo’s official announcements and statements from development partners like NetEase.
Marvel Rivals’ status reinforces the evolving relationship between major third-party publishers and Nintendo’s hardware roadmap.
As NetEase evaluates the platform, future information regarding a possible Marvel Rivals Switch 2 release will hinge on decisions made after receiving the necessary dev kit and analyzing the technical capabilities of the new system.
For now, Marvel Rivals continues to grow on its current platforms, while Nintendo Switch and potential Switch 2 owners watch closely for the next official update regarding this popular hero shooter’s Nintendo future.
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Marvel Marvel Rivals Hero Nintendo hardware NetEase VideoGamer