Stellar Blade Reportedly in Early Development for Nintendo Switch 2: Shift Up Evaluates Port Possibility

Stellar Blade, the breakout PlayStation 5 action adventure from developer Shift Up, has quickly become one of 2024’s most notable successes.

Now, industry sources suggest that Shift Up is exploring the possibility of bringing Stellar Blade to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, a move that could further solidify the game’s cross-platform appeal and expand its audience. Background and Switch 2 Port Reports Originally released exclusively on the PlayStation 5, Stellar Blade has garnered strong critical and commercial acclaim for its polished gameplay, stylish visuals, and unique world-building.

According to a recent report from PlayForum, corroborated by VGC, Shift Up has received developer kits for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and is in the early stages of evaluating a potential Stellar Blade port for the system.

The report also notes that Shift Up has distributed multiple Switch 2 units to its development team to facilitate internal testing and exploration of hardware capabilities. When reached for comment, Shift Up clarified to PlayForum that no official decision has been made regarding a Switch 2 release.

The studio stated that "nothing is confirmed at this time," but emphasized that it is "reviewing various possibilities internally" as it considers expanding the Stellar Blade experience to additional platforms. Publishing Considerations and Industry Precedent One of the central questions surrounding a Stellar Blade Switch 2 release is whether Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) would oversee publishing duties, given its established partnership with Shift Up for the game’s PlayStation 5 launch.

Notably, SIE has precedent for releasing its titles on Nintendo systems, as seen with the simultaneous PS5 and Switch launch of Lego Horizon Adventures in 2024, signaling a growing willingness for cross-platform collaboration in the industry. Potential and Hardware Advancements While the Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade remains unconfirmed, the feasibility of such a port is bolstered by the hardware's reported performance improvements over its predecessor.

The original Stellar Blade recently premiered on the Steam Deck, earning positive reviews despite hardware limitations.

Meanwhile, titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Street Fighter 6 have showcased impressive performance on the upgraded Switch 2, with Digital Foundry highlighting favorable comparisons to competing consoles like the Xbox Series S. Looking Ahead With the Nintendo Switch 2 shaping up to be a competitive and versatile platform, the prospect of an acclaimed title like Stellar Blade joining its game library is capturing the attention of both fans and industry watchers.

Shift Up’s measured approach to exploring new opportunities underscores the evolving landscape of console exclusives in the modern era. Stay tuned to this site for the latest updates on Stellar Blade and all developments regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, as we continue to monitor any announcements from Shift Up and industry partners.

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