Tekken 8 Director Addresses Challenges of Porting Game to Nintendo Switch 2

With the rise of the Nintendo Switch 2 as a dominant force in the gaming market, there has been growing anticipation about which third-party titles will make their way to the platform.

The system’s impressive sales have created fertile ground for major franchises, with many developers considering ports of their most popular games.

Among the titles frequently discussed is Tekken 8, Bandai Namco’s latest entry in the iconic fighting series.

Released in 2024 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Tekken 8 was met with critical acclaim at launch, underscoring its status as one of the premier fighting games of the current generation. Despite persistent fan demand, there has been no official confirmation of a Tekken 8 port for the Nintendo Switch 2.

In an exclusive interview with Eurogamer during EVO 2025, series director Katsuhiro Harada addressed the possibility.

Harada explained that while bringing Tekken 8 to Switch 2 is 'an interesting option and not entirely ruled out,' it would involve a significant development effort.

"From a business perspective, the Switch 2’s market performance makes it a lucrative opportunity to reach a broader audience.

However, adapting Tekken 8 to the hardware would require extensive work, raising questions about the feasibility and timeline," he clarified. Harada and Bandai Namco refrained from making any formal announcements during EVO 2025 regarding a port.

The conversation around a Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives at a complicated moment for Tekken 8.

The game recently faced criticism following changes introduced in its Season Three update, with some in the player community expressing dissatisfaction over game balance and new downloadable fighters.

These factors have reportedly led to a decline in the active player base, presenting additional challenges for the franchise moving forward. Another hurdle is the financial investment behind Tekken 8.

Harada has previously shared that development costs for the title were 'more than double or almost triple' those of its predecessor, Tekken 7.

This substantial increase in budget means Bandai Namco is particularly mindful of any decisions involving further development, such as creating a Switch 2 port.

While expanding to the popular Nintendo platform could offset production expenses and expand the audience, the process would not be straightforward, especially given ongoing efforts to refine the game's competitive environment. For now, Nintendo Switch 2 users will need to wait for official word from Bandai Namco regarding Tekken 8’s arrival on the platform.

In the meantime, the game continues to evolve on its current systems and remains a focal point in the fighting game community.

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