Nintendo has resolved its Switch 2 development kit shortage for third-party studios, according to insider NateTheHate. The hardware bottleneck delayed major titles including Call of Duty and affected smaller developers throughout 2025.
The Switch 2 launched in June with stronger third-party support than its predecessor, but overwhelming developer demand created a hardware access crisis. Major studios received priority while smaller developers waited months for development units.
War Thunder developer Gaijin Entertainment lacked Switch 2 devkits as recently as October, according to Wccftech. Brinemedia, creator of Stunt Paradise, also confirmed devkit shortages at Portugal's DevGAMM conference two months ago.
Call of Duty's Switch 2 port faced delays despite Microsoft's 10-year commitment to bring the franchise to Nintendo platforms. Activision reportedly received units too late to launch the game on schedule.
"The devkit delivery situation has largely been resolved," NateTheHate stated on Famiboards. The insider added that Call of Duty's delay resulted from receiving kits "just late enough that they couldn't get the work done to launch the game sooner."
Nintendo's Switch 2 sold over 10 million units faster than the original Switch, creating unprecedented third-party interest. The console's hybrid design success made developers eager to support the platform from launch.
Simultaneously, leaker Nash Weedle claims more free Switch 2 game updates are coming. The Nintendo content creator responded to a Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2 rating leak with "As I already mentioned, a new batch of free game updates for Switch 2 is coming."
Pikmin 3 Deluxe recently received a PEGI rating for Switch 2 in Europe, suggesting imminent performance enhancements. Other titles reportedly scheduled for free updates include Yoshi's Crafted World, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Metroid Prime: Remastered.
The Switch 2's free upgrade program has been inconsistent since launch. While Super Mario Odyssey received performance patches, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom required paid upgrades for enhanced features.
Rumors also suggest the Switch 2 may receive DLSS support through future updates. This would enable substantial performance improvements through Nvidia's super-sampling technology.
Third-party developers should now have better access to Switch 2 hardware as Nintendo addresses production constraints. The resolution comes after months of reported shortages that limited multi-platform releases.
Industry analysts expect increased third-party support throughout 2026 and 2027. The combined effect of resolved devkit shortages and potential performance updates could significantly expand the Switch 2's game library.
Microsoft's 10-year Call of Duty agreement with Nintendo remains active despite initial delays. The franchise's arrival on Switch 2 represents a major milestone for third-party support on Nintendo platforms.
Smaller developers like Brinemedia can now pursue Switch 2 ports that were previously impossible without hardware access. The broader availability of devkits levels the playing field between major publishers and independent studios.
Nintendo has not officially commented on devkit availability or free update plans. Both reports originate from established gaming insiders rather than company announcements.
The Switch 2's stronger launch lineup compared to the original Switch reflects Nintendo's improved third-party relationships. Only three third-party titles launched with the original Switch in March 2017: Just Dance, Bomberman, and Skylanders.
Improved devkit distribution could accelerate the console's software ecosystem growth. More accessible hardware enables faster port development and broader third-party participation.
Free game updates represent another strategy to expand the Switch 2's library without requiring new game development. Performance patches for existing Switch titles provide immediate content enhancements.
The combined developments suggest a stronger 2026 for Switch 2 owners. Resolved hardware access and potential software improvements address two major post-launch concerns simultaneously.
Third-party developers now face fewer barriers to bringing existing titles to Nintendo's latest console. The resolution of hardware shortages marks a critical turning point for the platform's ecosystem development.
