Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 Delayed Indefinitely for ‘Additional Development’

In disappointing news for fans of the looter-shooter franchise, developer Gearbox Software and publisher 2K have officially announced that the release of Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed indefinitely. The game, which was originally scheduled to launch on October 3, 2025, will not meet its planned release date. In a statement released on their official social media, Gearbox confirmed the decision was made to ensure they “deliver the best possible experience to our fans” and that the game needs “additional development and polish time.” The delay comes amidst reports of performance issues on other platforms and marks a significant setback for one of the most anticipated titles for the new console.

The announcement from Gearbox noted that the delay was not taken lightly, but was necessary to ensure the game is up to the studio’s standards. While the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions of Borderlands 4 have been available since their release on September 11, 2025, the Switch 2 version, which was set to be a key title for the new hardware, now has no firm release date. The delay has also resulted in all digital pre-orders for the game on the Switch 2 being canceled, with automatic refunds being processed beginning September 26, 2025. This move is a major signal that the delay is not a short one, and the developers are committed to a complete overhaul and optimization of the game before it is released to the public.

The Reasons Behind the Delay: Performance and Cross-Save

The statement from Gearbox highlights two primary reasons for the delay: a need for “additional development and polish” and the goal to “better align this release with the addition of cross saves.” The first reason speaks to the technical challenges of bringing a massive, Unreal Engine 5-powered game like Borderlands 4 to a portable console. Despite the technical prowess of the Nintendo Switch 2, the game’s high-fidelity graphics, large open-world maps, and intense combat sequences present a significant challenge for the hardware. Reports from players on PC and other consoles have already cited performance issues, suggesting that the game was not fully optimized at launch. Gearbox’s decision to delay the Switch 2 version is likely an effort to avoid a similar situation and to ensure the handheld experience is as smooth and stable as possible.

The second reason, the addition of cross-save functionality, is a long-requested feature from the Borderlands community. The ability for players to seamlessly transfer their progress between different platforms is a key part of the modern gaming experience. Gearbox’s commitment to adding this feature, and tying the Switch 2’s release to its implementation, is a major win for fans, but it also signals that the delay will last until the developers can get the feature to work correctly. This is a crucial piece of information for fans who are frustrated by the delay but are also eager to have the game launch with all of its promised features intact.

The Broader Implications for Nintendo Switch 2 and Beyond

This delay is a minor setback for the Nintendo Switch 2‘s early library, which is already packed with major titles and enhanced versions of popular games. However, it also highlights the continued challenges that third-party developers face when porting large, graphically intensive AAA titles to a hybrid console. While the new hardware is powerful, it still has limitations when compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The Borderlands 4 delay serves as a reminder that players should have realistic expectations for major ports and that developers are prioritizing a high-quality experience over a rushed release.

For the millions of fans who pre-ordered the game, the cancellation of digital orders and the indefinite delay is frustrating, but it is also a necessary step to ensure the final product is a good one. Gearbox has promised to keep the community updated on the new release timing once their plans are finalized. For now, players will have to wait patiently for their chance to loot and shoot on the go. The entire situation is a central topic in the PC gaming and console communities, generating significant discussion and serving as a major source of high-CPC keywords for gaming news outlets.