Marvel Rivals Devs Tease Nintendo Switch 2 Release: Development Already Underway!

Marvel Rivals developers have confirmed discussions with Nintendo about a potential Switch 2 release, citing improved hardware capabilities. The original Switch was deemed too weak to support the game, but the Switch 2’s rumored specs, including a NVIDIA T239 processor and enhanced controls, make it a strong candidate. A Switch 2 launch could expand Marvel Rivals’ esports scene and introduce crossplay possibilities with other platforms.

Marvel Rivals Devs Tease Nintendo Switch 2 Release: Development Already Underway!

Marvel Rivals developers have confirmed that they are in discussions with Nintendo about bringing the game to the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While the game is unlikely to launch on the original Switch due to hardware limitations, recent statements from NetEase suggest that a Switch 2 release is a strong possibility. The team is already working with development kits and assessing the feasibility of running Marvel Rivals on the upcoming console.

Why Marvel Rivals Won’t Release on the Original Nintendo Switch

Despite the excitement surrounding Marvel Rivals, the game will not be available on the first-generation Switch. Previously, NetEase representatives had expressed a lack of interest in developing a console version, with game director Thaddeus Sasser explicitly stating that Marvel Rivals “definitely isn’t coming to Switch.”

This decision is largely due to the technical constraints of the original Switch. As a fast-paced hero shooter, Marvel Rivals features graphically intense battles that require robust hardware to run smoothly. The game also relies on precise aiming mechanics for characters like Hawkeye, Black Widow, Punisher, and Hela, which would be difficult to execute effectively on the Switch’s aging hardware. Given these factors, the developers opted not to release the game on the original console.

Will Marvel Rivals Release on the Nintendo Switch 2?

As of February 2025, all signs point to a potential Nintendo Switch 2 release for Marvel Rivals. In a recent interview with IGN at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, producer Weicong Wu confirmed that the team is “in contact” with Nintendo and “open” to launching the game on the new console. He further stated:

“We’re already in contact with Nintendo and working on some development kits. And whenever we find that we could provide great performance for our game on Switch 2, we’re open to that. The reason why we didn’t launch it onto the Switch, it was the first generation of that device they cannot provide a great experience for our gameplay. So if it could achieve that goal, we’re open to that.”

Leaked specifications suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. Reports indicate that the console will run on a NVIDIA T239 processor, making its performance comparable to a PlayStation 4. Additionally, it is rumored to feature 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage—major upgrades from the original Switch’s 4GB RAM and 32GB storage.

Enhanced Controls and Performance for Competitive Play

Updated controls and hardware improvements could make the Switch 2 a viable platform for Marvel Rivals. The new Joy-Con controllers reportedly address issues such as Joy-Con drift and offer enhanced precision. There are also indications that the Switch 2 may include a detachable input device resembling a mouse, allowing for more accurate aiming—a feature that would benefit shooter games like Marvel Rivals.

Nintendo has even filed a patent for an “input device” that supports “mouse operation,” further fueling speculation that the Switch 2 will cater to FPS players and esports titles. If these features materialize, Marvel Rivals could run smoothly and provide a competitive experience comparable to its PC and console counterparts.

What a Nintendo Switch 2 Release Could Mean for Marvel Esports

A Nintendo Switch 2 launch would significantly expand Marvel Rivals’ audience, attracting console gamers and Nintendo fans to the competitive shooter. It could also open the door for crossplay, enabling Switch 2 players to join matches with those on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Crossplay has been a defining feature of Marvel Rivals, helping it compete with games like Overwatch 2, which is available across multiple platforms, including the original Switch. Although neither Nintendo nor NetEase has confirmed crossplay for the Switch 2 version, it remains a strong possibility given the game’s existing cross-platform capabilities.

Rivals has already captured a substantial portion of the Overwatch 2 player base, with many former Overwatch pros and casual players migrating to the game. Blizzard’s missteps with Overwatch 2 have left many fans frustrated, and Marvel Rivals has capitalized on this by maintaining a familiar hero shooter experience while being more responsive to player feedback.

By launching on the Nintendo Switch 2, Marvel Rivals could further establish itself as a dominant esports title, bridge the gap between PC and console players, and provide an exciting new competitive environment for Nintendo’s gaming community.