The Elusive Switch 2 Dev Kits: Is Nintendo Reverting to Old Ways?

The Nintendo Switch 2 has achieved remarkable sales, outpacing its predecessor by 75% in the US market. However, this success has been overshadowed by the difficulties faced by developers in obtaining Switch 2 development kits. Despite the lack of official numbers, industry chatter suggests that many studios, including those with notable releases, are still awaiting delivery of the necessary hardware. The situation has led to speculation about Nintendo's intentions, with some believing the company is attempting to exert quality control over early third-party titles or manage the transition between Switch and Switch 2. Others think it may simply be a case of Nintendo falling back into its old habits of prioritizing first-party development and neglecting support for smaller, independent studios. Historically, Nintendo has struggled to provide adequate support for third-party developers, and this trend appears to be continuing with the Switch 2. While the company's focus on first-party software is understandable given its dominance in sales, the lack of access to development hardware is frustrating for studios eager to create content for the Switch 2. As the console continues to sell millions of units, the path to market for developers remains uncertain and uneven. Although Nintendo's handling of third-party developers has improved over time on previous platforms, the current situation is a concern for studios with games well-suited to the Switch 2.