Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 Delayed Indefinitely, Citing Need for ‘Additional Polish’

n a disappointing but not entirely surprising development, Gearbox Software has announced that the highly anticipated release of Borderlands 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed indefinitely. The looter-shooter, which was originally scheduled to launch on the new console on October 3, 2025, will not be making its debut as planned. The decision, as confirmed by Gearbox in an official statement, was made to ensure the game receives “additional development and polish time” to deliver the “best possible experience” to fans. This news, while frustrating for those who pre-ordered the game, comes in the wake of widespread reports of technical issues with the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game since its launch earlier in September.

The announcement was made via an official post on X (formerly Twitter), where the developer stated that they “do not take this decision lightly.” The statement also revealed that a major goal of the delay is to “better align this release with the addition of cross saves,” a feature that is currently in development and recognized as “very important” by the community. For players who pre-ordered the digital version of the game on the Nintendo eShop, a full refund process will begin automatically on September 26, 2025. Those who purchased a physical copy are advised to contact their specific retailer for a refund. This indefinite delay highlights the ongoing technical challenges that have plagued the game since its initial release and provides a clear signal that Gearbox is prioritizing optimization over meeting its original timeline.

A Troubled Launch: From PC to the Switch 2

The news of the Switch 2 delay is a direct reflection of the game’s rocky launch on other platforms. Since its debut on September 12, 2025, Borderlands 4 has been met with a “Mixed” user review rating on Steam, with many players reporting issues with performance, optimization, and frequent crashes. The game’s creative director, Randy Pitchford, has publicly addressed these issues, stating that the game’s performance is “pretty damn optimal” and that players may need to adjust their graphics settings to achieve their desired performance. However, these comments have not alleviated the concerns of the community, and the ongoing technical issues have been a central point of discussion.

The decision to delay the Switch 2 version is a logical step for Gearbox. As a new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 presents its own unique development challenges, and rushing a technically demanding looter-shooter onto the platform would likely have resulted in a poor user experience. The developers’ decision to hold the game back is a smart move that demonstrates their commitment to quality. The delay also allows them to implement the highly requested cross-save feature, which will enable players to carry their progress between the Switch 2 and other consoles. This is a crucial feature for a franchise built on an endless cycle of loot and progression, and its inclusion will be a major win for the community when the game finally launches.

The Future of Borderlands on Nintendo Switch 2

While the indefinite delay is frustrating, it gives players hope that the final product will be a polished and stable experience. The Borderlands series has a history of successful releases on Nintendo’s platforms, with the Borderlands Legendary Collection being a popular title on the original Switch. However, the move to Unreal Engine 5 for Borderlands 4 has introduced new technical hurdles that Gearbox is still navigating. The delay suggests that the studio is taking the necessary time to ensure the game runs smoothly on the new console’s hardware, which is a major concern for a fast-paced shooter.

For now, players on the Nintendo Switch 2 will have to wait for a new release date. Gearbox has promised to provide an update once they have “fully adjusted” their plans. The situation is a powerful reminder that even with modern gaming technology, a major AAA title can still encounter significant technical issues on launch. For the gaming industry, this is a lesson in managing consumer expectations and prioritizing a quality experience over an arbitrary release date. The indefinite delay, while a setback for a key launch window, is the right move for the long-term health of the game and the franchise on the new console.