Borderlands 4 Delayed on Switch 2: Steam Optimization Becomes Stumbling Block

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently provided an update on the progress of bringing Borderlands 4 to Nintendo's Switch 2 console.

The company confirmed that development on the Switch 2 version has been paused. According to information disclosed in the financial report, this decision was made back in February, when the company called it a difficult choice but did not elaborate on the reasons.

In an interview, Zelnick clearly stated that the core reason for the development plan adjustment is that the development team needs to prioritize solving technical optimization challenges for the Steam version.

Although Take-Two has always regarded Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox as its primary hardware platforms, it also wants to accommodate the platform choices of different consumers. Currently, the team's primary task is to ensure the quality experience of the PC version, and they will not rush the game to more new platforms until technical issues are fully resolved.

Zelnick is optimistic about the performance of the Switch 2. He believes that running Borderlands 4 on Nintendo's next-generation console is entirely feasible, and that hardware performance is not a technical barrier to porting.

This pause in development is not a cancellation of the project, but a strategic adjustment based on product polish priorities. The company hopes to prioritize the stability of the core platform version from the consumer's perspective.

According to the roadmap previously announced by Gearbox, Borderlands 4 is planned for an official release in 2026. Currently, the game has launched a photo mode, and will subsequently receive updates to story content, expansion packs, and more feature plugins.

Once the technical challenges on the PC version are overcome, there will be further movement on the Switch 2 version's plans. Additionally, Take-Two has recently adjusted other projects, including canceling the development of a new NFL 2K game.