Respawn Entertainment has declared that its popular battle royale title, Apex Legends, will no longer be available on the original Nintendo Switch console as of August 4th, with the advent of Season 30. This strategic shift will see the game’s future development concentrated on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, alongside its continued presence on PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows PC platforms. The move has elicited a mixed response from the gaming community, especially among players who primarily utilize the Switch for its portable capabilities.
Initially launched on the Nintendo Switch in March 2021, Apex Legends has maintained a presence on the hybrid console for five years. However, Respawn's recent announcement confirms that Season 29 will mark the final update for the game on the original Switch. Players will retain access to the game and be able to acquire Apex Coins until the August 4th deadline. All in-game currency acquired via the Switch platform is linked to players' EA accounts, ensuring seamless transferability to the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions of the game.
The announcement, shared via the official Apex Legends X account, stated, "Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch. Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2." This communication has left many Switch users feeling disheartened, particularly those who favor the console for its on-the-go gaming experience. The prospect of either investing in a new Switch 2 or being restricted to non-portable consoles or PCs has been a point of contention.
A player humorously expressed their frustration on X, asking, "HOW AM I GONNA PURCHASE MY LOBA SKINS NOW WHEN I’M ON VACATION," highlighting the attachment to the Switch’s portability. Conversely, some players, likely those not exclusively tied to the Switch platform, have voiced support for Respawn's decision. One commenter remarked, "Honestly we need more developers to discontinue last-gen game support/production. You’ll never move forward while focusing on the past," suggesting a desire for progress over backward compatibility.
The news also sparked concern among PlayStation 4 users, who, despite Respawn’s assurances, voiced anxieties about their console potentially being next in line for discontinued support. Respawn, however, clarified its rationale: "As we continue to evolve Apex Legends' content and technical foundation, our goal is to deliver a high quality experience. Thanks to Nintendo’s investment in the Nintendo Switch 2, the platform offers a great handheld experience for Apex Legends." While a specific reason for ending Switch support wasn't provided, some players speculated, with one joking about a prevalence of hackers on the Switch, drawing a parallel to the game's past decision to cease Steam Deck support due to cheating concerns.
Respawn's move signifies a strategic pivot towards next-generation hardware, aiming to enhance the overall player experience by leveraging advanced console capabilities. This transition, while challenging for some, is framed as a necessary step for the game’s long-term evolution and commitment to delivering a high-quality, seamless gaming experience across contemporary platforms.
