The popular free-to-play action RPGGenshin Impactis nearing its third anniversary. The game, created by HoYoverse, is an open-world fantasy game that allows players to utilize the powers of nature’s elements to explore the vast land and defeat enemies. Since its release,Genshin Impacthas become available across several platforms and consoles, but there is still one major console that it has yet to become playable on.
Since 2020 HoYoverse has released several massive updates, including new in-game regions,new playableGenshin Impactcharacters, as well as new mechanics and storylines. HoYoverse has madeGenshin Impactextremely easy to acquire with the fact that it’s free to install and play and can be downloaded in a vast number of ways. Gamers can playGenshin Impacton PC, mobile, and PlayStation, meaning it is available on plenty of major gaming platforms — but not the Nintendo Switch.
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Is Genshin Impact Coming to Switch?
Since 2020, developers have made it clear thatGenshin Impactis intended to be playable on the Switch. However, theGenshin ImpactSwitch trailer’s third anniversaryrecently came and went with no sign of the game on the Nintendo eShop and no clear information from HoYoverse about when it can be expected on the platform. HoYoverse has remained quiet on the issue, leaving fans to wonder not only where a Switch port may be, but also why the port has taken so long in the first place.
The most common theory about the missing Switch port has to do with the Switch’s imperfect performance specs, which may meanGenshin Impactwouldn’t be able to run smoothly. While that may be part of the reason for the delay, the argument doesn’t hold up well when considering the fact thatGenshin Impactis available on mobile phones. The average smartphone has worse specs for gaming than the Nintendo Switch, and while theGenshin Impactmobile experience isn’t perfect, it’s still adequately functional and playable.
Additionally, fans have been finding ways toplayGenshin Impacton Nintendo Switchfor a while. Through jailbroken Switches, modding, or using Remote Play from other devices, players have proven that a Nintendo Switch can handleGenshin Impact. While this isn’t a perfect example ofGenshin Impactrunning on a Switch, it is another testament to the fact that the Switch would likely be able to support the game.
Running Out of Time for a Switch Port
The current Nintendo Switch model recently passed its sixth birthday, and talk ofNintendo pivoting its focus to a Switch 2has been rampant for a few years now. While there are new games scheduled to release on the current Switch likeTheLegend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the likelihood of the Switch’s retirement increases every day. If that’s true, HoYoverse is running out of time to portGenshin Impactfor the current Nintendo Switch and may be focusing on a Switch 2 port in order to hedge its bets.
Some recent leaks may have found information about new Nintendo hardware, and if these leaks prove true,Nintendo could be utilizing improved hardwareto create a Switch successor. These leaks have lead to even more speculation that a new console announcement from Nintendo is impending, and HoYoverse may have insider information from Nintendo about an upcoming console. If HoYoverse has already begun working on a native version ofGenshin Impactfor the Switch successor console, it could potentially be a day-one title for the Switch 2.
For now,Genshin Impactremains unplayable on a standard Switch. It seems that if HoYoverse doesn’t have something ready in the next few months,Genshin Impactmay give up on a Switch port entirelyand focus on a potential upcoming Nintendo console port. While frustrating for players who have been waiting for the promised port for over three years, this could be good news if HoYoverse has been working hard and perfecting the upcoming versions ofGenshin Impact.
Genshin Impactis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5, whereas its Switch port is still in development.
