Gaming community outrage has erupted following confirmation from Gearbox Software that the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 will not be coming to the Nintendo Switch, dealing a significant blow to Nintendo loyalists.
Official Confirmation Sparks Backlash
During a recent earnings call with parent company Take-Two Interactive, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford explicitly stated that while development is progressing well, "Borderlands 4 is not currently in development for Nintendo Switch". This definitive statement has left Switch owners feeling abandoned by the franchise.
Why the Fury? The Borderlands 3 Precedent
The anger stems from what fans see as a betrayal of precedent. Borderlands 3 received a cloud version release on Switch in 2022, proving that the hardware could handle the looter-shooter's chaos through streaming technology. Many assumed this established a pathway for future titles.
- Successful Precedent: Borderlands 3's cloud version demonstrated viable performance.
- Established Player Base: A significant community of Borderlands fans exists on Switch.
- Perceived Step Backwards: Fans argue skipping Switch 4 is a regression, not progression.
Fan Reactions: "A Slap in the Face"
Social media platforms and gaming forums are flooded with disappointment. One fan lamented, "This is a massive slap in the face to Switch players who supported Borderlands 3." Another questioned, "If it worked as a cloud version before, why abandon that model now?" The consensus is that Gearbox is ignoring a dedicated segment of its audience.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The decision raises questions about the future of cloud gaming on the Switch and whether other major third-party publishers might follow suit. For now, Borderlands 4 is confirmed for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, leaving Nintendo enthusiasts to hope for a potential release on the rumoured "Switch 2" hardware in the future.
