Gamers looking to get their hands on Nintendo’s next-generation Switch 2 console and NetEase Games’ “Marvel Rivals” had better hurry, as the game’s lack of appearance on the new platform is directly related to a logistical roadblock: the developer has yet to receive a significant development kit from Nintendo. This guarantee is provided by “Marvel Rivals” game director Guangyun Chen, who suggested that NetEase is nonetheless in the midst of acquiring the hardware required to enable the porting process, via a recent interview with Video Gamer.
This is not an isolated issue to NetEase since there is a broader sentiment among the development scene where various studios have allegedly been having the same issue of accessing Switch 2 development kits. It refers to the very real but often unspoken part of game development schedules, in which hardware availability is a significant concern for multi-platform launches. NetEase has pledged to bring “Marvel Rivals” to Nintendo’s upcoming console with the specific goal of procuring a dev kit and starting porting effort as soon as possible. However, the developer predicts even after the hardware is acquired, the port will take months.
Bypassing the native Switch for “Marvel Rivals” was also offered earlier because of the console’s technical capabilities, mainly its specs not being perfect for a smooth experience with Unreal Engine 5. Conversely, the dream Switch 2 port is imagined positively, thanks mainly to the console’s expected advancement. Improved graphics capability, functionality such as the inclusion of Nvidia DLSS for upscaling, and the inventive potential of Joy-Con 2 controllers in the guise of their suggested mouse mode are all seen to be highly valuable features to the “Marvel Rivals.”
While people wait for a Switch 2 version to come out, “Marvel Rivals” is already a title that can be played on other big platforms like Steam and PlayStation 5. This leaves room for people to already play the team shooter while development continues on its way to its eventual release on Nintendo.