Unexpected Last-Minute Delay: Just ten days before its planned October 3 launch, Gearbox announced that Borderlands 4’s Switch 2 version is being delayed indefinitely. This abrupt decision reflects serious concerns about readiness. The studio emphasized it doesn’t take this lightly, but some development and polish are needed. Pre-orders have been canceled, and refunds will be issued in accordance with Nintendo's policy.
Performance and Stability Concerns: One key driver of the delay is performance issues observed on other platforms, such as memory leaks, drops, and instability during extended play sessions. Some early hands-on impressions and Digital Foundry analysis showed subpar behavior. Gearbox appears unwilling to ship a flawed port, opting instead to hold back until smoother performance is assured.
Cross-Save Feature Alignment: Gearbox hopes to align the Switch 2 release with the rollout of cross-save support across all platforms. The studio hasn’t committed to a firm date, instead saying it will update fans once plannings are adjusted. This suggests that cross-save integration is considered critical to the user experience and launch coordination.
Cancellation of Digital Preorders: As a direct consequence of the delay, all digital preorders on Nintendo’s eShop have been canceled. Refunds will begin on September 26. This adheres to Nintendo’s policies for delayed titles and ensures customers are compensated promptly. The cancellation underscores the official nature of the delay and the lateness of the decision.
Impact on Switch 2’s Early Lineup: Borderlands 4 was intended to be a flagship title for the Switch 2’s fall season, helping to boost its early catalog. Delay now leaves a gap in the early lineup. It may disappoint fans expecting a strong ‘killer app’ early on. The postponement also raises concerns about whether other upcoming ports might face similar issues.
Fan and Community Reactions: Fans responded with frustration and concern, given the late announcement of the delay. Some were upset about losing the release momentum; others appreciated that Gearbox is prioritizing quality. Social media and gaming forums are rife with debate over whether the delay was avoidable or a necessary precaution.
Future Outlook and Uncertainty: Because no new release window is given, uncertainty lingers around when Switch 2 owners can expect to play Borderlands 4. The alignment with cross-save is likely a constraint. Meanwhile, Gearbox must maintain community trust and manage expectations during the waiting period.
Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp