Diablo 4 May Arrive on Switch 2, but Live Service is Challenging

Key Takeaways

1. Exciting third-party games for the Nintendo Switch 2 include Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Hades 2, and Hogwarts Legacy.
2. Rod Fergusson from Blizzard mentioned a potential for Diablo 4 on the Switch 2, highlighting its capability to handle such games.
3. The main challenge for Diablo 4 is managing live services on a handheld console due to potential internet connectivity issues.
4. Fergusson is optimistic that solutions will be found to address live service challenges on the Switch 2.
5. Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 Resurrected will be available on the Switch 2, allowing backward compatibility for players.

A bunch of exciting third-party games have been revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Hades 2, and Hogwarts Legacy, among others. Although no titles from Blizzard were included in this announcement, Rod Fergusson, who leads the Diablo team at Blizzard, mentioned that there is a “chance” to bring Diablo 4 to the Switch 2. The main issue that needs to be resolved is how to manage live services on a handheld console.

Interview Insights

In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio, hosted by Danny Pena, Rod Fergusson discussed the potential of Diablo running on the Nintendo Switch 2. While he did not provide any concrete confirmation, he emphasized that there is definitely a chance, stating that the Switch 2 has the capability to handle games like Diablo 4. “It’s great that the Switch 2 has the power to run a game like Diablo 4, so yeah, it’s something we’re looking at,” Fergusson noted.

Challenges Ahead

The main challenge is figuring out the live service aspect. Since Diablo 4 is a live service game, it needs a constant connection to a server, and players using the Switch 2 might often find themselves without stable internet, especially when on the go. “I think the real challenge is not so much the hardware, but rather how we… you know, live services on Switch have had some issues in the past,” Fergusson explained.

Future Possibilities

Fergusson remains optimistic that solutions will emerge to simplify live services on the Switch 2, which could lead to the launch of Diablo 4 on the platform.

In January, a source leaked that Diablo 4 was already being adapted for the Switch 2, indicating that Blizzard might have plans in progress. Both Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 Resurrected are currently available on the original Switch, and with backward compatibility, players will be able to enjoy these games on the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

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