Borderlands 4 will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on 3 October 2025, a few weeks after its initial launch on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Gearbox Entertainment confirmed the new date through a short video posted by company head Randy Pitchford on X (formerly Twitter), ending speculation about whether the game would reach the hybrid console this year.
Switch 2 version arrives after main launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 release will come three weeks after Borderlands 4’s official debut on other platforms. The game is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 12 September 2025, having been moved forward from its original 23 September release date. At the time, some speculated the earlier launch was meant to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto 6. However, Rockstar Games has since delayed that title to 2026.
Priced at US$70, Borderlands 4 is a full-fledged sequel in Gearbox’s long-running looter-shooter franchise. While the game’s launch date for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC has been public for some time, details about the Nintendo Switch 2 version had remained unconfirmed until Pitchford’s announcement.
An important message regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4: pic.twitter.com/Wc5MwAU2bm
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) July 22, 2025
In the video, Pitchford directly addressed fan concerns over the lack of pre-order options and rumours that the Switch version might be delayed indefinitely. With a teasing tone, he built suspense before revealing that the Nintendo Switch 2 version would, in fact, arrive this year.
Built specifically for the new console
Gearbox has chosen to build a dedicated version of Borderlands 4 for the Switch 2, rather than porting the game directly from other platforms. While no further technical details were shared, Pitchford previously described the development experience as positive, stating that the console “has been a joy to work with.” He added that it was “pretty astonishing how perfect [the] platform is for Borderlands 4.”
This approach aligns with Nintendo’s general strategy for optimising games for its hardware. Although it led to a slight delay compared to other platforms, the result is expected to be a smoother and more tailored gameplay experience for Switch users.
The decision to launch a native version also suggests that Gearbox is investing in the longevity of the platform, particularly as the Switch 2 is expected to feature upgraded hardware that could handle the demands of a title like Borderlands 4 more effectively than its predecessor.
Early impressions show promise
Early previews of Borderlands 4 have been largely positive. Journalists who played a few hours of the game reported that it maintains the franchise’s signature chaotic energy, combining over-the-top action with quirky characters and humour. One previewer described it as “a wonderfully weird world of psychopaths and extremely irritating robots,” suggesting that long-time fans will feel right at home.
Gearbox also appears to be positioning this instalment as both a return to the series’ roots and a step forward in terms of gameplay and narrative. In an earlier interview, Pitchford and Gearbox Global Creative Executive Officer Andrew Reiner discussed plans to expand on key mechanics while preserving what made the earlier titles successful.
With the Switch 2 version now confirmed for October, Borderlands 4 is on track to reach a broader audience, including players who prefer portable or hybrid gaming experiences.
