The halls of Digital Extremes are buzzing with anticipation for Nintendo's next console, codenamed the Switch 2. In a recent interview, the developer behind the massively popular free-to-play sci-fi looter-shooter Warframe expressed strong enthusiasm for bringing their ever-evolving universe to the upcoming platform. However, there's a familiar speed bump in the road: getting their hands on the necessary development hardware.
Steve Sinclair, veteran Creative Director at Digital Extremes, didn't mince words about their desire. "We would love to do a proper Switch 2 version," Sinclair stated, echoing the sentiment likely shared by many studios eyeing Nintendo's next-gen audience. The potential of a more powerful Nintendo console presents a significant opportunity to deliver the full, visually rich Warframe experience to players on the go – a dream that, while achieved with the original Switch port in 2018, involved significant technical compromises.
The crux of the delay, as revealed by Sinclair, is a common challenge in the run-up to major hardware launches: the devkit backlog. "We're still waiting on a dev kit," Sinclair explained, adding a touch of hopeful exasperation, "so if you know anyone..." This lighthearted plea underscores the reality that development kits for highly anticipated consoles like the Switch 2 are in incredibly high demand and limited supply, especially early on. Securing one is crucial for studios to begin the complex process of porting and optimizing their games for the new hardware.
Digital Extremes has previously discussed the technical hurdles overcome for the original Switch port. That version was a commendable feat, squeezing the sprawling game onto the hybrid console, but it required sacrifices in resolution, frame rate, and visual effects compared to its PC, PlayStation, and Xbox counterparts. A "proper" Switch 2 version, as Sinclair calls it, implies leveraging the expected power boost to deliver an experience much closer to what players enjoy on other current-gen platforms, potentially with improved performance and graphical fidelity.
The studio's eagerness makes strategic sense. Warframe boasts a dedicated, long-term player base, and the Switch platform, known for its strong portable gaming community, represents a valuable segment. Ensuring the game is available and performs well on Nintendo's next system from the outset, or as close to it as possible, is vital for maintaining and growing that player base. The original Switch port proved there's a passionate Tenno contingent on Nintendo hardware.
While the wait for a devkit continues, Digital Extremes remains focused on Warframe's constant evolution across its existing platforms. Major updates like the recent Dante Unbound and the upcoming *1999* expansion keep the content flowing for millions of players. Yet, the prospect of unleashing Warframe's fast-paced, acrobatic combat and stunning sci-fi vistas on more capable Nintendo hardware is clearly a priority waiting in the wings.
Fans hoping to wield their space ninja abilities on the Switch 2 will need to exercise patience a little while longer. The desire at Digital Extremes is palpable, but the practicalities of console development mean they're stuck in the queue, hoping their number for a Switch 2 devkit gets called soon. Once it does, expect the Tenno to make their next-gen Nintendo debut with gusto.
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