The popular free-to-play action RPG Genshin Impact is nearing its third anniversary. The game, created by HoYoverse, is an open-world fantasy game that allows players to utilize the powers of nature's elements to explore the vast land and defeat enemies. Since its release, Genshin Impact has become available across several platforms and consoles, but there is still one major console that it has yet to become playable on.
Since 2020 HoYoverse has released several massive updates, including new in-game regions, new playable Genshin Impact characters, as well as new mechanics and storylines. HoYoverse has made Genshin Impact extremely easy to acquire with the fact that it's free to install and play and can be downloaded in a vast number of ways. Gamers can play Genshin Impact on PC, mobile, and PlayStation, meaning it is available on plenty of major gaming platforms — but not the Nintendo Switch.
Is Genshin Impact Coming to Switch?
Since 2020, developers have made it clear that Genshin Impact is intended to be playable on the Switch. However, the Genshin Impact Switch trailer's third anniversary recently came and went with no sign of the game on the Nintendo eShop and no clear information from HoYoverse about when it can be expected on the platform. HoYoverse has remained quiet on the issue, leaving fans to wonder not only where a Switch port may be, but also why the port has taken so long in the first place.
The most common theory about the missing Switch port has to do with the Switch's imperfect performance specs, which may mean Genshin Impact wouldn't be able to run smoothly. While that may be part of the reason for the delay, the argument doesn't hold up well when considering the fact that Genshin Impact is available on mobile phones. The average smartphone has worse specs for gaming than the Nintendo Switch, and while the Genshin Impact mobile experience isn't perfect, it's still adequately functional and playable.
Additionally, fans have been finding ways to play Genshin Impact on Nintendo Switch for a while. Through jailbroken Switches, modding, or using Remote Play from other devices, players have proven that a Nintendo Switch can handle Genshin Impact. While this isn't a perfect example of Genshin Impact running on a Switch, it is another testament to the fact that the Switch would likely be able to support the game.
Running Out of Time for a Switch Port
The current Nintendo Switch model recently passed its sixth birthday, and talk of Nintendo pivoting its focus to a Switch 2 has been rampant for a few years now. While there are new games scheduled to release on the current Switch like TheLegend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the likelihood of the Switch's retirement increases every day. If that's true, HoYoverse is running out of time to port Genshin Impact for the current Nintendo Switch and may be focusing on a Switch 2 port in order to hedge its bets.
Some recent leaks may have found information about new Nintendo hardware, and if these leaks prove true, Nintendo could be utilizing improved hardware to create a Switch successor. These leaks have lead to even more speculation that a new console announcement from Nintendo is impending, and HoYoverse may have insider information from Nintendo about an upcoming console. If HoYoverse has already begun working on a native version of Genshin Impact for the Switch successor console, it could potentially be a day-one title for the Switch 2.
For now, Genshin Impact remains unplayable on a standard Switch. It seems that if HoYoverse doesn't have something ready in the next few months, Genshin Impact may give up on a Switch port entirely and focus on a potential upcoming Nintendo console port. While frustrating for players who have been waiting for the promised port for over three years, this could be good news if HoYoverse has been working hard and perfecting the upcoming versions of Genshin Impact.
Genshin Impact is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5, whereas its Switch port is still in development.
