Electronic Arts has officially confirmed that its highly anticipated military shooter, Battlefield 6, will not be launching on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console, at least for the foreseeable future. This revelation emerged during a recent multiplayer reveal for the game, sparking discussions among the gaming community about EA’s strategic priorities for its flagship franchise.
Vince Zempella, head of the Battlefield franchise, indicated that the development team’s primary focus is on delivering the game where the “core Battlefield audience is present.” This strategic decision underscores a commitment to optimizing the experience for platforms already established within the series’ dedicated player base, aligning resources with established user engagement patterns.
As a result of this focused approach, Battlefield 6 is set to debut this October exclusively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. PC players will have multiple avenues to access the game, including Steam, the EA App, and the Epic Games Store, ensuring broad availability across major high-performance gaming ecosystems.
Despite the absence of Battlefield 6, EA is still significantly investing in the Nintendo ecosystem. The publisher previously announced that popular titles such as Apex Legends and Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted are slated for release on both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 this October, following earlier widespread rumors. Furthermore, EA will continue to bring its latest EA Sports FC and Madden NFL entries to Nintendo’s new hybrid platform, demonstrating a continued partnership.
The news regarding Battlefield 6 has elicited varied responses from the Nintendo gaming community. While some players who desire such intense shooters may already own alternative consoles, others express disappointment, highlighting a desire for more diverse gaming options on Nintendo hardware. Many feel that the Switch 2 needs major third-party titles for broader relevance in the competitive console market.
Concerns were also raised about the technical feasibility of running a graphically demanding title like Battlefield 6 on the Switch 2, with some suggesting that compromises might be necessary that could detract from the core experience. This perspective often points to the challenges faced by other high-fidelity games on portable systems, reinforcing the idea that not every AAA title can be perfectly optimized for every console.
This strategic move by EA also comes at a time when other major publishers are making significant announcements regarding their franchises on Nintendo platforms. Specifically, Microsoft and Activision have revealed plans for the Call of Duty series to continue on Nintendo consoles going forward. This competitive landscape could further influence EA’s future decisions regarding its popular military shooter series and its presence within the Nintendo player base.
Ultimately, while Battlefield 6 will not initially grace the Switch 2, the situation highlights the ongoing evolution of console gaming and publisher strategies. Gamers who primarily play on Nintendo systems may hold out hope for future reconsiderations, but for now, the focus for the new Battlefield title remains firmly on the high-fidelity experiences offered by current-generation consoles and PC platforms.
