Respawn Entertainment is officially retiring Apex Legends from the original Nintendo Switch, announcing that Season 29, launching this summer, will be the game's final update on the current-generation handheld.
This strategic shift, effective August 4, 2026, signals a clear move towards Nintendo's next-generation hardware, with future seasons exclusively supporting the unreleased Nintendo Switch 2.
A Digital Farewell to an Aging Platform
The decision marks a significant turning point for the popular battle royale on Nintendo's console. When Apex Legends first arrived on the Switch in 2021, two years after its debut on other platforms, it was a testament to Respawn's optimization efforts, bringing a demanding title to a significantly less powerful piece of hardware. However, the technical limitations of the original Switch have clearly become an insurmountable hurdle for the evolving demands of the game.
"Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch," the Apex Legends team stated on X. "Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2."
This move, while potentially disappointing for existing Switch players without immediate upgrade plans, is a pragmatic one from a development standpoint. The enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 are expected to provide a vastly superior player experience, freeing Respawn from the compromises necessary to run the game on the older model.
Seamless Transition for Loyal Players
Respawn has proactively addressed concerns about player progress and in-game purchases. All data, including earnings, Apex Coins, and cosmetic items, is tied to individual EA accounts. This means players can carry over their entire Apex Legends journey to the Nintendo Switch 2, irrespective of when they make the upgrade after the August 4 cut-off date.
This commitment to data continuity is crucial for maintaining player trust and encouraging a smooth transition. It alleviates the anxiety that often accompanies platform changes in live-service games, ensuring that years of dedication and investment aren't lost.
While the official announcement regarding the Nintendo Switch 2's specifications and release date remains under wraps, this move by Respawn strongly suggests a confident outlook on Nintendo's next hardware. The prospect of Apex Legends running at its intended performance on a new Nintendo console is an exciting one for fans who have endured the compromises on the current Switch.