Take-Two Pauses Borderlands 4 Switch 2 Development Amid Focus on GTA VI Perfection

In a surprising turn of events that has left Nintendo Switch 2 owners disappointed, Take-Two Interactive has officially paused development of the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 port for Nintendo’s next-generation console. The decision, revealed during the company’s Q3 2026 earnings presentation, marks a significant shift in strategy for the publisher as it redirects resources toward its flagship franchises.

Originally slated for release on October 3, 2025—just weeks after the game’s September 12 launch on other platforms—the Switch 2 version was indefinitely delayed on September 23, 2025. At that time, Gearbox Software, the game’s developer, cited the need for “additional development and polish time” and expressed hopes to “better align this release with the addition of cross saves.”

However, the situation has evolved considerably since then. During the Q3 earnings call, Take-Two executives made it clear that the Borderlands 4 Switch 2 port is no longer a priority. “We made the difficult decision to pause development on that SKU,” the company stated in an interview with Variety. “Our focus continues to be delivering quality post-launch content for players on the ongoing improvements to optimize the game.”

This strategic pivot comes as Take-Two doubles down on its most lucrative properties. The company emphasized its commitment to bringing more titles to the Switch 2 platform, specifically mentioning upcoming releases like PGA Tour 2K25 and WWE 2K26. Yet, the indefinite pause on Borderlands 4 raises questions about the future of third-party support for Nintendo’s hybrid console.

The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy given the current state of Borderlands 4‘s post-launch roadmap. The official content plan currently focuses on paid and free story DLC, raid bosses, and various gameplay improvements—but makes no mention of additional platform ports. This omission suggests that if a Switch 2 version materializes at all, it won’t be arriving anytime in the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Take-Two’s crown jewel remains firmly on track. Grand Theft Auto VI, the most anticipated game in recent memory, maintains its November 19, 2026 release date. The game has already weathered two delays—originally planned for fall 2025, then pushed to May 2026, and finally to its current date last November.

The company’s confidence in GTA VI‘s trajectory was evident during the earnings presentation, where executives announced plans to begin marketing the game this summer. This aggressive promotional strategy underscores the immense pressure and expectations surrounding Rockstar’s next blockbuster title.

Financially, the strategy appears sound. Take-Two revealed that Grand Theft Auto V, first released in 2013, has sold an astounding 225 million units across all platforms. This remarkable longevity demonstrates the franchise’s unparalleled ability to generate revenue years after initial release—a metric that undoubtedly influences the company’s resource allocation decisions.

The pause on Borderlands 4 Switch 2 development also reflects broader industry trends. As development costs continue to escalate and player expectations rise, publishers are becoming increasingly selective about which projects receive continued investment. The decision suggests that Take-Two may have determined that optimizing Borderlands 4 for Switch 2 wouldn’t provide sufficient return on investment compared to enhancing the core experience on established platforms.

For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, this news represents another setback in what has been a challenging launch period for third-party support. While first-party titles continue to showcase the console’s capabilities, the absence of major third-party releases like Borderlands 4 could impact the platform’s long-term appeal.

Industry analysts suggest that Take-Two’s decision may also be influenced by technical considerations. Porting a game designed for high-end consoles to a hybrid system like the Switch 2 presents unique challenges, particularly for a title as visually ambitious as Borderlands 4. The indefinite pause could indicate that the technical hurdles are proving more significant than initially anticipated.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Take-Two’s strategic choices highlight the delicate balance publishers must strike between expanding platform reach and maximizing returns on their most valuable intellectual properties. While Borderlands 4 fans on Switch 2 may feel abandoned, the company’s laser focus on GTA VI suggests that for Take-Two, some bets are simply too big to compromise.

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