The anticipated release of Borderlands 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2, initially planned to highlight the console’s fall launch lineup, has been postponed indefinitely. Gearbox Entertainment cited the need for further development to ensure a premium player experience on the new handheld system as the primary reason for the delay. This announcement arrives unexpectedly close to the original launch date of October 3rd, a mere two weeks away. The decision follows recent discourse surrounding the game’s performance on other gaming platforms.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the development team communicated, “We are writing to inform you that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4 is being delayed. This was not an easy decision, but we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality experience to our fans. The game requires additional time for development and refinement to achieve this goal.”
Greetings, Vault Hunters – We need to share that the release of Borderlands 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 is being delayed. We do not take this decision lightly, but are committed to ensuring we deliver the best possible experience to our fans, and the game needs additional development…
— Borderlands (@Borderlands) September 23, 2025
The studio expressed their aspiration to synchronize the Switch 2 launch of Borderlands 4 with the implementation of cross-save functionality across all versions. However, they did not provide a specific timeframe for either event. “We will share updates regarding the revised release schedule as soon as our plans are finalized,” the statement continued. In accordance with Nintendo’s policy, all digital pre-orders placed via the eShop are being cancelled and refunds will be issued beginning September 26th.
This unexpected postponement comes amidst criticisms regarding the PC version’s technical performance. Furthermore, concerns have emerged regarding other console platforms, including reports of a memory leak potentially degrading performance during extended play sessions, unless the game is restarted. While the Switch 2 version targeted 30 frames per second, and initial demonstrations suggested adequate performance, experiences on the Steam Deck have reportedly been less than ideal. A technical breakdown conducted by Digital Foundry across various platforms has also yielded mixed assessments.
Randy Pitchford, head of Gearbox, has maintained an active presence on social media since the release of the sci-fi sequel earlier in the month. However, at the time of this writing, he has not publicly commented on the delay.