Diablo IV is getting ready to leave its second year behind, with a whole new slate of seasonal updates and expansions still on the way. Now Blizzard Entertainment is finally unveiling its roadmap for the game, through 2025. This begs the question of if it’ll be on the next Switch 2 console. The action-RPG has seen great success on PCs and current legacy consoles, but its future on Nintendo’s new, unfamiliar platform is still up in the air.
Rod Fergusson, the head of the Diablo franchise, recently discussed the potential for Diablo IV on Switch 2 during an interview with Danny Peña on Gamertag Radio. His comments, reported by VGC, shed light on Blizzard’s current stance regarding the title’s compatibility with the new handheld console.
Fergusson admitted that it wouldn’t necessarily be off the table to bring Diablo IV to Switch 2. In our interview, he was adamant about the challenges posed by the game’s live-service aspects. He explained, “I think the challenge is less around the hardware and just about how we…you know, live services on Switch have been a little bit challenging in the past.”
Diablo IV requires an always-online connection even for solo play, which could complicate its integration into a system that has struggled with live-service games. Not surprisingly, he emphasized the exciting performance potential of Switch 2. This system is powerful enough to support an MMO like Diablo IV. “It’s nice the Switch 2 has the performance that can run a game like Diablo 4, so yeah, it’s something to look at for sure,” Fergusson added.
Right now, Blizzard has no plans to bring Diablo IV to Switch 2 in the console’s first year. However, previous titles in the series, such as Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrected, are already available on the original Switch and will be backwards compatible with the new system. Their deep history definitely primes them for an exciting future slate of releases. Recent news suggests that gamers will have to wait longer than expected before they can play Diablo IV on Nintendo’s newest console.
Gaming PC handhelds, including the Steam Deck and Rog Ally, have come onto the scene. Plus, they provide players with a new dynamic to experience more Blizzard titles in portable form, outside of simple gaming environments, with Diablo IV. These devices offer a unique opportunity for portable gaming without neglecting the always-online requirement of the game.