Borderlands 4 Switch 2 Release Delayed, Pre-Orders Set to Be Canceled

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4 will no longer launch on October 3 as planned. Gearbox confirmed the delay in a statement on X, explaining that the game needs more development time before it’s ready for release.

Why Was the Switch 2 Version Delayed?

In its post, Gearbox said the team is “committed to ensuring we deliver the best possible experience to our fans, and the game needs additional development and polish time to do that.”

The studio also noted that it hopes to better align the release with the addition of cross-saves, a feature players have long requested.

At the moment, there is no new release date. Gearbox promised it will update players once its plans are finalized.

What Happens to Pre-Orders?

All digital pre-orders for the Switch 2 version will be automatically canceled on September 26, unless players choose to cancel sooner through the Nintendo eShop.

Gearbox added that anyone who purchased a physical edition should contact their retailer directly for refund or cancellation details.

Is the Delay Linked to Performance Issues?

Gearbox has not said whether the Switch 2 delay is connected to the performance concerns that have dogged Borderlands 4 since release. On PC, the game launched with notable stutter and optimisation problems, leading to mixed Steam reviews and criticism from outlets like Digital Foundry. Even console players have reported issues, with IGN noting possible memory leaks on the PS5 Pro.

Given the Switch 2’s mobile-focused hardware, it’s not a stretch to imagine that optimising the game for that platform presents its own unique challenges.

The base game itself has been a success, surpassing 2.5 million players across all platforms by September 22, but discussions have largely been overshadowed by technical issues. Hope they avoid the same rocky launch that PC players experienced earlier this month.