Hades 2 is going to be a Nintendo Switch 2 console exclusive when it launches

The original Hades, from indie studio Supergiant Games, is one of the modern era's most critically acclaimed and beloved action roguelikes. It's one of those games that has inspired a new generation of indie games, and its sequel is on track for release later this year. Already available to play in Early Access on PC, Hades 2 is also coming to PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

As part of a new developer deep dive into the game's creation and how the team at Supergiant Games has approached developing the sequel, we also learn that the game's console debut will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. This surprising revelation was posted on Nintendo's official YouTube channel because most people expected the full release to debut on all platforms simultaneously.

Hades 2 is still on track for an Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 release; however, the timed exclusivity for Nintendo Switch hardware could mean those versions might not arrive until sometime in 2026. Naturally, PC gamers won't have to wait. In addition to being able to play the game right now on Steam, the full release will also arrive as a big Version 1.0 patch sometime later this year.

It's unclear if Hades 2's being a timed Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 console exclusive is part of a specific deal between Supergiant Games and Nintendo or if the development team simply chose to focus on the PC and Switch hardware first. There is a precedent for this: the original Hades debuted on PC and the Switch in 2020, and then PlayStation and Xbox hardware in 2021.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Hades 2 will leverage the console's additional hardware to deliver a faster frame rate (hopefully, it becomes a 1080p 120 Hz title) and more detailed visuals. The Switch 2's beefier specs are a big draw for third-party and indie developers, with the console set to get titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and more.