Genshin Impact is an action RPG that burst onto the gaming scene and garnered widespread acclaim shortly after its release three years ago. The game has gained recognition for its rich lore, extensive roster of unique characters, engaging battle mechanics, and an anime-inspired aesthetic. This anime-like appeal has drawn in many players who enjoy watching anime, making Genshin Impact particularly popular among this audience. Additionally, the game’s cross-platform compatibility is a standout feature, as it is accessible on major gaming platforms such as PlayStation, PC, Epic Games, Android, and iOS. However, noticeably absent from this list is the Nintendo Switch. In this article, we will explore everything we know about Genshin Impact’s potential release on the Switch, including a possible release date and other related questions.
Genshin Impact Nintendo Switch Release Date Anticipation
As of the time of writing, there is no confirmed release date for Genshin Impact on the Nintendo Switch, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the game will be coming to the console soon. The developers of the game did release a trailer for the Nintendo Switch on January 14, 2020, stating that the game would be coming soon. However, it has been three years since that announcement, and Genshin Impact has yet to be released on the Switch.
The most recent information regarding the game’s potential release on the Nintendo Switch was in May 2022. During an interview with Gonintendo, HoYoverse’s Global PR specialist Xin Yang mentioned that the Switch version of the game was still in development, and they would provide more information as progress continued. Prior to this update, many people had speculated that the game might have been canceled for the Nintendo Switch, which could be attributed to various reasons discussed below.
Why Genshin Impact for Nintendo Switch Has Been Delayed
While it’s tempting to speculate about the reasons for Genshin Impact’s delayed release on the Nintendo Switch, it’s challenging to pinpoint one or two specific factors. There could be multiple reasons contributing to this delay. However, one of the most apparent factors could be the dated hardware of the Nintendo Switch.
Similar to other games like The Witcher 3 and Hogwarts Legacy, whose developers needed extra time to optimize the games for the Switch due to its older hardware, it’s possible that the team behind Genshin Impact is taking their time to ensure the game is optimized as effectively as possible. It’s worth noting that with the arrival of the latest version 4.1, Genshin Impact has become quite large in terms of file size.
Genshin Impact’s minimum system requirement calls for a GTX 1030, which is more than twice as powerful as the Tegra X1 GPU found in the Nintendo Switch. While it may not be as demanding as some of the latest AAA titles, it remains relatively graphics-intensive. Moreover, the Switch has only 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which means developers would need to make significant sacrifices in terms of character details, shadows, and environmental elements, some of the key features that contribute to the game’s popularity, to make it work smoothly on the Switch’s hardware.
How to Play Genshin Impact on Switch?
Unfortunately, currently, there’s no legitimate way to play Genshin Impact on the Nintendo Switch unless you resort to unofficial methods, which we won’t discuss here. Many have wondered if Genshin Impact will ever become available on the Switch, perhaps on the upcoming Switch 2. However, it’s worth noting that the situation may have changed since HoYoverse’s response last year, and the game might not make its way to the original Nintendo Switch after all.
If you’re looking for a portable gaming experience with Genshin Impact, the Nintendo Switch is not the right choice. Instead, consider the Steam Deck. You might be wondering, “Isn’t Genshin Impact not supported on Steam OS and Linux?” Indeed, that was accurate in the past. However, around six months ago, players uncovered a method to play Genshin Impact on Steam Deck and Linux by disabling the anti-cheat system using an unofficial tool, which could lead to bans for players.
However, recent developments, particularly in version 3.5, suggest that HoYoverse is now allowing players to run the game on Steam Deck and Linux without violating their terms of service or risking bans. All you need to do is install the game via the Epic Games Launcher (Heroic Games Launcher on Linux).
While there’s still a possibility that this is a coincidence, there’s enough evidence to suggest that Genshin Impact could officially announce support for Steam Deck soon. As for the Nintendo Switch, it might require a bit more patience.
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