The Chinese RPG Genshin Impact has enjoyed enormous success ever since its release in 2020. Originally for Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, and Windows, the game would eventually make its way over to the PS5 in 2021. However, despite reassurances from the studio, Genshin Impact has still not released as promised on the Nintendo Switch. The game was always meant to come out on the console, but after three years, the plan has still failed to manifest and has many fans wondering if at this point it might be better to wait for the next-gen Nintendo system.
Genshin Impact follows the adventures of the player character, referred to in game as the Traveler, as they traverse through a world entirely new to them, meeting its inhabitants along the way. The free-to-play title set in the world of Teyvat sees the Traveler, themselves a being from another world, learning about the new realm and its magic and lore in order to find their brother who was kidnapped. While the game has been a hit with fans, it's lack of a Switch version has excluded many gamers from being able to play how they want.
Genshin's Missing Switch Port
Genshin Impact's story is still ongoing and recent updates and additions of new characters hold promise of many years of content for fans of the game. The games gascha style method of collecting new characters to add to your party has seen great appeal for players who favor always having more to explore and collect in a game. But while the games mobile port has enabled some gamers to play on the go, the continued lack of a Switch port has limited their play. With as long as the wait has been, some players have begun to think the developers are waiting for a newer console.
The game released with the promise of future ports on other consoles, but while the PlayStation 5 version eventually came to fruition, players have still not gotten an update on when to expect the Switch version. Though Mihoyo has confirmed that they are still working on the Switch port, recent rumors regarding a possible Switch 2 have many fans believing that Genshin Impact will not be seen on Nintendo consoles until the Switch's successor hits the market.
While the Switch is not known for having the greatest spec's, it is still an upgrade on the average smartphone, and many players are eager for an improved mobile gaming experience. With Genshin Impact's extensive world and new quests, a mobile option gives players the ability to continue their progress while away from home, this kind of flexibility keeps the game from seeming like an insurmountable task. The Switch's specs fall short compared to other consoles, but its focus on gaming anywhere is what has fans eager for the promised port. However, this trade off might be what has the developer waiting to see if Nintendo's next-gen will run the game better.
Although rumors about the Switch 2 and its features remain just that, many fans may feel themselves resigned to not seeing Genshin Impact on a Nintendo console until a new and possibly improved system comes out. Genshin Impact will likely continue its popularity, especially amidst new in-game releases constantly arriving, but while players wait for another port the developers are still maintaining that a Switch version is what fans can expect to receive. While this may change as more information about the next-gen is released, the community surrounding the game has no choice but to sit back and wait.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.