Digital Extremes, the developer behind Warframe, has explained why the popular multiplayer game still doesn’t have a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 port. Studio CEO Steve Sinclair stated that the delay is due to a significant backlog of dev kits, which has prevented the team from starting work on a custom Switch 2 build. Sinclair shared these details during a Q&A session ahead of TennoCon 2025, where he expressed excitement about the possibilities a Switch 2 version of Warframe could bring. He highlighted the enhanced features of the new console, such as high-speed cores, which the team is eager to take advantage of. 
However, despite their enthusiasm, Sinclair explained that they can’t begin development until they have access to the necessary hardware.
Warframe made its way to the original Switch in 2018, allowing players to enjoy the game on both home and portable modes. However, players currently experience the game through backward compatibility, as Nintendo’s Switch 2 lineup still struggles with startup issues for certain titles, including Warframe. Digital Extremes is actively investigating the cause of these issues, but it’s the potential improvements that players are looking forward to, especially faster load times and smoother performance.
Sinclair reassured fans that once they receive a dev kit, the team would immediately work on a custom build for the game, designed specifically for the Switch 2. ‘I know our programmers are just, like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait,’’ Sinclair said, emphasizing the excitement within the team. ‘We definitely have plans. When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.’
The Switch 2, which launched on June 5, 2025, introduces several exciting new features, including Joy-Con mouse functionality, improved graphics, and enhanced social tools. While the launch lineup included big-name titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, players are eager for more games to fill out their libraries. Yet, many developers, including indie studios like Ant Workshop and Fellow Traveller Games, are facing difficulties due to the lack of dev kit access. The scarcity of these tools has been a common theme in the industry, as detailed by several sources, including GamesIndustry.biz. As the demand for Switch 2 games continues to grow, developers are still waiting for the necessary hardware to bring their projects to life. For now, fans can only wait and watch as more titles slowly trickle in.