The rumor mill is spinning at full force, and at its center is one of 2024’s biggest hits: Stellar Blade. The stylish, fast-paced action game that won over millions on PlayStation 5 and PC might be making a leap to a new home. Whispers and compelling evidence suggest developer Shift Up is seriously considering a port for Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2.
While nothing is officially confirmed, the combination of hardware leaks, developer actions, and shifting publisher strategies paints a very optimistic picture. So, let’s cut through the noise and analyze the evidence. Is Eve’s journey to a Nintendo platform a matter of if, or when?
The Rumors: What’s Fueling the Speculation?
This isn’t just wishful thinking from fans. The speculation is rooted in a series of significant events and reports that, when connected, form a convincing narrative.
It all started with a report from the Korean publication PlayForum, which claimed that developer Shift Up had acquired official development kits for Nintendo’s new console. The report stated that initial work on a port had already begun.
Ordinarily, such a report might be dismissed. However, its credibility was massively amplified by a subsequent, widely-reported move from the developer itself. Following Stellar Blade’s commercial success—selling over 3 million copies—Shift Up gifted every single one of its employees a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
While rewarding staff with popular gadgets is one thing, combining that with the acquisition of specialized development hardware points toward a clear professional and commercial interest in the platform. In response, Shift Up gave a standard corporate non-answer, stating that “nothing is confirmed” but they are “reviewing various possibilities internally.” This strategic ambiguity, paired with the hardware evidence, suggests a port is, at minimum, under serious consideration.
Can the Switch 2 Actually Run Stellar Blade?
The biggest question for many is a technical one. Can Nintendo’s historically less-powerful hardware handle a graphically demanding, modern AAA game like Stellar Blade? The answer, based on everything we know about the Switch 2’s architecture, is a resounding yes.
A Generational Power Leap: Switch 2’s Rumored Specs
The Nintendo Switch 2 is not just an incremental update; it’s a monumental leap in performance. Leaked specifications point to a console built on a custom Nvidia T239 processor, featuring a powerful octa-core ARM CPU and a GPU based on Nvidia’s modern Ampere architecture—the same foundation as the popular RTX 30-series graphics cards.
Perhaps the most crucial upgrade is the memory. The Switch 2 is expected to boast 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a threefold increase from the original Switch. This boost is vital for handling the high-resolution textures and complex models that make Stellar Blade so visually impressive. While the Switch 2 won’t match the raw power of the PS5 (here’s a look at what GPU is equivalent to the PS5 for context), its specs place it firmly in the same technological generation.
| Specification | Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked, Rumored) | PlayStation 5 |
| GPU Power | ~3.09 TFLOPS | 10.28 TFLOPS |
| CPU | Custom Octa-core ARM A78C | Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 12 GB LPDDR5 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Key Technology | DLSS, Ray Tracing Support | Custom RDNA 2, Ray Tracin |
The UE4 and DLSS Secret Weapons
Two other factors make a high-quality port not just possible, but probable.
- Unreal Engine 4: Stellar Blade was built on UE4, an engine famous for its incredible scalability. Developers have successfully ported countless UE4 games to the original, much weaker Switch. The engine is designed to be adapted across a wide spectrum of hardware.
- Nvidia DLSS: This is the game-changer. The Switch 2’s Ampere GPU supports Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). This AI-powered technology allows the console to render the game at a lower internal resolution (like 720p) and then intelligently upscale it to a sharp 1080p or even 4K output. This provides a massive performance boost, enabling higher and more stable frame rates than the raw hardware could achieve on its own.
We already have a real-world proof-of-concept: Stellar Blade runs remarkably well on the Steam Deck, a handheld with a GPU delivering around 1.6 TFLOPS. The docked Switch 2 is rumored to be nearly twice as powerful, and that’s before factoring in the enormous gains from DLSS.
The Verdict: What a Port Would Look Like
A high-quality port of Stellar Blade on the Switch 2 is highly achievable. Performance-wise, we can realistically expect:
- Docked Mode: A stable 1080p resolution at 30 fps, with a potential 40 fps performance mode.
- Handheld Mode: A dynamic 720p resolution at 30 fps, which would be an impressive feat for a portable experience.
Of course, there would be visual compromises compared to the PS5. Expect slightly reduced texture quality, simpler lighting, and a shorter draw distance. However, the core gameplay, fluid combat, and stunning art direction would remain fully intact, delivering the premier action experience on the go.
The Business of Porting: Sony and Shift Up’s Strategy
With the technical hurdles cleared, the outcome depends on business dynamics. Fortunately, the strategies of both developer Shift Up and publisher Sony are aligning perfectly for a multiplatform future.
Who Owns Stellar Blade? The IP Question
This is the most critical detail: Shift Up owns the Stellar Blade IP, not Sony. While Sony funded and published the PS5 and PC versions, their control is not indefinite. Once their initial publishing contract is fulfilled, Shift Up is legally free to bring the franchise to any platform it desires, including the Switch 2. The ultimate decision rests with the developer.
Sony’s New Game: A Shift to Multiplatform Releases
For years, PlayStation’s identity was built on rock-solid console exclusives. That era is ending. Sony is publicly pivoting its strategy. The company recently created a “Senior Director of Multiplatform and Account Management” role, explicitly tasked with bringing PlayStation titles to Xbox, Nintendo, and mobile.
Precedents are already being set. Sony is co-publishing LEGO Horizon Adventures on the Nintendo Switch later this year. Bringing a successful, third-party-owned IP like Stellar Blade to the Switch 2 is a logical, low-risk next step. It allows Sony to test its new strategy, generate massive revenue, and expand an IP’s reach without porting a crown jewel like God of War.
Why a Port Makes Perfect Sense for Shift Up
For Shift Up, this isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a strategic necessity. CEO Kim Hyung-tae wants to shed the studio’s “gacha game” reputation and build a high-value global IP. Stellar Blade’s success was the first step. Porting it to the massive Nintendo audience is the perfect way to “keep raising the company’s ceiling.”
Furthermore, their next major title, Project Spirits, is already confirmed to be a cross-platform game. Most importantly, Shift Up has confirmed Stellar Blade 2 is in development.
Releasing the original game on Switch 2 first is a brilliant business move. It introduces millions of Nintendo players to the franchise, creating a huge, invested audience that is primed and ready to buy the sequel on day one.
Our Final Verdict: Likelihood Scorecard
When all the evidence is laid out, the conclusion becomes clear. The convergence of technical power, developer ambition, and publisher evolution points overwhelmingly in one direction.
| Factor | Likelihood Score (out of 10) | Justification |
| Technical Viability | 8/10 | Switch 2’s modern Ampere/DLSS hardware is more than capable. The Steam Deck’s performance is a real-world proof-of-concept. |
| Developer Motivation | 9/10 | Aligns with Shift Up’s global AAA ambitions and strategically builds a massive new audience for the already-confirmed sequel. |
| Publisher Politics | 6/10 | This is the biggest unknown. While Sony’s strategy is shifting, the specific contract terms are private. A deal is logical but not guaranteed. |
| Market Demand | 9/10 | 3 million+ sales prove the game’s appeal. Nintendo’s massive install base guarantees a large, eager market for a portable version. |
| Overall Likelihood | 8/10 (Highly Likely) | While the publisher agreement is the final hurdle, the technical, strategic, and market factors are overwhelmingly positive. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Stellar Blade on Switch 2
Here are answers to the most common questions about a potential port.
Is Stellar Blade confirmed for Switch 2?
No, it is not officially confirmed. Developer Shift Up has stated “nothing is confirmed” but acknowledges they are reviewing possibilities. The current discussion is based on strong, credible rumors and analysis.
When could a Stellar Blade Switch 2 port be released?
This is entirely speculative. However, porting a AAA game typically takes 12-18 months. If the project is already underway, a release in late 2026 would be a realistic timeframe.
Will it have all the DLC and costumes?
It is highly probable. A Switch 2 version would almost certainly be released as a “Complete Edition,” bundling the base game with all post-launch content, including the extra PC outfits and the NieR:Automata collaboration DLC, to offer maximum value.
Who owns the Stellar Blade IP?
The developer, Shift Up, owns the intellectual property for Stellar Blade. This gives them the final say on bringing the game and its sequels to other platforms once any current publishing agreements are fulfilled.
How would a Switch 2 port compare to the PS5 version?
It would be a graphical step-down. Expect a lower native resolution, framerate, and simpler visual effects like shadows and textures. However, thanks to the Switch 2’s modern architecture and DLSS, it should be a very high-quality port that preserves the fluid combat and core gameplay experience that made the game a hit.
The Bottom Line
The possibility of playing Stellar Blade on a Nintendo Switch 2 is far more than a simple fan dream. It’s a plausible scenario backed by strong technical, strategic, and market evidence. The hardware appears ready, the developer is clearly motivated, and the publisher’s philosophy is evolving to make such a move not just possible, but strategically sound.
While we still need that official announcement, all signs point to an eventual release. For Nintendo fans who have been eyeing the PlayStation hit with envy, there is very good reason to be optimistic. The question is no longer if Eve will land on a Nintendo console, but simply when.
As our senior Console Gaming Specialist, Mack explores the entire console ecosystem, from hardware nuances to first-party exclusives. With over 20 years of gaming experience, his reviews and guides focus on game design, narrative impact, and the overall player experience. He aims to help readers discover which games will truly resonate with them.