HoYoVerse announced the Nintendo Switch version of Genshin Impact in January 2020. Yes, that’s over four years ago. That version hasn’t come up again since, even as PS5 and Xbox Series X versions showed up. We’ve all basically accepted that it isn’t happening, at least for this version of the console, so why won’t HoYoVerse just admit it is canceled or delayed?
I feel like HoYoVerse has had multiple opportunities to come out and say, “Hey, the Switch version of Genshin Impact isn’t going as planned.” It could have brought it up when the OLED model launched in October 2021. There could have been a boilerplate statement. The company could have cited a desire to ensure quality and performance. It could have noted that it would be waiting until the next generation Nintendo console to bring Genshin Impact, and perhaps even other games, to the system. I feel it would have been a great opportunity, since we would all know that’s the most powerful standard Switch on the market.
Though also, going ahead and admitting the Switch port of Genshin Impact is delayed around the PS5 launch would have been smart too. It’s a similar time period. HoYoVerse could also included something about targeting higher system requirements going forward. Especially since we also know the PS4 version won’t look as good after the 5.0 update. Again, admitting it’s about quality and performance would be wise.
Doing so after that official website issue in March 2024 might have been a good call too! As a reminder, it ended up being temporarily offline earlier this year. HoYoVerse could have admitted it was due to changing it to note Genshin Impact is coming to a future Nintendo platform other than the Switch! Nintendo’s even acknowledged at this point that it’s been working on a new system. Just go ahead and be honest with us, even though it might be a bit weird.
Instead, we’re in the uncomfortable place of celebrating the Xbox Series X version of Genshin Impact when one announced ahead of the game’s September 2020 debut isn’t here. Now that we’re in 2024 and approaching the final years of the Switch, it seems pointless to hide it anymore. Just confirm what everyone suspects. Genshin Impact isn’t coming to the Switch as planned, but maybe we’ll see it on another Nintendo system somewhere down the line. Delays happen all the time, after all. And in the case of an ongoing game that will eventually get various updates, you have to expect system demands will increase over time.
Genshin Impact is available on the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices, and the Xbox Series X version arrives on November 10, 2024.
Published: Aug 22, 2024 03:00 pm