KEY POINTS

  • Chinesse gaming studio miHoYo insists "Genshin Impact" on Switch is still happening
  • The statement disproves speculation that the game's Switch port has been canceled
  • Genshin Impact is available on PC, PS4, PS5, iOS and Android devices

The Shanghai-based video game developer miHoYo provided an update on the release of the hit free-to-play action RPG "Genshin Impact" on the hybrid gaming console Nintendo Switch a couple of years after it first announced the game's port.

It has been more than two years since miHoYo announced that "Genshin Impact" would release on the Nintendo Switch and since then, news about the port has been scarce. A rumor in May last year claimed that the port may have been delayed because the team encountered several technical issues and in the absence of an official update, some fans believe it had been canceled.

Interestingly, miHoYo provided a new update, via GoNintendo, of the game's release on Nintendo's hybrid console. "The Switch version is still in development," the game studio clarified amid speculations and assured fans that they "will release more information as we progress further along."

Nintendo's massive profits were fuelled by a surge in demand for its Switch consul its popular 'Animal Crossing' game
Nintendo's massive profits were fuelled by a surge in demand for its Switch consul its popular 'Animal Crossing' game AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

That's the only update the team provided and as vague as it sounds, it sure confirmed that the port is still coming. There were rumors that miHoYo is still waiting for the launch of the rumored new Nintendo Switch model before making the announcement since launching the popular gacha title on a new console would be a smart move.

However, Nintendo had repeatedly denied these rumors and said that a new Switch model is not yet in the cards. Considering the ongoing chip shortage, it would be some time before the company could commercially launch a new, more powerful Switch model.

Last year, several industry watchers pointed out that one of the major reasons for the game's delayed release on Switch may have something to do with the Nintendo eShop. "Genshin Impact," while a free-to-play RPG, has microtransactions, which are crucial to acquire in-game items and pull playable characters through the Wish system. This includes Primogems, Passes and Fates.

These premium options should be available on the Nintendo eShop, which could be the reason for the hold-up. Possible issues could be due to a potential disagreement over earnings, hardware issues, or the way games have to be approved by the Japanese gaming giant and its eShop.

"Genshin Impact" is currently available on iOS and Android devices, PlayStation 4, PS5 and PC.

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