With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner, the gaming industry is buzzing with anticipation. Amid concerns about pricing, tariffs, and game key cards, Take-Two Interactive, a prominent third-party publisher, has expressed a strong sense of optimism regarding the new console. In a recent Q&A session with investors following the company's full-year earnings report, CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his enthusiasm for Nintendo's upcoming platform.
Zelnick highlighted the improved relationship between Nintendo and third-party publishers, stating, "We're launching four titles with Nintendo Switch 2, and that's I think a bigger array of releases than we've ever offered before with a new Nintendo platform." He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by third-party developers in the Nintendo ecosystem but praised Nintendo's efforts to address these issues. Zelnick emphasized Take-Two's commitment to the platform, driven by their confidence in its potential success.
Take-Two Interactive plans to release four titles on the Nintendo Switch 2, including Civilization 7 on launch day (June 5), the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series (specific titles and release dates yet to be announced), and Borderlands 4 on September 12. These choices are not surprising, given Take-Two's history of publishing these franchises on the original Nintendo Switch. However, Zelnick's comments suggest that the door may be open for additional releases in the future, particularly from Take-Two's extensive back catalog. While GTA 6 is unlikely to make an appearance, there's a possibility that GTA V could eventually be ported to the new console.
In a pre-call discussion with Zelnick, we delved into Take-Two's quarterly performance and the recent delay of GTA 6 to next year, further underscoring the company's strategic approach to game development and platform support.
