Nintendo President Defers GTA 6 Switch 2 Decision to Rockstar Amid Zelda Launch

Key points

• Devon Pritchard, president of Nintendo of America, told Variety that the decision to port Grand Theft Auto 6 to the Nintendo Switch 2 is up to Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive.
• Pritchard emphasized that Nintendo has no announcements to make regarding the game's availability on the Switch 2, despite the console's enhanced processing power and graphics capabilities.
• The Nintendo Switch 2, released in June 2025, has sold over 23 million units and is currently supporting third-party titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Resident Evil Requiem.
• Nintendo is preparing to launch a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in November, which will compete with the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
• Pritchard highlighted Nintendo's strategy to provide diverse content for all ages, citing titles like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Pokemon Pokopia as examples of varied experiences on the platform.

Background

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025 and has since sold over 23 million units. The console features improved graphics and processing power compared to its predecessor, allowing for more demanding third-party titles. Recent third-party support includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which is launching on Switch 2 this fall, marking the first return of the franchise to Nintendo consoles in over a decade. Additionally, the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is scheduled for release in November, coinciding with the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. Previous attempts to port Grand Theft Auto 5 to the original Nintendo Switch were halted by Take-Two Interactive, highlighting the company's strict control over its intellectual property.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Nintendo Everything both reported on Devon Pritchard's interview, focusing on her statement that the decision to bring Grand Theft Auto 6 to the Nintendo Switch 2 rests with Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. My Nintendo News highlighted the same statement but also included comments from users debating the feasibility of the game running on the Switch 2, with some arguing that the console's hardware is comparable to the Xbox Series S. GoNintendo emphasized Nintendo's strategy to provide diverse content for all ages, citing Pritchard's comments on the platform's appeal to a wide demographic. All sources agree that there are no official announcements regarding the game's availability on the Switch 2, but they differ in their focus, with some emphasizing the hardware capabilities and others highlighting the competitive landscape with the Legend of Zelda remake.

Why it matters

The decision to bring Grand Theft Auto 6 to the Nintendo Switch 2 could significantly impact the console's market position and sales. As one of the most anticipated games of the year, its availability on the Switch 2 could attract a broader audience and enhance the platform's appeal. Additionally, the competition between Grand Theft Auto 6 and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake in November could influence consumer choices and sales figures for both titles. The outcome of this decision may also set a precedent for future third-party titles on the Nintendo Switch 2, potentially influencing the platform's long-term strategy and market share.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive making a decision on whether to port Grand Theft Auto 6 to the Nintendo Switch 2. This decision could be influenced by the console's sales performance and the competitive landscape with other titles. Additionally, the release of the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake in November will be a key event, as it could impact consumer choices and sales figures for both titles. The outcome of these events may also influence future third-party titles on the Nintendo Switch 2, potentially shaping the platform's long-term strategy and market share.