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Apex Legends to End Support on Original Nintendo Switch
With hundreds of millions of players worldwide, it was inevitable that publishers pushed to bring major live-service titles to the first-generation Nintendo Switch. One of the highest-profile examples was Apex Legends, which arrived on the platform in 2021 as a free-to-play release from EA and Respawn Entertainment.
For several years, the Switch version offered players a portable way to experience Respawn’s competitive battle royale. However, that chapter is now coming to a close as the industry transitions fully to newer hardware.
Season 29 Confirmed as the Final Update
EA and Respawn have officially confirmed that Apex Legends will be discontinued on the original Nintendo Switch in 2026. According to the announcement shared on the game’s official social media channels, Season 29 will be the final season supported on the first-generation Switch.
From Season 30 onward, which is scheduled to launch on August 4, Apex Legends will no longer be playable on Nintendo Switch 1. The game will continue to be available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 and other supported platforms.
Progress Transfer Will Be Supported
Respawn has confirmed that players will not lose their progress during the transition. By linking their EA account, Switch 1 players will be able to carry over all progression to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
This includes unlocked Legends, purchased cosmetics, in-game currency, and other earned items, ensuring that long-time players can continue seamlessly if they choose to upgrade.
Performance Limitations Likely a Factor
While Respawn did not explicitly state the reason for ending support, the announcement strongly implies that hardware limitations played a significant role. Apex Legends has long struggled to maintain performance parity on the original Switch, particularly in handheld mode.
With Nintendo Switch 2 offering substantially improved hardware, the decision appears to reflect a broader shift toward maintaining feature parity and performance consistency across platforms.
Respawn closed its announcement by thanking the Nintendo community, specifically acknowledging players who supported Apex Legends on the original Switch since its launch nearly five years ago. The studio expressed hope that these players will continue their journey with the game on Nintendo Switch 2.
