Larian CEO Reveals Why Baldur's Gate 3 Missed Switch 2

During a recent Reddit AMA, Swen Vincke, the CEO of Larian Studios, addressed a long-standing question regarding the absence of Baldur's Gate 3 on Nintendo systems. Vincke stated that the lack of a port for the Switch 2 was "not our decision to make." This revelation clarifies that the development studio was not responsible for the game's absence on Nintendo hardware.

The context for this statement is the recent release of an upgraded Divinity: Original Sin 2 for the Switch 2, which highlighted Larian's capability and willingness to support Nintendo platforms. However, Baldur's Gate 3 remains unavailable on any Nintendo console. Vincke indicated that Larian Studios is officially finished with major development on the title and has shifted resources to a new Divinity game. Therefore, any future ports would require approval and direction from Wizards of the Coast, the licensor of the Dungeons & Dragons intellectual property.

On January 9, 2026, members of Larian Studios hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit. During the event, CEO Swen Vincke fielded questions from the community regarding the studio's past and future projects. One specific inquiry asked if a Baldur's Gate 3 port for the Switch 2 was "even possible." Vincke's response provided a definitive, albeit disappointing, answer for Nintendo fans.

Vincke explicitly stated, "We would have loved to but it's wasn't our decision to make." This quote confirms that the technical or logistical barriers were not the primary issue. Instead, the decision to withhold the game from the Nintendo ecosystem originated from a party other than the development team. The use of the past tense in his response suggests that the window for such a release has likely closed, given the studio's current focus.

The CEO's comments shed light on the current status of Larian Studios regarding the Baldur's Gate franchise. Vincke noted that the studio is officially "done with Baldur's Gate 3." While the team continues to support the game with minor bug fixes, they are no longer developing major content or new platform ports. The studio has pivoted its resources toward the development of a new game in the Divinity series.

This transition of development focus means that Larian is unlikely to undertake a significant porting project for a game they consider a completed work. The successful implementation of Divinity: Original Sin 2 on the original Switch demonstrated the studio's technical proficiency with Nintendo hardware. However, without active development resources allocated to Baldur's Gate 3, the project would require a dedicated team or external partner to bring it to the Switch 2.

With Larian Studios stepping back from active development, the future of Baldur's Gate 3 rests in the hands of Wizards of the Coast. As the owner of the Dungeons & Dragons IP, Wizards of the Coast holds the ultimate authority regarding licensing and distribution. Vincke's statement implies that the publisher decided against a Switch 2 port, despite Larian's willingness to proceed.

The situation highlights the complex relationship between game developers and IP holders. While Larian created the critically acclaimed title, they cannot unilaterally decide to release it on new platforms without the licensor's blessing. Consequently, the absence of Baldur's Gate 3 on the Switch 2 is a result of a strategic decision made by the publisher.

Baldur's Gate 3 is widely regarded as a landmark title in the CRPG genre. The game received universal acclaim upon release, noted for its deep tactical combat, complex narrative, and high production values. It is frequently cited as a new benchmark for role-playing games, offering players a vast world that rewards exploration and creative problem-solving.

For Nintendo Switch owners, the news is a significant disappointment. The game's absence on the platform means that a large audience of handheld gamers cannot experience what many consider a masterpiece. The specific reasons behind Wizards of the Coast's decision remain unknown, but the result is that the game remains exclusive to platforms where it was previously released.