Apex Legends for Nintendo Switch is shutting down

Apex Legends fans playing on the Nintendo Switch may be displeased to learn that the game is shutting down for good on that console. While the game isn't going anywhere for other players, those on the Nintendo Switch will have to say goodbye Apex Legends in the near future or move to another system to continue playing.

Apex Legends fans are currently preparing for the arrival of season 28, which is likely to land quite soon. Before its release, Apex Legends saw nerfs to Octane and Horizon, potentially shaking up the meta as the game progresses. While the upcoming Apex Legends season will be available for Nintendo Switch players, those players may want to consider playing on another system soon.

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Apex Legends announces shutdown on Nintendo Switch

Apex Legends Developer Respawn Entertainment and publisher EA have officially announced that the game will end on the original Nintendo Switch system once Season 29 comes to a close. Season 29 will end and Season 30 will begin on August 4, 2026, giving players on the original Switch about six months to enjoy the game before it's no longer available to them. Players will still be able to play as normal until then, including after the launch of Season 28, and will have the same access to rewards and Apex Legends' currency like other players.

Apex Legends players using the Nintendo Switch should be aware that while in-game currency balances can be used anytime before August 4, 2026, they cannot be purchased through the console after that time. Those migrating to the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to use any existing balances they had on the original Switch version on the Switch 2 version instead. However, players are also advised to check their digital currency laws, as some regions have a 180-day expiry period. The player's progress and purchases are all linked to a user's EA account, which will remain in place, even if the player does not immediately receive a Switch 2. Then Apex Legends features cross-progression, players who have access to another gaming platform supported by the game, namely PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC, will simply be able to install the game and log in with their EA credentials to pick up where they left off.

Apex Legends fans may have seen the writing on the wall regarding the Switch version when the game surprised gamers with the announcement of a Switch 2 version during a Nintendo Direct back in July 2025. While many games can be played across both the original Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, the higher features of the Switch 2 provide smoother performance and improved visuals, making it the superior version between the two. As games move to more platforms, it can become difficult for developers to continue supporting last-gen versions and current versions at once. Developer Respawn has seen a lot of layoffs over the past few years, which could make things even more difficult for those still working on Apex Legends.

In general, the player base seems to be taking the news pretty well. The Nintendo Switch 2 will have been out for a full year by the time the original Switch version shuts down, giving gamers plenty of time to upgrade or switch to a completely different system. However, the suspension has also worried some fans, who wonder if the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game could also suffer the same fate in the near future. For now, however, Respawn has said that the other platforms will continue to be supported.