Apex Legends on the original Nintendo Switch will stop service on 4 August 2026. Players can transfer their progress, cosmetics, and Battle Pass rewards to the upcoming Switch 2, ensuring a seamless continuation of the game on the next‑generation handheld.
Announcement Details
Electronic Arts (EA) and Respawn Entertainment confirmed that the final content update for the Switch version will arrive with Season 29. Starting with Season 30 on 4 August 2026, the game will no longer be playable on the original Switch hardware, and all related servers will be shut down.
Apex Legends on Switch – A Brief History
Originally released in February 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Apex Legends expanded to the Nintendo Switch in late 2021. The handheld adaptation brought the fast‑paced battle‑royale experience to portable gamers, building a dedicated community despite the console’s hardware limitations.
Reason for Service End
The shutdown aligns with the rollout of Nintendo’s next‑generation handheld, Switch 2, which offers a more powerful GPU, higher‑resolution display, and expanded memory. These upgrades enable the game to meet the performance standards required for frequent updates, high‑quality graphics, and low‑latency online play.
Impact on Players
Switch owners who wish to keep playing Apex Legends after August 2026 must acquire a Switch 2 device. The data‑migration process allows existing EA accounts to link to the new console, preserving unlocked legends, skins, and Battle Pass progress. Players should plan the hardware upgrade before the shutdown deadline to avoid losing access.
Market Implications
The decision highlights a broader industry trend: live‑service games increasingly depend on hardware capable of supporting regular content updates and high‑performance multiplayer. By facilitating a smooth transition to Switch 2, Nintendo strengthens its third‑party ecosystem and enhances the launch lineup for the new handheld.
Future Outlook
EA and Respawn have confirmed that the PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2 versions of Apex Legends will continue receiving seasonal updates, new legends, and esports support. Players who remain in the ecosystem should prepare for the Switch 2 upgrade to maintain uninterrupted access to the game.
