Crimson Desert on Switch 2: Developer Finally Confirms Release Window

Crimson Desert is a DF favourite for its broad, bizarre and technically challenging open world, so it was with some anticipation that we learned the possibility of a Switch 2 version was being explored back in April. Now, developer Pearl Abyss says that they've made significant progress on the port, and therefore feel comfortable announcing a release date - or at least, a release window.

The first half of 2027 is when we can expect to have Crimson Desert on the go with Switch 2, a pretty rapid turnaround when the game was only released on PS5, Series X/S and PC in March. There is no doubt going to be a lot of technical work shrinking down what is already a demanding console title onto more limited hardware, though Pearl Abyss can at least lean on the Switch 2's unique DLSS capabilities in the console space.

In a letter to shareholders, Pearl Abyss said that "the core focus is on ensuring that Crimson Desert's signature graphics, action and open-world exploration are fully preserved, rather than executing a simple port. In the case of Switch 2, the game has reached a playable baseline, and we are currently conducting technical reviews regarding performance optimisation and quality standard compliance, targeting a release in the first half of next year."

"In the case of Switch 2, while optimisation is required, the game is currently playable at a foundational level, and technical evaluations are underway to ensure performance optimization and compliance with our quality standards. While it is difficult to confirm a definitive launch schedule at this time, we are working toward a release targeted for the first half of 2027. We will provide updates through our official channels once details are finalised."

The rest of the earnings letter makes for interesting reading, with Crimson Desert making up 71 percent of the company's revenue (versus 29 percent for their Black Desert MMO). In terms of regions, North America and Europe accounted for 75 percent of revenue, while the platform landscape shows a clear preference for PC, with 61 percent of revenue versus 34 percent from consoles and five percent from mobile.

The document also says that the firm is planning "DLC, strategic pricing and platform expansion to ensure long-term success", with Crimson Desert DLC coming later this year. Two further games, DokeV and Plan 8, are in "active development".