Many were surprised when Persona 3 Reload was announced and there was no option for a Nintendo Switch version. Fast forward to today and we know that the game is in development for the Nintendo Switch 2 and it releases later this month. In a recent interview Atlus has said that they considered releasing both a Nintendo Switch version and Nintendo Switch 2 version. However, the company says that couldn't manage a simultaneous release as they would have had to postpone both by around a year. Just focussing on the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Persona 3 Reload meant it was ready for an October 2025 release.
Could you tell us the background behind the development of the Switch 2 version?
Wada: We've had the desire to bring it to Nintendo hardware from the start, but simultaneous development was simply too difficult at the time.
After the Switch 2 was announced, we thought, "We want to get our hands on developments kits as soon as possible and bring this to those who want to play on Switch 2," and that's when we stated moving forward.
Why did you choose to make it exclusively for the Switch 2?
Wada: The main reason is simple: we wanted to deliver the game to everyone as soon as possible. We aimed to release it as fast as we could, without any significant delay from the other versions.
We considered releasing it for both the Switch and Switch 2, but we realized that doing so would delay the release by at least a year more than originally planned.
Komori: When we tested it on the Switch, we realized that a direct port would be challenging performance-wise.
To achieve the same comfortable controls and graphics that matched the hardware, we would have to completely rebuild the UI and art assets. That would push the release back by at least a year.
Wada: So with our desire to deliver the game as quickly as possible, we made the decision to focus exclusively on Switch 2.
Originally, we were planning for a release early next year, but thanks to smooth development progress, we were able to release it this October.
We're really happy to be able to release it earlier than originally planned.
