Path of Exile 2 Targets Steam Deck Verification by May's End, Fueling Switch 2 Release Speculation

Grinding Gear Games has announced that Path of Exile 2 will effectively be Steam Deck verified by the end of May, courtesy of its upcoming patch 0.5.0 (Return of the Ancients), scheduled for release on May 29th. This confirmation not only promises enhanced portable playability for PC gamers but also fuels speculation about a potential release on the Nintendo Switch 2, especially considering the full 1.0 version of the game is slated for release later this year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.

The Steam Deck verification is a significant milestone, indicating the game's readiness for handheld play. As Jonathan Rogers, Game Director and co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, emphasized:

"We're making sure that it's a good experience on Steam Deck this time"

Jonathan Rogers, Game Director and co-founder of Grinding Gear Games

This assurance, coupled with the game's existing availability on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, suggests that a Switch 2 version could be viable, especially given the success of similar titles like the Diablo series on Nintendo hardware.

Path to Verification and Beyond

The journey to Steam Deck verification involves comprehensive updates, notably the introduction of UI scaling options to ensure all aspects of the game's interface are adaptable and visually appealing on the Steam Deck's screen. Rogers highlighted that the studio has completed all necessary preparations for verification, including play-testing, with the formal Valve verification process to follow the patch's release.

The potential for a Switch 2 release, while not confirmed, is intriguing. The Diablo series, a key competitor in the Action RPG genre, has found success on Switch, with recent listings suggesting an impending Switch release for Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred expansion. If Path of Exile 2 performs well on Steam Deck, it could pave the way for a Switch 2 port, appealing to fans of deep, complex RPGs on Nintendo's hardware.

Patch 0.5.0: Overhauling the Endgame

Patch 0.5.0, titled Return of the Ancients, is the last major update before the game's full 1.0 release. It promises a substantial endgame overhaul, adding new questlines designed to guide players through the Atlas world, tracking progress and providing a clearer sense of purpose. Additional content includes an explorable sea area and a gigantic fortress, significantly expanding the game's world.

Players can also look forward to new ascendancy options, with the Huntress' Spirit Walker ascendancy standing out. This powerful ability allows players to tame beast bosses, recruiting them as allies in combat. While exciting, the update also comes with the news that Acts 5 and 6 are nearly finished but not yet ready, and some promised classes will not make the 1.0 cut due to the approaching release deadline.

Implications for the Future

The meticulous approach to Steam Deck optimization and the substantial updates in patch 0.5.0 demonstrate Grinding Gear Games' commitment to quality and player experience. While a Switch 2 release remains speculative, the success of Path of Exile 2 on Steam Deck could be a critical factor in any future decision-making regarding Nintendo's console.

For now, fans eagerly await the full 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2 later this year, anticipating the complete package of its deep Action RPG gameplay, enriched by the updates and features unveiled in patch 0.5.0. The game's ability to thrive on diverse platforms, including potentially the Switch 2, will be closely watched by both the gaming community and the industry at large.