DOOM Eternal is slowly but steadily approaching its release on Nintendo Switch, which is "very close" to completion, id Software promises. The game initially released half a year ago and was praised by both critics and players, which makes the exhausting wait for a Switch port even more painful.
Less than a week after its release, DOOM Eternal became the most successful game in the storied FPS franchise selling better than any other DOOM title, ever. Not only it was a hit in sales but also became a huge improvement in almost every aspect over the original reboot, which released back in 2016. Being one of the most satisfying first-person shooters, DOOM Eternal is set to receive a self-sufficient DLC The Ancient Gods next month. The exciting part is that it will serve as a standalone release, which won’t require the game itself to play.
While there’s a month left until id Software will treat Doom Eternal with a story expansion, owners of Nintendo Switch are still waiting for a chance to play the base game on their favorite platform. Luckily, the Switch port is not too far from its release as revealed by Marty Stratton, the game’s executive producer, at PAX Online x EGX Digital. According to Stratton, the development team behind DOOM Eternal’s port is working hard to make this particular version of the game as flawless and delightful as it can possibly be. The Switch version is being managed by Panic Button, which is known for developing other successful ports of Bethesda video games for Nintendo’s handheld console. Unfortunately, the process is taking more time than usual as the studio’s employees are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Stratton stresses that the Switch version is very close and will be talked about relatively soon.
The previous DOOM game also received an excellent Switch port by Panic Button. Being a significantly less powerful platform than PS4 and Xbox One, Nintendo’s handheld console raises additional technical challenges when developing ports of demanding video games with fancy graphics. The process is far from a simple re-release as it requires a lot of work, which is somewhat close to creating a completely separate project. Despite all the odds, Panic Button managed to develop a remarkably stable version of DOOM for Switch marking the advent of big third-party titles to Nintendo’s latest gaming device.
Mindful of the brilliant DOOM version for Nintendo Switch, it’s fair to assume that Panic Button will stay true to itself with yet another masterful port. Quality-wise, there’s nothing to be concerned about. The real question, however, is if DOOM Eternal will make it in time to come out on Switch before Bethesda releases PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game, if Bethesda decides to go that route despite backwards compatibility. Judging by Stratton’s words, the latest DOOM should reach Nintendo’s handheld console earlier, but there’s still no specific release date.
DOOM Eternal is available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia.
Source: id Software