Atlus explains why Persona 3 Reload is only on Nintendo Switch 2, not Switch 1

Persona 3 Reload will be appearing on Nintendo Switch 2 later this month, but it turns out there was once consideration for a Switch 1 version as well.

According to P-Studio general producer Kazuhisa Wada, releasing the RPG on Nintendo hardware was always the goal, “but simultaneous development was inevitably difficult.” Following the announcement of Nintendo Switch 2, Atlus wanted to obtain a development kit as soon as possible and deliver on fan requests.

Japanese outlet 4Gamer specifically asked why Persona 3 Reload was made Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive – meaning no Switch 1 version. There was consideration for the older system, but it would have delayed Atlus’ own internal plan by a year. Initial tests were showing that a direct port would have been difficult, so specific adjustments would have been needed.

Wada, along with director Yoshihiro Komori, shared the following:

Wada: The main reason was simple: “We want to deliver it to everyone as soon as possible .” We wanted to release it as close to the other versions as possible. We considered a vertical multiplatform release for Switch and Switch 2, but we realized that would mean a one-year delay from our original plan.

Komori: When we tested it on the Switch, we found that porting it directly was difficult in terms of performance. To achieve comfortable controls and graphics suited to the Switch hardware, the UI and art had to be completely redesigned. This meant the release date was extended by a year.

Wada: We wanted to deliver the game to everyone as soon as possible, so we made it exclusive to the Switch 2. The original release date was early next year, but development progressed smoothly, and we’re now able to release it in October of this year. We’re pleased that we can release it earlier than planned.

Persona 3 Reload heads to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2025. A demo is out now – read about that here.