Apex Legends Is Shutting Down on Nintendo Switch Starting August 4

The original Nintendo Switch version of Apex Legends is approaching the end of the road. Starting August 4, 2026, EA and Respawn Entertainment will discontinue support for the battle royale on Nintendo’s older hardware.

According to EA’s official update shared in January, Season 29 will be the final season available on Nintendo Switch. Once Season 30 begins on August 4, players will no longer be able to access the game on Nintendo Switch.

There is one important distinction, however: Apex Legends itself is not shutting down. Support is only ending for the Nintendo Switch version, while the game will remain playable on other supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2.

Apex Legends Is Moving Away From Switch 1

Apex Legends launched on Nintendo Switch in March 2021, bringing Respawn’s fast-paced battle royale to a portable audience. It was an ambitious port, but the aging hardware inevitably came with compromises to resolution, visual quality, and performance.

That decision is hardly surprising. Live-service games become increasingly demanding as developers introduce new maps, characters, mechanics, and technical improvements. Continuing to optimize every update for 2017 hardware would likely place additional restrictions on future development.

Still, it is disappointing news for players who have not upgraded.

What Happens to Switch Players’ Progress?

Nintendo Switch users will be able to continue playing throughout Season 29. After support ends on August 4, they will need to move to Nintendo Switch 2 or another supported platform to keep playing. According to EA:

Beginning August 4, 2026, in-game premium currency will no longer be available for purchase on Nintendo Switch, though any existing balances can still be used before August 4, 2026. Players can use any existing balances from Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Switch 2.

Player progression and purchases are associated with the linked EA account, allowing eligible content to carry across through Apex Legends’ cross-progression system. However, players should make sure their Nintendo profile is connected to the correct EA account before changing hardware.

All players progress, purchases, and earnings are tied to their individual EA accounts. Everything that has been earned or purchased, including Apex Coins and cosmetics, will carry over to Nintendo Switch 2, even if you purchase Nintendo Switch 2 after August 4, 2026.

Season 29 is the final opportunity to play on the original system. Once Season 30 launches on August 4, upgrading or changing platforms will be the only way forward.