The Borderlands 4 Switch 2 Release Comes With Split-Screen and Co-Op Limitations

Summary:

• Borderlands 4 will launch officially on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, this coming October.
• While the news of this release has been huge, fans using the Nintendo console are disappointed over a missing feature: no split screen couch co-op support on the Switch 2.
• With couch co-op being a huge part of the Borderlands experience, its omission from one of the most popular consoles is truly a huge drawback.
• In addition, performance and accessibility issues like lower frame rates and a Game-key card release are making fans think twice about getting the game on Switch 2.

Borderlands fans are facing some mixed news. While the hype around Borderlands 4 coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 is huge, not everything is going the way players hoped. The game is set to launch on October 3, 2025, complete with full crossplay and all the signature looter-shooter chaos. However, the Borderlands 4 Switch 2 version comes with a big drawback—there won’t be any support for split-screen couch co-op.

No Split-Screen Co-Op on Switch 2

One of the biggest features missing from the Borderlands 4 Switch 2 edition is split-screen couch co-op. Gearbox Software explained that the game will have the same exciting gameplay as other platforms. However, Nintendo’s hybrid console won’t support the split-screen feature.

This hits hard for longtime fans because couch co-op has always been a big part of the Borderlands experience. Borderlands has always been celebrated as a “party shooter,” where friends could grab controllers, share one screen, and dive into the chaos together. Many fans have nostalgic memories of playing Borderlands with siblings or friends in the same room.

Without that option, Switch 2 owners will have to stick to online multiplayer or crossplay if they want to team up. Some might even be pushed toward other platforms that continue to support couch co-op.

Full Crossplay Support

There’s a bit of silver lining in the fact that Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 will support full crossplay. This means you can still join friends playing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, or Epic Games. So even though split-screen is gone, Switch players won’t be locked out of multiplayer.

This also helps soften the blow for those who hoped to enjoy the game entirely on the go. You can play from anywhere and still join your squad online—just as long as you’ve got a good internet connection.

Performance Differences

Another drawback is performance. On Switch 2, Borderlands 4 will run at around 30fps instead of the smoother 60fps seen on other platforms. It’s still better than what the first Switch could handle, but players used to higher frame rates might find it a bit underwhelming.

Additionally, the physical release won’t ship with a full game cartridge. Instead, it will use a Game-Key card, requiring players to download additional files. This might sting for players with limited storage space on their console. There has also been protest from fans of the Persona franchise after the announcement that Persona 3 Reload will use a Game-Key card.

Conclusion

The Borderlands 4 Switch 2 version is clearly not for everyone. Yes, you’ll still get the classic looting, shooting, and humor the series is known for. However, it drops one of its most beloved features: couch co-op.

If playing on a split-screen in the same room is important to you and your squad, you might want to play on another platform. And if you’re fine with playing solo or with crossplay, then having it on the Switch 2 isn’t that bad of an idea.

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