The highly anticipated Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 is reportedly set to release on September 15th, just days after BlizzCon, and it's a comprehensive package. According to Dealabs' leaker billbil-kun, the game will include both expansions, Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred, as part of the Age of Hatred Collection. This is a significant development, as it was initially uncertain if the expansions would be included. The release date coincides with the end of a prolonged wait, as Diablo 4 was first released in June 2023, and the Switch 2 version was expected last year. The delay is likely due to Blizzard's focus on completing the Lord of Hatred expansion, which was released in April this year.
The inclusion of both expansions in one package is a substantial offering, priced at a rumored £63. This follows Blizzard's adoption of a yearly expansion update cycle for Diablo 4, though the timing has been slightly off. The game's narrative arc, centered around Mephisto, is expected to continue, with more details likely to be revealed at BlizzCon, which takes place from the 12th to the 13th of September. This event will provide insight into the future of the Diablo franchise after the Hatred arc.
The timing of the release is intriguing, as it comes just two days after BlizzCon, and the question remains whether the Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 will be unveiled at the event or at the upcoming Gamescom in Germany. The Switch port of Diablo 3, which was a natural fit for the platform, was announced at Gamescom, and it's interesting to see how Diablo 4 will be presented. The game's success on the Switch, with people playing it at BlizzCon 2018, suggests a positive reception.
However, the release of the Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 is overshadowed by the recent restructuring within Blizzard's Xbox division. The studio has been under considerable strain, with 1600 jobs lost immediately and another 1600 roles set to be terminated by next summer. Despite this, Diablo 4 remains a significant contributor to the studio's success, being the 'top performing' Xbox studio. The future of the game and its expansions remains uncertain, but the release on the Switch 2 promises to bring the intense action of Diablo to a new audience.
In my opinion, the inclusion of both expansions in one package is a strategic move by Blizzard, and the release on the Switch 2 is a significant step for the franchise. The timing of the release, just after BlizzCon, suggests a deliberate strategy to capitalize on the event's buzz. However, the recent restructuring at Blizzard's Xbox division casts a shadow over the game's future, and it remains to be seen if the Switch 2 version will be spared the cuts. The game's success on the Switch and the positive reception at BlizzCon 2018 indicate a bright future, but the industry's current climate adds an element of uncertainty.
