Tomb Raider Trilogy Could Be Coming to Switch 2 — Aspyr’s Hint Is Big News

Why this matters: Tomb Raider on Switch 2 changes the portable AAA conversation

This caught my attention because a full Tomb Raider trilogy on Nintendo’s new hardware would be more than nostalgia – it would be a real signal that Switch 2 can host modern AAA action-adventure games without turning them into caricatures. Aspyr’s surprise release of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on both Switch and Switch 2 in November 2025 has opened a door that publishers kept shut for years.

• Key takeaway: Aspyr’s port performs noticeably better on Switch 2 and the company says future ports will target Switch 2 first.
• Likely next steps: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider are logical candidates – community demand + technical feasibility = high probability.
• Watch for: Patches, a February 2026 mobile release, and how sales over the holiday window shape publisher decisions.
• Reality check: Expect 30fps target performance with visual compromises – good, not PS4/Xbox One level.

Breaking down the announcement — what Aspyr actually did

Aspyr shadow-dropped the Definitive Edition across both Switch generations and, crucially, designed the Switch 2 build from a flexible branch originally used for the original Switch. That approach let them ship on both machines at once, but they’ve also said future cross-platform work will treat Switch 2 as the primary target. Jordon Reese, Aspyr’s product manager, suggested that strong player response could make ports of Rise and Shadow worth pursuing.

Why Rise and Shadow are realistic next steps

From a catalog perspective, it’s the obvious trilogy progression. Technically, Rise (2015) and Shadow (2018) scale well and have already landed on varied hardware. The key difference now is that Switch 2’s beefier silicon removes the “we can’t” excuse publishers used for the original Switch. Community demand also matters — fans have been loudly asking for these ports — and Aspyr is listening enough to promise follow-up patches and a roadmap of support.

What Aspyr’s commitment actually means for players

Promises of support are one thing; execution is another. Aspyr has already flagged more patches (gyro and mouse control fixes are on the list) and a mobile release slated for February 2026. That responsiveness is a good sign — companies rarely invest in long-term platform support unless initial numbers justify it. If Definitive Edition sells well on Switch 2, publishers will have hard data to greenlight Rise and Shadow ports.

Performance expectations — don’t expect PS5 fidelity

Practical expectations matter: the Definitive Edition aims for 30fps in exploration and dips during intense firefights on the original Switch; Switch 2 improves that profile but won’t magically match PS4 or current-gen fidelity. Expect compromises — lower resolution textures, simplified effects, and maybe adjusted draw distances — but otherwise playable, portable versions. Load times should be better on Switch 2, and control tweaks (gyro, aim) are likely to improve based on player feedback.

Broader context — why this is part of a trend

Aspyr isn’t the only studio rethinking Nintendo. Crystal Dynamics also announced new Tomb Raider titles and there’s a Tomb Raider Prime Video series in production — the franchise is active again, which raises the commercial case for ports and re-releases. If publishers smell momentum they’ll monetize it: beware premium pricing for “definitive” labels or staggered releases that milk collectors. Still, a full trilogy on Switch 2 would make the console a more serious third-party contender.

What to watch next

Holiday 2025 sales and the initial Switch 2 install base will dictate a lot. Expect announcements in the next 6-12 months if Aspyr and Square Enix see good traction. The mobile launch in February 2026 and planned patches are immediate milestones — if Aspyr follows through with meaningful improvements and strong sales, Rise and Shadow ports could move from “possible” to “probable.”

TL;DR

Aspyr’s Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Switch 2 is more than a nostalgic port — it’s a test case. Strong performance and player response could unlock Rise and Shadow for Switch 2, but expect 30fps targets, graphical concessions, and a wait of months rather than weeks. If you own a Switch 2 and want a full Tomb Raider experience on the go, this is the moment to watch closely — and to be cautiously optimistic.