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Square Enix Compares Switch Architecture To PS4 And Xbox One

Apparently producing games for both the Switch and other consoles isn't as complicated as some might think.

Kevin Tucker

November 8, 2017 12:15 PM

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Now that Nintendo finally has a competitive system on the modern console market, there are many players who are left wondering why their favorite games and game series aren't landing on Nintendo hardware. On one side of the equation we have developers like Boss Key Productions, who dodge the issue of a Switch release by offering up hogwash excuses about the Switch not having enough buttons; on the other hand we have studios like id Software, a team that seems more than happy to bring its frenetic FPS to the hybrid console. Sitting somewhere in the middle is Capcom, with developers who simply create games with a specific console in mind.

Given that the Switch does a lot of things that competing consoles don't do — portability, motion control, et cetera — it might be easy to think that making a Switch release would be more trouble than it was worth. But it seems that isn't the case. According to Wall Street Journal reporter Takashi Mochizuki, Square Enix has said that the core architecture between the Switch and the PS4 and Xbox One is similar, which means PS4 and Xbox One to Switch ports are entirely possible.

SquareEnix:
-Switch's core architecture similar to PS4/Xbox One. Some adjustment necessary, but multi-platform games not impossible https://t.co/n3EyUYnFqZ

— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) November 8, 2017

It's so-far unclear just which representative of Square Enix made the comparison; equally unclear is the context in which the comparison was given. Still, it's good to see that at least one game developer is admitting the similarities between the systems' core technologies instead of providing silly excuses as to why they won't release their game for Nintendo's hardware.

Kevin Tucker

Guides Editor

Kevin Tucker is a core component of Shacknews' powerful guide development team. For questions, concerns, tips, or to share constructive criticism, he can be reached on Twitter @dukeofgnar or through e-mail at kevin.tucker@shacknews.com.