The launch of Borderlands 4, the sci-fi shooter game, on Japanese video game giant Nintendo’s (NTDOF) Switch 2, a new AI-powered handheld gaming console, has hit a snag. On Tuesday, U.S. game publisher Take-Two (TTWO) disclosed that the release, initially scheduled for October 3, has been delayed.
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In a social media post, Take-Two noted that the game requires “additional development and polish time,” adding that the company remains committed to delivering the best gaming experience to its users. “Our hope is to also better align this release with the addition of cross saves, which we are working on and recognize is very important,” Take-Two added.
Nintendo Marks Record Sales
The development comes as Nintendo’s Switch 2, which went on sale in early June, has been met with widespread applause. Niche gaming news site TwistedVoxel reported that the console has sold over 2 million units, making it the second fastest-selling gaming machine in Japan’s history.
However, the cancellation of the launch of Borderlands 4 on Nintendo means that all digital pre-orders will be canceled, Take-Two said. The game publisher, via the social media account of its Borderlands franchise, also mentioned that a new release date would be revealed later.
Take-Two Faces Backlash
Meanwhile, the announcement of the delayed launch trails the controversy that has haunted Borderlands 4 since its release on September 11. The game launched on PC, Sony’s (SONY) PlayStation 5, and Microsoft’s (MSFT) Xbox Series X/S.
However, PC gamers have lambasted the game’s poor optimization, glitches, and other issues. Game developer Gearbox’s CEO, Randy Pitchford, also rattled gamers when he told them to “accept reality and tune, or to not play.” Gearbox is a subsidiary of Take-Two.
The delay also comes at a time when Microsoft’s gaming division is competing against Nintendo’s Switch 2 for the handheld gaming market. Microsoft Gaming, one of the world’s biggest game publishers and game hardware developers, is looking to roll out the Xbox ROG Ally gaming console on October 16.
The handheld device was designed in partnership with Taiwanese electronics heavyweight ASUS. The device will also contend against U.S. game developer Valve’s Steam Deck portable device, and Sony’s PlayStation Portal, which enables on-the-go gameplay through internet streaming.
Is Nintendo Stock a Good Buy Now?
Turning to Wall Street, Nintendo’s shares have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on TipRanks, based on seven Buys, three Holds, and one Sell assigned by 11 Wall Street analysts over the past three months.
However, the average NTDOF price target of $100.59 indicates a 16% growth potential from the current level.
