Respawn Entertainment is about to close the doors on its iconic first-person shooter for original Nintendo Switch owners. It’s commendable how long Apex has been on the first Switch, but turning off the servers isn’t a huge shock.
Apex Legends was one of the games that boomed during the worldwide pandemic, but it continues to be one of the most-played live-service games daily in 2026. There are so many platforms to choose from: PS4, PS5, XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, the Nintendo Switch 2…but not the original Switch for much longer.
Apex Legends Goes Offline on Original Nintendo Switch Consoles From August 4
In case you missed it, Respawn informed everyone on January 30, 2026, that OG Nintendo Switch support for Apex Legends would cease with the start of Season 30.
This meant Season 29 was the farewell update, and on August 4, Switch 1’s Apex servers would be turned off for good.
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Here’s Respawn‘s official statement from way back:
‘Hey legends, we want to share an important update about Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch.
Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch. Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Starting August 4, 2026 (Season 30), Apex Legends will no longer be playable on the Nintendo Switch system.
- Until August 4, 2026, players can continue to jump into the action, earn rewards, and enjoy matches per usual.
- Beginning August 4, 2026, in-game premium currency will no longer be available for purchase on Nintendo Switch, though any existing balances can still be used before August 4, 2026. Players can use any existing balances from Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Switch 2.
- All players progress, purchases, and earnings are tied to their individual EA accounts. Everything that has been earned or purchased, including Apex Coins and cosmetics, will carry over to Nintendo Switch 2, even if you purchase Nintendo Switch 2 after August 4, 2026. Please note that in some regions, local laws require you to use digital currency within 180 days of purchase.
- All the above only applies to Nintendo Switch and not Nintendo Switch 2.
Apex Legends will continue to be available on all other supported platforms. As we continue to evolve Apex Legend’s content and technical foundation, our goal is to deliver a high quality experience. Thanks to Nintendo’s investment in the Nintendo Switch 2, the platform offers a great handheld experience for Apex Legends.
We are deeply grateful to the Nintendo community that has been with us on this journey since Day 1, and we hope to see you on the Dropship on Nintendo Switch 2.’
This time is now: Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch is done.
The Apex Legends subreddit has even shared memories from the Switch 1 port, with some saying that they haven’t played the OG Switch version since the Nintendo Switch 2 came out anyway.
It doesn’t run great on the original Nintendo Switch, and the Switch 2 is a huge improvement in every way, rendering the old version obsolete.
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Obviously, if you haven’t upgraded to the Switch 2, there are many other ways to play and experience Apex Legends.
If you do own a Switch 2, get ready for Season 30: Marked.
Do you still play Apex Legends? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
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Andy is Insider Gaming’s Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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