Summary
Gearbox Software has released a pretty significant update for the Nintendo Switch version of its action RPGBorderlands 3.Rumors that the game would be coming to Nintendo’s portable device were swirling years before it even released on other platforms, but Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford debunked that early on by confirming that there wereno plans to bringBorderlands 3to Switch. Of course, the studio eventually changed course and the game launched for Switch on July 05, 2025.
The port of the game to Switch wasn’t all roses, however, andBorderlands 3 Ultimate Editionfor Switch couldn’t hold up graphicallyto what the PlayStation or Xbox versions could offer. One of the hallmarks of the series has always been its visually appealing, cartoony, cel-shaded art style, which simply couldn’t carry over to the Switch’s less powerful hardware. But there were other issues with performance in general on the portable console, as well as excessive loading times and frequent crashes.
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The latest update forBorderlands 3 Ultimate Editionfor the Nintendo Switch, which was released on November 20, addresses a number of these problems. Firstly, there should be noticeably fewer crashes when starting a new game, matchmaking, or fast traveling to certain areas like Sanctuary. Many textures now have higher resolutions, and an ongoing issue of missing or incorrect textures should be fixed as well. Performance has been optimized across the board, and someplayers have also reported on Redditthat load times have decreased when playing the game in handheld mode.
The November 20 update for the Nintendo Switch edition ofBorderlands 3introduced other quality-of-life improvements as well. Instances of missing ambient and NPC audio have been fixed, and players should notice some tweaks to the game’s lighting and visual effects. Gearbox also adjusted the geometry in several locations to decrease the possibility of players getting stuck in the terrain. Additionally, for those who like to play co-op, there should be fewer issues with the game’s matchmaking system, thoughBorderlands 3on Switch still only allows for a squad of two playersrather than the four available on other platforms.
There have also been tweaks to some anointments inBorderlands 3like Moze the Gunner’s Splash Damage Increase, as well as her Fire Rate and Crit Damage anointement, which were respectively not applying the correct bonuses to shield capacity and incendiary damage in some instances. Zane the Operative’s Digi-Clone will also now use up the correct number of grenades with the “Boom. Enhance." skill.
Other fixes in the recent patch forBorderlands 3on Switch include adjusting the drop rate of items in certain instances. For example, Joey Ultraviolet will now drop the Cartel Vault Hunter Skins as he was supposed to, and Crazy Earl has gotten some Bloody Harvest Vault Hunter Heads in stock.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
