Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection Reportedly Arriving on Switch 2 This September
A highly anticipated version of Blizzard’s blockbuster ARPG, Diablo IV, is reportedly set to launch on the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 this September, bundled with both of its expansions into a single "Age of Hatred Collection." This revelation comes courtesy of prolific leaker billbil-kun from Dealabs, who previously hinted at the game’s existence on Nintendo’s unannounced console.
According to the latest leak, the Age of Hatred Collection will include the base Diablo IV game along with its two major expansions, Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred. This comprehensive package is slated for release on September 15th, offering players a complete narrative experience centered around the demonic machinations of Mephisto. The reported price point for this collection is approximately £63.
The September 15th release date places the launch just two days after Blizzard’s annual BlizzCon event, scheduled for September 12th-13th. This timing sparks speculation as to where the official announcement for Diablo IV on Switch 2 will take place. While BlizzCon seems a natural fit, the leak also raises the possibility of an unveiling at next week’s Gamescom event in Germany. Notably, Diablo III‘s successful port to the Nintendo Switch was first revealed at Gamescom, setting a precedent for major announcements outside of Blizzard’s dedicated convention.
The move to bring Diablo IV to Nintendo’s next-generation console follows the well-received Diablo III port, which proved to be a natural fit for the Switch’s portable capabilities. The ability to "trample hordes of monsters on the go" resonated strongly with players, and the game’s presence was a highlight at BlizzCon 2018. This history suggests a strong potential for Diablo IV to find similar success on the Switch 2, further solidifying its position as a portable powerhouse for action RPGs.
The purported September launch for Diablo IV on Switch 2 comes after a protracted wait. The original Diablo IV was released in June 2023, while the Switch 2’s existence is still officially unconfirmed, though widely anticipated for a release around the same timeframe. Blizzard’s focus on completing the Lord of Hatred expansion, which launched in April of this year, likely played a role in the delayed arrival of the Switch 2 version. By bundling both expansions, players on the new Nintendo platform will gain access to a substantial amount of content right from the start.
Blizzard has largely adhered to a yearly expansion cycle for Diablo IV, and while there have been minor deviations, the overarching plan remains intact. Therefore, further details regarding the future of the Diablo franchise beyond the "Hatred arc" are expected to be unveiled at BlizzCon.
This news emerges amidst a period of significant restructuring within Microsoft’s Xbox division, which includes Blizzard. Recent layoffs have impacted a substantial number of employees, raising concerns across the industry. However, Blizzard has been publicly lauded as Microsoft’s "top performing" Xbox studio, largely due to the success of Diablo IV and Overwatch. This strong performance might offer some insulation from further cuts, allowing the studio to continue its ambitious development plans, including the expansion of Diablo IV to new platforms.
