For millions of Apex Legends* players, the Nintendo Switch 1 has been a reliable platform since March 2021, offering a portable way to dive into the free-to-play battle royale. But that era is ending soon. On August 4, 2026, EA and Respawn Entertainment will permanently disable server support for the original Switch, cutting off access to the game entirely. This marks the final chapter for Apex Legends on the aging handheld, with Season 29 serving as its last update.

The move leaves Switch 1 owners with a critical deadline: August 4 is not just the end of gameplay, but the last day to spend premium currency, purchase in-game items, or even attempt to transfer progress to another platform. Players will retain their accounts and can access them on the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, but the transition comes with limitations—premium currency, for example, won’t carry over during cross-progression.

While the shutdown may seem abrupt, it reflects a broader industry trend: as newer hardware like the Switch 2 emerges, older systems are gradually phased out. For Apex Legends fans, the question now isn’t just about losing a platform, but about what comes next. Will the Switch 2 version fill the gap? And how will the game’s future on portable devices evolve as Nintendo’s ecosystem shifts?

Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch 1 Shutting Down—What Players Need to Know Before August
  • Shutdown date: August 4, 2026 (no gameplay or server access after this)
  • Final update: Season 29 (all features, including premium purchases, will be available until shutdown)
  • Account retention: Progress (except premium currency) can be transferred via Cross Progression hub
  • Switch 2 compatibility: Accounts remain accessible on the new console, but premium currency does not transfer
  • Cross-platform updates: Switch 1 will receive the same content as other platforms until shutdown

The decision underscores a harsh reality for older hardware: even beloved titles can’t stay forever. For Switch 1 players, the next few months will be a race against time—whether to finish their Apex Legends* journey, migrate to a new device, or prepare for a world without the game on their current console.