STARBITES delayed on Switch 2

NIS America said on May 14 that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of STARBITES had been delayed, days before the game's planned western launch. The publisher said the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC versions would still launch on May 21. The company did not give a reason for the platform-specific change or provide a new release date for Switch 2. OpenCritic and other game news outlets posted the notice on May 14 after NIS America shared the update on social media. ### Which version moved, and which ones did not? NIS America said the delay applies only to Nintendo Switch 2. In the statement carried by Nintendo Insider, the publisher said, "The release for Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed," and added that other platforms would proceed as scheduled on May 21. Steam still lists STARBITES for a planned May 21, 2026 release on PC. (nintendo-insider.com) NIS America's product page also lists May 21, 2026 and shows the supported platforms as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X|S, without a revised Switch 2 date. ### What had been announced before the delay? NIS America and developer IKINAGAMES had announced on March 19 that STARBITES would launch in the West on May 21 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, Switch and PC via Steam, according to Gematsu's report on the announcement. (nintendo-insider.com) That report said the game had first launched in Japan on October 16, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and Switch. (store.steampowered.com) NIS America's promotional pages had also pointed to a multi-platform May 21 release window before the change. The company's official STARBITES site says the game is "Coming May 21, 2026," while its catalog page lists the game as "Available 05/21/2026." ### Did NIS America say why the Switch 2 version slipped? NIS America did not provide a reason in the notice that outlets reproduced on May 14. (gematsu.com) The publisher said only that more information would be shared when it was able to do so. GoNintendo and Nintendo Everything posts indexed by search results also said no explanation had been given and no new date had been announced. (nisamerica.com) Those reports matched the wording carried by Nintendo Insider and OpenCritic. ### Is there any sign of how NIS America is handling Switch 2 sales? NIS America's online store shows another concrete change tied to the platform. (nintendo-insider.com) The store's STARBITES limited edition page says the Nintendo Switch 2 limited edition set has been cancelled and recommends the Nintendo Switch limited edition as an alternative for customers who still want a physical copy. (gonintendo.com) Earlier coverage in March had said a Switch 2 release was planned alongside other versions and that an $89.99 limited edition was available for pre-order through NIS America's online store. The current store notice indicates at least one Switch 2-specific retail plan has already been altered. ### What is still scheduled for May 21? Steam's store page says STARBITES is not yet available and gives a planned release date of May 21, 2026. (store.nisamerica.com) NIS America's catalog page lists the same date and names Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X|S as the available platforms. May 21 is now the next concrete milestone attached to the game. NIS America said more information on the delayed Nintendo Switch 2 version would come later, but as of May 15 the publisher had not posted a replacement date on its STARBITES pages. (gematsu.com) (nintendo-insider.com) (store.steampowered.com)