Split Fiction Brings $49.99 Price Tag to Nintendo Switch 2, Reinforces Local Co-Op Legacy

EA has confirmed that Split Fiction, the newest co-op gem from It Takes Two developer Hazelight Studios, will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 for $49.99, matching its PC and current-gen console pricing. Pre-orders go live April 24, and the port is shaping up to be a standout addition to the Switch 2’s early lineup—not just for its content but for what it represents: a return to form for local multiplayer on a Nintendo console.

Split Fiction, which debuted in March 2025, has already become one of the biggest critical and commercial hits of the year. Currently sitting at a 90+ Metacritic score, it's only one of two new games this year to earn that distinction—alongside Blue Prince. With its deeply imaginative levels and heartfelt narrative, Split Fiction is more than just a co-op platformer; it's a full-on emotional journey starring two authors trapped in the worlds of their own books. But what really sets it apart—and what makes its arrival on Switch 2 so important—is that it’s 100% built for split-screen play.

The Nintendo Legacy of Split-Screen Gaming

Split-screen gaming has always had a special place in Nintendo history. You can also check out the list of notable exclusives and ports for Switch. From Mario Kart 64 to GoldenEye 007, some of the most legendary couch multiplayer experiences were born on Nintendo hardware. The original Switch tried to keep that spirit alive, but limitations in power and inconsistent third-party support made it tough to pull off high-performance, cinematic co-op titles like Split Fiction.

With the Switch 2’s beefier hardware, that barrier is finally broken. EA confirmed that Split Fiction will take full advantage of the new console’s features, including GameShare (only one copy needed for two players), GameChat, and full Cross Play between Switch 2 and other platforms. Even better, Switch 2 and original Switch owners will be able to play together, meaning this won't be a next-gen-only club.

And that’s important because for many players, Nintendo consoles are the go-to choice for local multiplayer experiences. Whether it’s a spontaneous gaming night with friends or passing Joy-Cons on a long train ride, Nintendo’s strength has always been in creating shared, physical-space gaming moments. Split Fiction fits that mold perfectly and gives it a modern twist.

Why Split Fiction’s Price Tag Matters

Let’s be real: Nintendo fans are used to paying a premium. First-party titles like Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe rarely see deep discounts, and $70 has quickly become the norm for next-gen experiences elsewhere. By the way, Mario Kart World water physics became known from the gameplay video. So to see Split Fiction hit the Switch 2 at $49.99—the same as on PS5 and Xbox Series X—is a breath of fresh air.

It also signals something deeper. Third-party developers are treating the Switch 2 as a serious platform—not a “lesser” version that gets the port six months later for more money. This launch parity across platforms could be a big turning point for Nintendo’s relationship with the wider industry, especially if other co-op hits like A Way Out or It Takes Two follow suit.

And let’s not forget: Split Fiction isn’t just a couch game. It supports full online play, including voice chat and cross-platform sessions. But it’s the split-screen first design that keeps the Hazelight DNA strong.

A Story Worth Playing—And Watching

Hazelight isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Just days after Split Fiction’s release, a film adaptation was announced through media company Story Kitchen. If that name sounds familiar, it should—It Takes Two is also getting both a film and TV series adaptation via dj2 Entertainment. The game’s narrative chops clearly translate well to other mediums, which makes sense given how character-focused and emotionally driven Hazelight’s titles tend to be.

Despite fan curiosity about whether Hazelight will ever make a single-player game, founder Josef Fares has doubled down on the studio’s commitment to co-op experiences—for now, at least. And honestly? With games like Split Fiction, that doesn’t feel like a limitation. It feels like a mission.

A Bright Future for Co-Op on Switch 2

Waiting for the switch? Look at the guys who have already lined up outside the store in the form of a comfortable campsite.

Split Fiction's launch on Switch 2 isn't just another game release. It's a statement. A sign that local multiplayer—the kind where you're yelling at your friend on the couch, not over Discord—isn’t just nostalgia. It’s necessary. Especially for Nintendo fans who’ve been hungry for true next-gen split-screen experiences.

As the Switch 2 ramps up to a major 2025 launch with titles like Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4, and now Split Fiction, it's clear that Nintendo isn’t just focused on solo adventures. It’s ready to bring back the kind of together gaming that’s been fading elsewhere.

Split Fiction will cost $49.99 on Nintendo Switch 2 when pre-orders open on April 24. The co-op-only, split-screen adventure will support GameShare, GameChat, and full cross-platform play—including with original Switch consoles. With Nintendo’s deep legacy in local multiplayer and the Switch 2’s improved power, Split Fiction could become a flagship title for a new wave of couch co-op gaming.