Resident Evil Requiem Devs Discuss Leaks, Switch 2, and Remakes Ahead of Launch

Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth main entry in the iconic survival horror series, is set to launch on February 27, 2026. This release will arrive just weeks before the franchise marks its 30th anniversary and represents the 30th Resident Evil game overall when counting remakes and spin-offs. As one of the studio’s most significant milestones in years, the project is also making history as the first new mainline entry to launch on a Nintendo platform since Resident Evil 4 released on GameCube more than two decades ago.

In an interview with VGC during Tokyo Game Show, director Koshi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa opened up about the game’s development, its timing, and the challenges of creating a title so closely tied to the series’ legacy. Kumazawa explained that Requiem wasn’t originally planned as the anniversary game but ended up aligning with the milestone through the course of development.

“It actually wasn’t planned specifically to be a game releasing in the anniversary year,” said Kumazawa. “But due to the schedule of the project, and as we went through trial and error in the development phase, it ended up landing in the 30th anniversary year.” — Masato Kumazawa

For fans, one of the most notable features of Requiem is its setting, which appears to revisit Raccoon City. Trailers have teased flashback-style sequences that could evoke memories of iconic series locations, though Kumazawa stressed that the design aims to balance nostalgia with accessibility for newcomers.

Leaking culture was another topic discussed during the interview, with both developers sharing their perspectives on how leaks shape community expectations. Nakanishi took a more optimistic view, noting that leaks demonstrate fan enthusiasm even when the information isn’t accurate.

“In a way, I can take it personally as a positive thing, because the fact that people are so interested that they want to see the information we haven’t revealed yet, and then they start discussing online and speculating about things, it shows a huge amount of interest and passion on behalf of the fans.” — Koshi Nakanishi

Kumazawa, however, expressed more concern with the way unconfirmed details quickly become treated as fact. This can lead to disappointment when rumors do not align with the final game, even though developers never promised the features in the first place.

Technical details about Switch 2 also surfaced, with both developers confirming that Capcom’s RE Engine scaled more smoothly than expected to the new hardware. This success influenced the decision to launch Requiem day-and-date on Switch 2 alongside PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Kumazawa emphasized that the process felt natural rather than experimental, adding that this commitment reflects Capcom’s goal of making the series available to the widest audience possible.

Alongside Requiem, Capcom is also releasing Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village natively on Switch 2. The decision came after early testing proved seamless enough that the studio chose to bring the trilogy over simultaneously, giving new players a full entry point into the series on Nintendo’s latest console.

Competition within the horror genre also came up during the conversation, particularly with Konami’s recent revival of Silent Hill. Rather than being concerned, Nakanishi welcomed the resurgence.

“Competition is what keeps everyone on their toes in a given genre or space within the gaming industry, so I think it’s great to have more titles in the AAA survival horror space. I really want to buy Silent Hill F, I’m playing it straight away!” — Koshi Nakanishi

The pair also reflected on potential remakes of modern entries like Resident Evil 7 and Village, with Nakanishi admitting he still keeps notes on details he would adjust if given the chance. This includes both small atmospheric changes and cut content, such as an additional Baker family member that never made it into the original release.

The reveal of Requiem is more than just another entry for Capcom. It is positioned as both a continuation of the survival horror lineage and a celebration of 30 years of experimentation, reinvention, and fan devotion. With its multi-platform launch, return to Raccoon City, and focus on accessible design, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a landmark release not just for the franchise but for the genre it helped define.

As the series enters its fourth decade, Capcom appears intent on bridging past and present, creating a horror experience that honors the legacy of Resident Evil while adapting to new platforms, new audiences, and the ever-evolving expectations of its community.