Ride 6 is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in February, bringing a new festival-based career mode that takes cues from Forza Horizon.
Since it began over 10 years ago, Milestone’s motorcycle series has never been released on a Nintendo platform. Speaking to Traxion, the Italian developer confirmed that Ride 6 won’t break this trend, with no plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 version.
“We are not thinking about making the game [Ride 6] for Switch 2,” Game Director Paolo Bertoni confirmed to Traxion.
According to Milestone, Ride 6’s vast scale isn’t feasible for Nintendo’s console, with the game set to feature over 340 bikes from 21 manufacturers (including post-launch DLC) and 45 tracks.
“It’s [a] really big game with a lot of content, so it’s difficult to put that on Switch 2,” says Bertoni.
“I’m not a big fan of straight handheld ports”
If Ride was adapted for Switch 2, Bertoni hints it would need to be developed specifically for the platform.
“I’m not a big fan of straight handheld ports – especially for the Switch 2,” he explains. “The Stem Deck and Rog Ally are based on PC games, but the Switch 2 is a completely different console with specific software.”
“You need to work a lot on that. If we ever do that [a Switch 2 version of Ride 6], we’ll do that in a good way and take time.”
While the Ride series has yet to debut on a Nintendo console, the last eight MotoGP games, which Milestone also developed, were ported to the original Switch, albeit with noticeable visual downgrades.
According to Milestone, Ride 6’s graphical fidelity is another barrier preventing the series from coming to the Switch 2, despite its more powerful hardware.
“You have far fewer bikes and tracks [in MotoGP games],” says Bertoni. “Our bikes are much more detailed than most MotoGP bikes. With naked bikes [for example], you need much more detail.”
Lead Game Designer Stefano Zanaboni adds that MotoGP’s regulations make it “easier to develop the bikes” than Ride 6, as bikes in each class boast similar designs and specifications.
It’s perhaps a shame that Ride 6 won’t be released on Switch 2, as the platform currently lacks games with licensed production motorcycles.
Never say never, though, as Milestone hints it may consider a Switch 2 version in the future, even if compromises have to be made when adapting the game for Nintendo’s platform.
“We can see how it goes and maybe think about that [Ride 6 on Switch 2] in the future,” says Bertoni.
Ride 6 launches on 12th February for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with up to three days of early access for those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition.
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