The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching in less than a month, and the confirmed lineup of games is already making waves among players eager to snag a console. With major franchises like Mario Kart, Hyrule Warriors, and even a dormant Kirby title returning to usher in Nintendo’s next era, there’s no shortage of big-name titles to look forward to. But amidst the excitement, one glaring gap stands out: the major players of the life-simulation genre. In fact, The Sims 4 has been remarkably absent from Nintendo players’ libraries, dating back to the first Switch.
As of May 2025, The Sims 4 has not been announced for Switch 2, and did not have a console release for the original Switch. To add to the silence, as InZOI makes waves, many are surprised that it did not make an appearance during the Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2. Although InZOI is still in Early Access, games like Hades 2, also in Early Access, have confirmed their debut for the Switch 2. But with such silence comes opportunity.
The Sims 4 and InZOI, the two most talked-about modern life-sims today, are absent from the Nintendo Switch 2’s lineup of games, leaving a surprising hole in what could have been a key market for the platform at launch. Since The Sims 4 has never been available on any previous Nintendo console, and InZOI is still charting its course and identity in the global market, the Switch 2 could be fresh, unclaimed territory for both. With no clear frontrunner on Nintendo’s turf, the race to captivate life-sim fans on the platform is wide open. Both The Sims and InZOI certainly have strong incentives to make their move.
InZOI vs.The Sims 4: The Major Similarities and Differences
The Sims 4 and InZOI share a lot in terms of customization, storytelling, and gameplay, but have their fair share of differences as well.
Why The Sims 4 and InZOI Should Be On Switch 2
The popularity of life-sims on handheld and hybrid consoles can’t be overstated. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons proved how well the genre translates to Nintendo’s ecosystem. Fans yearn for that life-sim spark, often speculating on when the next Animal Crossing will arrive on the Switch 2. However, Animal Crossing fans wouldn’t need to fret if Maxis or Krafton took it upon themselves to seize the moment. A life simulator like The Sims 4 or InZOI could properly thrive on the Switch 2—offering customization, progression, and casual storytelling that suits both quick play sessions and long, immersive dives. Neither EA nor Krafton has made official announcements, but bringing their games to a Nintendo audience would be a major play in expanding brand loyalty.
The Sims 4’s Untapped Potential on Nintendo Consoles
Maxis and Nintendo are not strangers. The Sims has ported its games to Nintendo consoles before, even releasing Nintendo-exclusive titles and spin-offs that brought new fans to the franchise. However, that partnership has been dormant since the Switch era began.
The Sims 4 has long enjoyed success on PC as well as PlayStation and Xbox, so its absence from the Nintendo Switch is curious. While technical limitations may have prevented its arrival on the original Switch, the upgraded hardware of the Switch 2 could be enough to finally support a stable, streamlined version of the game and its expansions. With nearly a decade of content and a global brand, EA could leverage the Switch 2 to breathe new life into The Sims 4 or even tease what might come next for the franchise with Project Rene.
InZOI’s Chance to Make a First Impression
On the other side of the ring, InZOI is still in its early-access phase and building traction with international audiences. Its modern visuals, nuanced systems, and uniquely realistic flavor offer something fresh for genre fans. A debut on the Switch 2 would position it as a bold alternative to The Sims, especially among players looking for an edgier or more realistic life-sim experience. If Krafton moves quickly, InZOI could become the go-to simulation title on Nintendo’s next console.
Switch 2 is a Platform Fit for Casual Play, Perfect For The Sims 4 And InZOI
The Switch 2’s hybrid nature makes it the perfect match for the life simulation genre. Portable consoles lend themselves to daily log-ins, casual management, and experimentation—three pillars of games like The Sims and InZOI. With the right optimization and UI tweaks, either title could take full advantage of the Switch 2’s portability and increased processing power. Whether players want to tinker with home layouts on the go or attend in-game social events on the couch, both games could thrive in this ecosystem.
Nintendo Fans Are Waiting
Perhaps most importantly, there’s already a proven, hungry audience. Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold tens of millions of copies on the original Switch, and those fans are still eager for life-sim experiences that offer creativity, customization, and connection. Long-time Nintendo fans may also remember a time when MySims and other spin-offs made a mark on Nintendo consoles. The Sims 4 and InZOI may be vastly different in tone and gameplay, but both could offer something new and exciting to Nintendo’s player base if they act soon.
The Race Is On
With the Switch 2 launch just weeks away, the window for securing early momentum is closing fast. If either The Sims 4 or InZOI makes a timely debut, either shortly after launch or in the months thereafter, it could establish dominance in a genre with little to no current competition on the platform. And if both arrive, fans can look forward to a new rivalry playing out in handheld form.
The Sims 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 70 /100 Critics Rec: 26%
- Released
- September 2, 2014
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Maxis
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
