The recent release ofDoom: The Dark Ageshas been quite an ambitious one for id Software, with the longstanding franchise clearly needing to take some risks to follow-up from 2020’sDoom Eternal. As opposed to continuing on from the fairly conclusive narrative ofEternal,The Dark Agesacts as a prequel to the soft-reboot era of the series, taking place during the foggy timeline period between the events ofDoom 64and 2016’sDoom.
The core setting and sweeping game changes that are at the heart ofDoom: The Dark Agesmake the project quite a distinct entry to the series, with things like its important parrying system, expanded exploration, mech fights, and dragon flight coming together to offer some really engaging experiences. Players still have a lot to look forward to throughout the post-launch life ofThe Dark Ages, and a release of the game on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is an opportunity that id Software should not pass up.
Doom: The Dark Ages Should Not Miss Its Chance to Shine on the Switch 2
The soft reboot of theDoomfranchise has been quite a successful foray for id Software, with 2016’sDoom,Doom Eternal, and nowThe Dark Agesstaying true to the pacing, core gameplay, and overall feel ofthe originalDoomgameswhile adding a modern injection of style. The franchise has experienced quite an enjoyable revival since 2016 in this way, andThe Dark Ageshas seemingly continued this positive trajectory for the iconic IP.
Doom: The Dark Agesreleased on May 15 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, with the title crucially launching as a day-one title for the popularXbox Game Pass service. This Game Pass presence forThe Dark Agesis a direct result of Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda, giving an extra level of traction to the game, and there is no reason for the title’s accessibility to stop there.
One of the biggest gaming updates to come from 2025 so far was the announcement of theNintendo Switch 2, as well as the full reveal event for the console on April 2. While this massive batch of Switch 2 news caused some fiery debate over things like pricing, it seemed clear that Nintendo is intent on showcasing the updated hardware capabilities of the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor’s reputation for lackluster performance.
In terms of the Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware capabilities, reports indicate that the upcoming console will be somewhat comparable to the PS4 Pro in terms of performance.
Doom’s New Era Can Be Even More Competitive with The Dark Ages on the Switch 2
It has already been confirmed that fairly demanding games such asCyberpunk 2077andHogwarts Legacyare coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 with a renewed focus on performance, opening up the console to a much wider range of franchises than it may have previously been associated with. This is echoed in the 10-year deal that Microsoft signed with Nintendo to bringCall of Dutyto the Switch 2, andDoomstands as another iconic Microsoft franchise that should capitalize on this new era.
No plans have currently been confirmed to bringDoom: The Dark Agesto other platforms, yet the Switch 2 seems more than capable of receiving its own port of the recent release, likely giving a new lease of life to the game around the time of the Switch 2’s launch on June 5. id Software has also confirmed its plans to releasestory DLC forDoom: The Dark Ages, making a well-timed release of the title on the Switch 2 close to this DLC launch an even more logical prospect. Many longstanding franchises are seemingly already making the most of the Switch 2 era, andDoom’s most recent release is in a prime position to capitalize on this itself.