Summary of the Situation:
Limited Run Games has asked Nintendo to temporarily remove Gex Trilogy from the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, due to unresolved backwards compatibility issues affecting the game on the new console. The publisher has developed a patch to fix these problems but is facing a delay in approval—partly due to the U.S. public holiday Juneteenth, which slowed down the review process.
While a recent Switch 2 system update improved performance for most older Switch titles, Gex Trilogy remains unstable, with reports of crashes, glitches, or poor performance. Limited Run Games confirmed that the patch was submitted last week and expects approval early next week, but until then, they are requesting the game be taken offline to prevent player frustration and negative reviews.
Key Points:
- Game Affected: Gex Trilogy (comprising Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (also available on Switch 1, PS5, Xbox Series, PC)
- Cause of Issue: Backwards compatibility problems with Switch 2, despite prior fixes in firmware updates.
- Patch Status: Developed by Limited Run, submitted for approval, delayed by Juneteenth holiday.
- Expected Fix Timeline: Early next week (post-holiday review cycle).
- Action Taken: Request to Nintendo to remove game from eShop temporarily.
Recommendations for Players:
- Avoid purchasing Gex Trilogy on Switch 2 until the patch is released and confirmed stable.
- Check other Limited Run titles on Switch 2 to see if they’re working properly:
- Clock Tower: Rewind
- Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection
- Tomba! Special Edition
- River City Girls Zero
- A Boy and His Blob Collection
- Rocket Knight Adventures
- Shantae
- Bill & Ted’s Excellent Retro Collection
- Xtreme Sports Trip World DX
- Felix the Cat
- Rendering Ranger R-2: Rewind
These titles may also be affected by similar compatibility issues, so testing them is advised.
Background on Gex Trilogy:
- Originally released in 1995 (3DO), with sequels on PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
- The remastered collection launched on June 16 across multiple platforms.
- No new Gex games have been released since 1999, making this re-release a long-awaited event for fans of the iconic, sarcastic gecko.
Broader Context:
Despite selling 3.5 million units, the Nintendo Switch 2 has shown mixed performance for non-Nintendo first-party titles, especially older Switch 1 games that don’t fully translate to the new hardware. This highlights ongoing challenges with backwards compatibility, even for well-known publishers.
Limited Run Games continues to be a key supporter of classic and niche titles, but this incident underscores the risks of relying on third-party patches when console updates lag.
Final Note:
This is a precautionary move, not a cancellation. The publisher is acting responsibly to maintain player trust and ensure a smooth experience. Fans are encouraged to stay patient and wait for the official patch before purchasing.
✅ Stay tuned: The patch is expected soon.
🛑 Do not buy Gex Trilogy on Switch 2 until confirmed fixed.
Keep an eye on official Limited Run Games and Nintendo social channels for updates.