After over six years since the 2017 debut of the Nintendo Switch, fans are eagerly anticipating the next evolution in gaming hardware. While updates like the OLED and Lite models have kept things fresh, the speculation continues as we eagerly await Nintendo's next-gen offering.
Despite securing its place as the 3rd best-selling console in history this year, Nintendo seems intent on keeping its cards close to the chest. However, we've managed to gather all available details about the elusive successor to the Nintendo Switch, despite the shroud of secrecy, in anticipation of its eventual official announcement and release.
Amidst Nintendo's silence on a successor to the wildly successful Nintendo Switch, rumors abound, suggesting a potential 2025 release rather than 2024. In February 2024, Nikkei hinted at a March 2025 launch for the speculated Nintendo Switch 2, citing Nintendo's strategy of stockpiling consoles to combat scalping. Long-time Nintendo fans will recall the challenges of securing a console at launch, reminiscent of the scarcity and inflated prices of the original Nintendo Switch in 2017 due to savvy resellers.
The absence of Nintendo at this year's Gamescom adds to the speculation surrounding a potential shift in their plans. While major players like PlayStation have also skipped the event in recent years, Nintendo's decision raises questions about their strategy for the latter half of 2024. Could this signal a forthcoming major announcement or a strategic change in their marketing approach? Time will reveal the answer.
Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has confirmed in an interview with Nikkei, as translated by VGC, that Nintendo will continue to support the current-gen Switch until at least March 2025. This aligns with Furukawa's previous statements made during a financial briefing Q&A in 2022, where he emphasized the importance of long-term relationships with consumers through Nintendo Accounts. Furukawa reiterated Nintendo's commitment to releasing new Nintendo Switch software while also leveraging services and non-gaming channels to engage consumers with their IP across hardware generations.
Despite the tantalizing rumors, it's wise not to speculate too much on what's in store for the next console from the Japanese tech giant until an official announcement is made. Let's keep our fingers crossed for that confirmation to come sooner rather than later.
With various Nintendo Switch models on the market, prices fluctuate significantly depending on the version you're eyeing. When considering a potential Switch 2, factors like inflation and internal specifications will likely influence the launch price. While it's difficult to predict the pricing of this mystery device, here's a reference point with the current range of Nintendo Switch models:
- Nintendo Switch Lite: $199.99
- Nintendo Switch: $299.99
- Nintendo Switch OLED: $349.99
With the current lineup of Nintendo Switch consoles, you might be curious about the options available when the next iteration arrives.
While the Nintendo Switch OLED model showcases an impressive screen, hinting at the future of the console, recent reports suggest that the next-gen Nintendo Switch could opt for an LCD screen instead.
Considering the variety of Nintendo Switch models released over the console's lifespan, it's reasonable to expect multiple versions of a potential follow-up Nintendo Switch.
While details on Nintendo's next-gen console are scarce, there's plenty of anticipation for features from the current-gen Nintendo Switch that fans hope will return.
According to reports from VGC, development kits for the potential new console are already in the hands of partner studios, hinting at some familiar features making a comeback. The new Nintendo Switch is rumored to maintain the portability of its predecessor and retain a cartridge slot for physical games.
In May 2023, a patent surfaced suggesting a revamped Joy-Con controller, potentially addressing the notorious Joy-Con drift issue. The patent outlines the use of a magnetic field for controls instead of the plastic circuit boards found in the current generation console. However, it's important to note that patents don't always materialize into actual products, so whether the Nintendo Switch 2 will indeed feature updated Joy-Cons remains uncertain until an official announcement from Nintendo.
As rumors swirl about the potential Nintendo Switch 2, the topic of backwards compatibility naturally arises. Despite the absence of official reveals, Nintendo of America president, Doug Bowser, hinted at the future of the brand's software approach in a recent interview with Inverse.
While Bowser refrained from commenting directly on the rumored console, he discussed the significance of the Nintendo Account system, which currently houses players' digital libraries on the Nintendo Switch. Bowser emphasized that the Nintendo Account model aims to facilitate transitions to new platforms, suggesting a possibility for compatibility with favorite Nintendo Switch games on the company's next console.
However, with limited information available, it's essential to approach this speculation with caution and avoid jumping to conclusions.
Regarding compatibility with Nintendo Switch accessories, it remains uncertain whether they will be compatible with the new model. We'll have to wait for official announcements from Nintendo to confirm any details regarding accessory compatibility.