The wait for the next Nintendo console continues.
Nintendo's much-anticipated follow-up to the Switch, often referred to as the "Switch 2," may not hit shelves as soon as many had hoped for early 2025. According to Chris Dring, the head of GamesIndustry.biz, developers were informed not to expect the console before April 2025, following Nintendo's current fiscal year, which ends on March 31.
Dring, sharing insights from his conversations with developers, stated, "No developer I’ve spoken to expects it to be launching this financial year. A bunch of people I spoke to hope it’s out in April or May time, still early next year, not late."
While this may be disappointing for eager fans, it's important to note this isn't officially categorized as a delay since Nintendo never publicly announced the exact release date. Historically, Nintendo has been quite candid about their console launches; the original Switch was revealed in October 2016 and released just months later, allowing for hope of similar quick turnarounds this time around.
Despite the uncertainty around the console's release, Nintendo's game lineup for existing systems remains strong. Recently, they showcased several exciting games for the original Switch, including the highly awaited Metroid Prime 4, with many titles slated for 2025.
Expectations for the new console's technical specifications are high, particularly with its GPU. The Switch 2 is rumored to run on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture, with some speculation about it potentially using the upcoming Blackwell series when it launches.
The scenario of not having enough anticipated titles ready for launch appears to be one reason behind the push for later availability. Despite earlier signals from Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, who mentioned the company would make announcements about the successor to the Switch before the fiscal year ends, recent insights indicated the product launch might be pushed back.
Dring’s comments align with other reports, emphasizing the company's cautious approach. Focus seems to be on ensuring the new console is supported by a solid library of titles, avoiding the pitfall faced by past launches, such as the Wii U, which suffered from limited initial game availability.
Adding to the anticipation, rumors have circulated about significant improvements to the Joy-Con controllers. Reports suggest Switch 2's Joy-Cons might sport magnetic fixing systems, which could address both durability concerns and persistent issues like stick drift.
James McWhirter, from Omdia, weighed in on the design possibilities for the Switch 2. He anticipates the dimensions will be similar to the current offerings but with enhancements, like increased screen size and adjustments to improve weight distribution, which could make it more ergonomic.
Battery and cooling capabilities are also likely to be upgraded. McWhirter predicts the new console will demand more power, which suggests larger batteries to support its expected performance requirements.
Recent discussions about backward compatibility also sparked interest. Following trends seen with the PlayStation, there's speculation Nintendo will bring existing Switch users along for the ride with many games available on both the old and new consoles.
Reports indicated developers have been testing titles with special hardware for the Switch 2, which typically appears quite different from the finished product.
Nintendo has teased the possibility of leveraging past gaming titles. Furukawa expressed interest in ensuring existing players can access their libraries smoothly, hinting at backward compatibility with older consoles.
Analysts suggest the Nintendo ecosystem may see compatibility with older software, similar to how the Game Boy Advance supported titles from its predecessors. Early demonstrations hinted at enhanced versions of games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which could mean upgraded graphics for the new console.
While all this speculation swirls, many fans are still hopeful for some concrete developments soon. Some reports even indicated the Switch 2 might get revealed as early as the next few months.
The murmurs about the console's price have also emerged. An analyst from VGC indicated the console might range around $400, somewhat higher than the current Switch models.
Initially, expectations for the Switch 2 focused on a possible release within 2024. That perception seems to have shifted substantially, as recent insight suggested launching the console during the critical holiday sales season might not be feasible.
Nintendo’s strategy appears to aim for not repeating past mistakes, particularly the launch of the underperforming Wii U. The company seems intent on ensuring the new system arrives with enough games to fulfill consumer demand and build on successful concepts from earlier consoles.
With plenty of intriguing games still feeding the current Switch's library, fans may find patience rewarding. Upcoming titles, including Princess Peach Showtime and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, indicate regular Switch users have much to explore before the potential debut of the new console.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the upcoming console's release, Nintendo assures continued support for the original Switch through March 2025, meaning it will not abandon consumers prematurely.
Given Nintendo's solid footing in the gaming industry, it remains overwhelmingly popular for its engaging experiences and innovative mechanics. Although fans eagerly await the official details about the Switch 2, the existing consoles have plenty of value and gaming experiences to offer until then.
All signs indicate Nintendo is taking its time to lay the groundwork for what it hopes will be the next exciting chapter for gaming enthusiasts. From speculative release dates and tech specs to anticipated games and improved hardware, the gaming community eagerly watches for any official word from Nintendo.
