Nintendo has unveiled the long-awaited successor to its popular Switch video game console: the Nintendo Switch 2. First-look images at the console design and a teaser trailer were revealed by Nintendo Thursday, but the Japan-based company has held back the price tag for the Switch 2 as well as the official release date. Per Nintendo, "Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date." Additional details about the Switch 2 will be announced during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2. The company says it will host Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events "where consumers can go hands-on with Nintendo Switch 2" in cities around the world beginning in April.
Last May, Nintendo made its first official mention of the device, with Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa saying in a statement: "We will make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year. It will have been over nine years since we announced the existence of Nintendo Switch back in March 2015. We will be holding a Nintendo Direct this June about the Nintendo Switch software lineup for the latter half of 2024, but please be aware there will be no mention of the Nintendo Switch successor during this presentation." Nintendo’s fiscal year runs from April through March, meaning the Japan-based company was promising to announce the Switch successor by the end of March 2025.
The video game giant remained true to its word, keeping mum about the Switch follow-up console throughout the rest of its investor calls and events in 2024, even as sales of the Switch continued to decline and questions about revenue plans for the future swirled. The video game industry has long expected the announcement of the Switch 2 to kick off the start of next-gen console announcements from Nintendo competitors Xbox and PlayStation, which have each hinted at plans for their next devices but confirmed nothing up until this point. Instead, both companies have continued to repackage their existing offerings, Microsoft Gaming’s Xbox Series X and S and PlayStation’s PS5, in different limited editions or "pro" options at increased prices.
Further details from the reveal indicated Nintendo Switch 2 will closely resemble its predecessor, featuring similar detachable Joy-Con controllers but sporting a larger screen, hinting at advancements within its hardware. Though no price or release date was revealed, the company is set to provide more information during the aforementioned showcase on April 2. The Switch 2 will also maintain backward compatibility, meaning existing Nintendo Switch games can still be played, albeit with some exceptions, as certain titles might not function on the new device.
Commenting on the Switch 2's success, industry experts acknowledge the dual-edged sword of high expectations following the original Switch's tremendous accomplishment. The uninstallations of the Wii U, succeeding the equally successful Wii, left Nintendo battling industry skepticism. Yet, with substantial engagement during the pandemic, the original Switch became one of the best-selling consoles, reaching sales figures surpassing 143 million by September 2024.
Despite the successful introduction of the original console, analysts caution against underestimations associated with the launch of the Switch 2. George Osborn, consultant and author of the Video Games Industry Memo newsletter, previously indicated to BBC Newsbeat, "There is more competition for the core gaming audience than there was in 2017." This points toward the pressing need for Nintendo to substantiate Switch 2's appeal to casual gamers who might be satisfied with their current systems.
The anticipation builds as upcoming hands-on events worldwide are scheduled for April and beyond. Confirmed cities include New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo, among others. This series of events provides potential consumers with the opportunity to personally experience the new technology before the official release. Ticket registrations for these events are yet to begin, with consumers needing to create Nintendo Accounts to participate.
Scheduled hands-on experience events align with expected launch timelines for the Switch 2, potentially pushing the release to mid-2025. Speculations suggest the new hardware likely won't be available until at least June 2025, as shopping seasons and market dynamics complicate concurrent launches. Nintendo President Furukawa has conveyed awareness of ensuring sufficient launch stock, often leaving consumers hoping for availability amid high demand.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming Nintendo Direct event, promising updates not only about the Switch 2’s functionalities but also the game lineup aimed at capturing and maintaining consumer interest. Revealed teaser assets have hinted at exciting new entries, including what fans speculate could be the next Mario Kart installment. Gaming enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to explore the new features, pricing, and release timelines as the April events draw closer.
Speculating on the pricing front, insiders reveal potential price points ranging from €399 and beyond, aligning with current trends attributed to production costs and inflation demands. With all the excitement, there’s no denying the pressure rests upon Nintendo to present hardware compelling enough to inspire families and casual gamers considering switching from their current consoles to the new model.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 appears poised to initiate significant discussions within the gaming community, as the firm prepares to navigate competitive market shifts and consumer expectations head-on with the upcoming release.