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Nintendo’s Next-Gen Console: Release Plans and Features for Switch 2

Nintendo’s next-generation console is gradually coming into clearer view, with recent reports indicating that the long-awaited successor to the Switch is expected to launch in the latter half of 2024. According to sources from VGC, the new device is currently in development, and several key partner studios have already received development kits.

What We Know About the New Console

While specific details remain limited, early indications suggest that the upcoming console will retain the portable capabilities of the Switch and will continue to support cartridge-based games. Notably, the new system is expected to feature an LCD screen rather than an OLED display, aligning with reports from Bloomberg that Sharp is producing LCD panels for a forthcoming gaming console.

Development Timeline

This latest information aligns with previous reports from Nikkei Asia, which hinted at a new Nintendo console being in the works for a potential release next year. Andy Robinson, the editor-in-chief of VGC, expressed optimism in a recent video discussion, stating that he anticipates a surge of announcements once more developers gain access to the next-gen development kits.

Nintendo’s Stance on the Next Console

While there’s no official announcement from Nintendo regarding the new console, the company has indicated that it won’t release any new hardware before April 1, 2024. Instead, Nintendo is focusing on enhancing Switch sales through new game launches and additional content. Upcoming titles include:

  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder
  • Detective Pikachu Returns
  • Super Mario RPG Remake
  • WarioWare: Move It!
  • A new Princess Peach game
  • Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

Most of these games are set to be released in 2023, while the Princess Peach title and a remake of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon are planned for 2024.

Transitioning to a New Platform

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently addressed the transition from the Switch to the next-generation console, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for customers. He mentioned that they aim to utilize the Nintendo Account system to facilitate this transition.

With over 125 million Switch units sold since its launch in 2017, Nintendo faces the challenge of replicating this success with a new platform. There are growing speculations about backward compatibility, given that more than 1 billion Switch games have been sold. However, some third-party publishers have voiced concerns that supporting legacy games could hinder the sales of new titles.

Launch Timing and Backward Compatibility

Unlike the original Switch, which launched in March 2017, Nintendo is reportedly targeting a late summer or fall release for its next-gen console. The company is taking steps to ensure sufficient stock to avoid shortages during the critical holiday shopping season.

Historically, Nintendo has waited months or even years to fully reveal new consoles. For instance, the Wii U was announced in June 2011 but didn’t hit the market until 16 months later. Similarly, the Switch’s code name was revealed in 2015, but the console itself was not showcased until October 2016, just five months before its launch.

Future Announcements

As for when more details about the next-gen console will be unveiled, it’s hard to predict. After key events like the Tokyo Game Show in September, Nintendo may begin to share more information. However, it’s also possible that the company will maintain a low profile until 2024 to sustain interest in the current Switch hardware.

  • December 6, 2024

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